Banana Bread with Mini Chocolate Chips Recipe

Name: Banana Bread with Mini Chocolate Chips Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 1 loaf
Ingredients: 3 ripe bananas, mashed; 1/3 cup melted butter; 1 teaspoon baking soda; Pinch of salt; 3/4 cup sugar; 1 large egg, beaten; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

Highlighted under: Daily Food

I love baking, and there’s nothing more satisfying than pulling a warm loaf of banana bread out of the oven, especially when it’s loaded with mini chocolate chips! The combination of sweet ripe bananas and rich chocolate creates an irresistible treat that fills my kitchen with an enticing aroma. This recipe is perfect for using up overripe bananas and making breakfast or snack time a little more special. Trust me, once you try this banana bread, it will become a staple in your home just like it is in mine!

Created by

Dahlia Kensington

Last updated on 2026-01-05T18:53:34.853Z

When I first started experimenting with banana bread, I was amazed at how versatile the recipe could be. By simply adding mini chocolate chips, the classic loaf transformed into a delightful dessert that my family and friends adore. The key is to use very ripe bananas – the more brown spots, the better. They add natural sweetness without needing too much sugar.

My favorite part about making this banana bread is mixing the ingredients by hand. It gives me a sense of connection with what I’m creating. Plus, I’ve found that using melted butter instead of oil really enhances the flavor, giving the bread a richness that is absolutely mouthwatering. Give it a try!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
The perfect balance of sweet bananas and rich chocolate
Moist and tender crumb that melts in your mouth
Simple ingredients and easy preparation make it ideal for any baking level

Baking with Overripe Bananas

Using overripe bananas is key to achieving the best flavor and texture in your banana bread. The sugars in overripe bananas develop a natural sweetness that elevates the overall taste of the bread. Aim for bananas that are heavily speckled with brown spots, which indicates they are at their sweetest. If you don’t have overripe bananas on hand, you can accelerate the ripening process by placing them in a brown paper bag for a day or two, or even baking them at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until the skins darken.

Mashed bananas should be smooth but not overly processed; a few small lumps can add texture to the bread. When mixing the bananas with melted butter, ensure the butter isn’t too hot to avoid cooking the bananas. This creates a perfect foundation for the rest of your ingredients, ensuring they meld together seamlessly for a delicious end result.

The Role of Mini Chocolate Chips

In this recipe, mini chocolate chips are the perfect addition, adding bursts of rich chocolate without overwhelming the banana flavor. Their smaller size allows them to distribute more evenly throughout the batter. When folded into the mixture, they create pockets of melty chocolate goodness that enhance each bite. If mini chocolate chips aren’t available, you can substitute with regular chocolate chips but be mindful that the larger size might change the texture slightly.

Another great variation is to use flavored chocolate chips, like dark or white chocolate, depending on your preference. This can introduce a new flavor profile and enhance the overall experience. Remember to adjust the amount slightly based on the sweetness of the chocolate you choose; for instance, if you're using darker chocolate, you might want to reduce the sugar a bit to balance the flavors.

Cooling and Storing Your Banana Bread

After baking, it's crucial to let your banana bread cool properly to maintain its moistness. Allow it to sit in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This step prevents the bread from becoming soggy due to steam. Once completely cooled, you can slice it for serving, but if you want to enhance the flavors even more, consider wrapping it tightly and letting it sit overnight before cutting into it.

If you have leftovers, banana bread stores well at room temperature for up to three days when wrapped in plastic wrap. For longer storage, you can freeze individual slices wrapped in foil followed by a plastic bag for up to three months. Just thaw slices overnight in the refrigerator or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds, and you'll enjoy that freshly baked flavor once again!

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to start making your delicious banana bread!

Ingredients

3 ripe bananas, mashed
1/3 cup melted butter
1 teaspoon baking soda
Pinch of salt
3/4 cup sugar
1 large egg, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

Make sure all your ingredients are well combined for the best flavor!

Instructions

Follow these steps carefully to create your banana bread masterpiece.

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 4x8 inch loaf pan.

Mix the Butter and Bananas

In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. Stir in the melted butter.

Add Sugar, Egg, and Vanilla

Mix in the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

Combine Dry Ingredients

Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the mixture, then mix in the flour until just combined. Fold in the mini chocolate chips.

Pour and Bake

Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan and bake for 60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Enjoy your homemade banana bread with a cup of tea or coffee!

Pro Tips

For an extra flavor kick, try adding chopped walnuts or shredded coconut to the batter.

Serving Suggestions

Banana bread can be enjoyed on its own, but to elevate the experience, consider spreading a layer of cream cheese or nut butter for added flavor. A drizzle of honey or maple syrup can enhance the sweetness, while fresh fruit like slices of strawberries or a dollop of yogurt can add a refreshing touch. It also pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast or snack.

For a fun twist, you can toast slices of banana bread in a toaster or on a skillet, enhancing the flavor and creating a delightful crispy texture on the outside while keeping the inside soft. Top with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a scoop of your favorite ice cream for a delicious dessert option, especially during the warmer months.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes, banana bread can turn out denser than desired, which is often due to overmixing the batter after adding the flour. To prevent this, mix the batter just until the flour is incorporated; small lumps are perfectly fine. Another issue could be uneven baking; if the edges are overcooked while the middle is still wet, it might be due to your oven’s temperature calibration. Using an oven thermometer can help ensure accurate baking temperatures.

If your banana bread domes too much, it may be caused by an overly hot oven or filling the pan too high. To mitigate this, ensure your oven is preheated correctly and not set above 350°F (175°C). Also, filling the loaf pan about two-thirds full allows room for the bread to rise without spilling over or creating an awkward shape.

Scaling the Recipe

This banana bread recipe can be easily scaled up if you're expecting guests or want to stock up your freezer. To double the recipe, simply multiply each ingredient by two, and increase the baking time slightly. A larger loaf may require up to 75 minutes in the oven, so watch closely and test with a toothpick to ensure it's fully cooked.

Alternatively, you can make banana bread muffins instead of a loaf for individual servings. Just adjust the baking time to around 20-25 minutes at the same temperature, keeping an eye out for a golden top and toothpick testing to gauge doneness. Muffins can make for a fun on-the-go snack and are perfect for portion control!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes! Just thaw and drain any excess moisture before mashing.

→ How should I store banana bread?

Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or in the fridge for a week.

→ Can I freeze banana bread?

Absolutely! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.

→ What can I substitute for sugar?

You can use honey or maple syrup, but adjust the liquid in the recipe accordingly.