Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

My kitchen counter was a graveyard of brown bananas for three days straight. I kept forgetting them, watching them turn spotted then deeply freckled until they practically begged to become something wonderful. That is when I remembered the chocolate chip banana bread my grandmother used to tuck into my lunchbox, wrapped in a paper towel that still held traces of its warmth.

Last winter my neighbor came over during a snowstorm with three overripe bananas she could not bear to waste. We made this bread together while watching fat flakes accumulate outside, and the smell that filled the apartment made the cold weather feel cozy instead of isolating.

Ingredients

• 3 ripe bananas: The blacker and uglier the better, they transform into pure sweetness
• 2 large eggs: Room temperature eggs incorporate more smoothly into the batter
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil or melted butter: Oil keeps it moist longer but butter adds unmatched flavor
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Do not reduce this, the bananas need the balance
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Pure vanilla makes all the difference here
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: Spoon and level instead of scooping directly
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: This is what gives the bread its lovely rise
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the sweetness and chocolate flavor
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips: Ghirardelli or Guittard chips melt beautifully
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts: Optional but adds such a nice crunch contrast

Instructions

Get your oven ready:

Preheat to 350°F and grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan thoroughly, lining the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal later.

Mash those bananas:

In a large bowl, mash the bananas until mostly smooth then whisk in the eggs, oil or melted butter, sugar, and vanilla until everything is well combined.

Combine the dry ingredients:

Whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl so they are evenly distributed.

Gentle mixing:

Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir gently until just combined, remembering that a few streaks of flour are better than overmixing.

Add the good stuff:

Fold in the chocolate chips and walnuts if using, being careful not to overwork the batter.

Bake patiently:

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top, then bake for 50 to 60 minutes until a toothpick comes out with just a few moist crumbs.

Save Pin

This bread became my go-to housewarming gift after I moved apartments five times in three years. Something about handing someone a still warm loaf feels like giving them a key to feeling at home.

Make It Your Own

I once added a teaspoon of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg on a whim, and now I cannot make it any other way. The spices give it this warmth that reminds me of holidays without tasting explicitly seasonal.

Storage Wisdom

Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and it stays perfectly moist for three days at room temperature. For longer storage, slice it first then freeze individual portions wrapped in parchment and foil.

Serving Suggestions

My favorite way to eat this is toasted until the edges get crisp and a little caramelized. The chocolate gets melty and the inside becomes almost pudding like in the best possible way.

• Serve warm with salted butter melting into the surface
• Try cream cheese for a tangy contrast to the sweet banana
• A scoop of vanilla ice cream turns it into dessert

Save Pin

There is something so satisfying about turning forgotten fruit into something everyone gathers around. That is the kind of kitchen magic worth repeating.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of bananas work best?

Use ripe bananas with brown spots for the sweetest flavor and best moisture.

→ Can I substitute the oil with butter?

Yes, melted butter can replace the oil for a richer taste and denser texture.

→ Are nuts necessary in the loaf?

Nuts are optional, but add a pleasant crunch and complement the chocolate chips well.

→ How to check if the loaf is done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

→ Can I add spices for extra flavor?

Yes, a half teaspoon of ground cinnamon enhances the warmth and depth of flavor.