Easy Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe

Let’s talk about those spotty bananas lounging on your countertop—yes, the ones you forgot about for a few days. Don’t toss them! They’re the secret ingredient to the best-ever Easy Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe. Super moist, packed with real banana flavor, and laced with gooey pockets of melty chocolate chips—this loaf is everything you didn’t know you needed in your day.

Whether you’re baking to clear out fruit that’s a little too ripe, or you’re just craving something warm and nostalgic, this recipe delivers every time. It’s a cozy classic with a chocolatey twist that turns ordinary banana bread into something extra-special.

And honestly? Banana bread is already a winner. But when you add chocolate chips to the mix, it’s like your favorite comfort food got a delicious little upgrade. It’s soft like cake, sweet like a cookie, and still feels right at home for breakfast, dessert, or anytime you need a little bite of joy.

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

Ridiculously Easy: No mixer required if you don’t want to use one. Just bowls, a fork, and a spoon will do.
Banana Magic: The riper the bananas, the better the flavor and texture.
Chocolate Boost: It’s not too sweet, but those melty chips hit the perfect balance.
Great for Freezing: Bake now, enjoy later—or just eat it all fresh. No judgment.
Crowd-Pleaser: From toddlers to grandparents, no one turns down a slice.

This is the kind of Easy Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe you’ll make once and immediately bookmark. Whether it’s for a lazy weekend, a school snack, or a cozy afternoon pick-me-up, it fits every mood and moment. Pro tip: a warm slice with a swipe of peanut butter or a slather of soft butter? Next level.

Why You'll Love This Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

Ingredients for Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

You probably already have everything you need in your kitchen. Let’s break it down:

Unsalted Butter – Softened butter helps create a rich, tender crumb. If all you have is salted, go ahead and use it—just reduce the added salt slightly.
Granulated Sugar – Brings sweetness to the bread and balances the natural richness of the bananas. You can use light brown sugar for extra moisture and caramel notes.
Large Eggs – Room temperature eggs mix better into the batter for an even texture.
Very Ripe Bananas – The riper, the better. Think lots of brown spots. You’ll need about 1 3/4 cups mashed. Don’t be tempted to under-ripe them—we want that natural sweetness and moisture!
Vanilla Extract – A hint of vanilla deepens the flavor and adds cozy undertones.
All-Purpose Flour – Acts as the backbone of the batter, giving the bread its shape and texture.
Baking Soda – Helps the bread rise beautifully.
Salt – Just enough to balance the sweetness and enhance flavor.
Semisweet Chocolate Chips – Use regular, mini, or chopped chunks. Chocolate banana bread magic!

Exact measurements and a printable recipe are available at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

Let’s walk through it step-by-step so you feel totally confident.

Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350˚F and butter/flour your loaf pan (a 9.25” x 5.25” size works best). You can also line it with parchment paper if you’re worried about sticking.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use a paddle attachment (or handheld mixer) to cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step helps incorporate air, which gives your loaf a better texture.
Add Eggs and Banana: Lightly beat the eggs, mash the bananas with a fork until they resemble chunky applesauce, and add both to the bowl with the vanilla extract. Mix until everything is blended.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Add dry mixture to the wet and mix until just combined. Don’t overmix—a few lumps are totally fine!
Add Chocolate Chips: Gently mix in 3/4 cup of chocolate chips, making sure they’re spread throughout the batter. Pour batter into your prepared loaf pan and sprinkle remaining 1/4 cup chips on top.
Bake: Bake at 350˚F for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Browning Too Quickly? If the loaf starts to darken before it’s done baking, loosely cover it with foil to prevent burning.
Cool: Let it rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool fully (if you can wait!).

Equipment Needed

Mixing bowls (large and medium)
Electric mixer or hand whisk
Loaf pan (9×5 inch)
Measuring cups and spoons
Rubber spatula
Cooling rack
Parchment paper (optional for lining the pan)

Tips for Success

Banana Ripeness: The darker the banana, the better. No green allowed!
No Overmixing: This is the golden rule. Stir until just combined and walk away.
Check Early: Oven times can vary. Start checking at the 50-minute mark.
Cool It Down: Let it cool before slicing to keep the bread from crumbling.
Freeze for Later: Wrap tightly in foil, place in a freezer bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temp and enjoy like it was baked fresh.

Variations To Try

This chocolate chip banana bread is already a star, but here are some ways to jazz it up even more:

Nutty Banana Bread – Fold in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a toasty crunch. They pair beautifully with both banana and chocolate.
Double Chocolate – Add 2 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a deeper, richer chocolate banana bread. You could even sneak in a few dark chocolate chunks.
Peanut Butter Swirl – Drop spoonfuls of peanut butter over the top of the batter and swirl it in with a butter knife before baking. This adds amazing flavor and visual appeal.
Berry Burst – Fold in 1/2 cup of fresh or frozen raspberries or blueberries for a sweet and tart pop. Just be gentle—they’re delicate.
Mocha Vibes – Stir in 1 tsp of instant espresso powder to the batter to amplify the chocolate flavor and add a subtle coffee kick.
Zucchini Boost – Add 1/2 cup of finely grated zucchini to make it extra moist. Great way to sneak in veggies for picky eaters.
Tropical Twist – Mix in a handful of shredded coconut and a few chopped dried pineapple pieces for a fun, fruity variation.

Serving Suggestions

Serving Tip: Enjoy a warm slice with a swipe of creamy peanut butter or a bit of salted butter for an extra treat.
Pair with a hot cup of coffee, chai latte, or a glass of cold milk.
Slice and toast leftovers, then drizzle with honey or spread with Nutella.
Want a Dessert Twist? Top it off with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent finish.
Wrap in parchment and tie with twine for a sweet homemade gift.

More Banana Bread You’ll Love

FAQs about Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

Do chocolate chips taste good in banana bread?

Absolutely! They add melty, rich sweetness that pairs beautifully with the banana flavor. Chocolate chip banana bread is a total crowd-pleaser and feels a little more indulgent than the classic version.

What is the number one mistake made when making banana bread?

Overmixing the batter. Don’t Overmix: Stir just until the dry spots disappear. Overdoing it can make your loaf dense or chewy instead of soft and tender. Gentle folding is key.

Why did the chocolate chips sink in my banana bread?

Chips may sink if the batter is too thin. You can toss them in a teaspoon of flour before folding them in to help keep them suspended throughout the loaf.

What’s the secret to good banana bread?

Overripe bananas, room temperature ingredients, and not overbaking. And of course, a generous handful of chocolate chips doesn’t hurt. A great banana bread should be moist, flavorful, and have a tender crumb.

Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes! Just thaw them fully and drain off any excess liquid before mashing. They’re just as sweet (sometimes even more so) and perfect for baking.

Final Thoughts

Chocolate chip banana bread is one of those simple joys that never goes out of style. It brings comfort, warmth, and a little bit of indulgence to any day. Whether you enjoy a slice with your morning coffee or sneak a piece for dessert after dinner, it’s bound to put a smile on your face.

I hope this easy banana bread recipe brings sweet moments to your kitchen and plenty of happy taste testers to your table. If you give this Chocolate Banana Bread a try, let me know in the comments! Did you mix in nuts? Try a fun swirl? Maybe sneak in some peanut butter chips? I’d love to hear about it.