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Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

A comforting, easy-to-make banana bread combining ripe bananas and chocolate for a nostalgic treat that brings warmth to any occasion.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 230

Ingredients
  

Dry Ingredients
  • 1.5 cups all-purpose flour Can swap half for whole wheat for a nuttier profile.
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda Gives lift and a tender crumb.
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt Balances sweetness.
Wet Ingredients
  • 0.5 cups unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled Coconut oil works as a dairy-free substitute.
  • 0.5 cups brown sugar Use coconut sugar for a less refined option.
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature Use flax eggs (2 tablespoons flaxseed meal + 6 tablespoons water) for vegan baking.
  • 3 medium very ripe bananas, mashed Approximately 1 1/2 cups; ripe bananas are key for natural sweetness.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Elevates the banana flavor.
Mix-Ins
  • 1 cup chocolate chips Use semisweet or milk; dark for a richer flavor.
  • 0.5 cups chopped walnuts or pecans Optional; adds crunch and an autumnal note.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment for easy removal.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
  3. In a larger bowl, whisk the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, then stir in the mashed bananas and vanilla.
  4. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture with a spatula until just combined. A few streaks of flour are fine; do not overmix.
  5. Gently fold in the chocolate chips and optional nuts, saving a handful of chips to sprinkle on top.
Baking
  1. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, level the top, and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  2. Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely or enjoy slightly warm.

Notes

For sweeter flavor, try adding banana puree or banana extract. For a healthier option, replace half the butter with Greek yogurt. Gluten-free variations are possible with specific flour blends.