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 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

Highlighted under: Modern Baking Inspiration

I absolutely love baking this Banana Bread with Mini Chocolate Chips. It’s incredibly easy to prepare and fills my kitchen with the delightful aroma of ripe bananas and melted chocolate. Each bite is a heavenly combination of sweetness and texture, perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack. I often make it to use up overripe bananas, and it's become a favorite among family and friends. If you're a fan of banana bread, this recipe is a must-try to add a little chocolatey goodness to your life.

Created by

Linnea Porter

Last updated on 2026-01-05T21:54:34.529Z

I've had my fair share of banana bread recipes, but this one with mini chocolate chips stands out. The key to its moistness is using overripe bananas, which not only adds sweetness but also an irresistible flavor. One tip I discovered is to mix in a hint of cinnamon; it enhances the overall taste and makes the bread even more appealing.

As I baked my first loaf, I was surprised by how quickly it disappeared! The mini chocolate chips melt slightly as they bake, creating little pockets of chocolatey goodness. Sharing this delight with friends has never been easier; everyone loves it!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Perfect balance of banana and chocolate flavors
Easy one-bowl preparation with minimal cleanup
Great for breakfast, snacks, or dessert

      

Choosing Ripe Bananas

The success of this Banana Bread heavily relies on the ripeness of the bananas used. Opt for bananas that are deeply yellow and spotted with brown spots; these are sweeter and more flavorful than unripe ones. If you don’t have overripe bananas on hand, you can speed up the ripening process by placing them in a paper bag for a day or two. This adds to the natural sugars and moisture, making your banana bread incredibly flavorful.

If you find yourself with too many ripe bananas, you can freeze them for later use. Just peel, place in a resealable bag, and freeze. When you're ready to bake, simply thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or defrost them in the microwave for a quick solution. This not only saves bananas from going to waste but also ensures you always have the perfect ingredient on hand for banana bread.

Mixing Techniques for Moistness

Mixing the batter properly is key to achieving a moist and tender banana bread. When combining the ingredients, be careful not to overmix once you add the flour. Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf instead of the light, airy texture you want. Folding the mixture gently will help maintain air pockets in the batter, which expands while baking and contributes to a fluffy result.

I recommend using a rubber spatula for folding the flour into the wet ingredients. This tool is gentle enough to prevent overmixing while ensuring that all the ingredients are well combined. If you notice some lumps of flour remaining, don’t worry—those will bake out during cooking, giving you a beautiful finish.

Storing and Serving Suggestions

Once your banana bread has cooled, it’s important to store it correctly to maintain its freshness. To keep it moist, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. If you want to enjoy your banana bread later, you can slice it and freeze individual pieces. Just ensure they're well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn, allowing you to pull out a slice whenever the craving hits.

For serving, this banana bread pairs wonderfully with a spread of butter or cream cheese, enhancing its flavor profile. You can also toast slices slightly to warm them up, adding crunch to the already soft texture. For a special twist, try adding nuts or swapping the mini chocolate chips for peanut butter chips to mix up the flavor. The possibilities are endless!

Ingredients

For the Banana Bread

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 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

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

Mix the Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. Stir in the melted butter. Add the baking soda and salt, followed by the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Mix well.

Add the Flour

Gently fold in the flour until just blended. Do not overmix; it's okay if a few lumps remain.

Incorporate Chocolate Chips

Fold in the mini chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Pour and Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Once baked, let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove from the pan and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, consider adding chopped nuts or a sprinkle of coarse sea salt on top before baking.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your banana bread turns out too dense, check your mixing technique. Overmixing can create toughness due to gluten development, so aim to mix just until combined. If it’s too dry, ensure you’re using ripe bananas, as they contribute moisture and sweetness. Additionally, make sure to accurately measure your flour; using a kitchen scale can help prevent excess flour that could leave your bread heavy.

On the other hand, if your bread domes excessively or cracks on the top, it may be baking too hot. Keep an eye on your oven temperature, as even small variances can lead to undesired results. Using an oven thermometer can help ensure that your bread bakes evenly, leading to the perfect rise.

Variations to Try

This banana bread recipe is incredibly versatile! If you want to impart a zesty flavor, consider adding orange zest to your batter. It complements the sweetness of the bananas and adds a refreshing twist. Alternatively, you can incorporate spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, aromatic depth, perfect for chilly days.

For a more indulgent treat, try drizzling the top of your banana bread with melted chocolate after it has cooled. This adds a decadent layer without altering the base recipe. You can also fold in chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans for added crunch. These variations not only enhance the flavor but also create a more textured bite!

Scaling the Recipe

If you want to make more than one loaf, this banana bread recipe is easy to scale up. Just multiply the ingredient amounts according to how many loaves you plan to make. For example, doubling the recipe will require 6 ripe bananas and 2/3 cup of melted butter. Be sure to mix the batter in a larger bowl to allow enough space for all the ingredients.

However, be cautious about baking time. Depending on the size of your loaf pans and the number of loaves in the oven, you may need to adjust the baking time. Start checking for doneness a few minutes earlier than the original time to prevent overbaking. Every oven is different, so a toothpick test is the best way to ensure perfectly baked banana bread.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen bananas for the recipe?

Yes, thaw them first and make sure to drain any excess liquid for the best texture.

→ How can I make this banana bread gluten-free?

Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

→ Can I add more chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Feel free to add more for an even richer chocolate flavor.

→ How should I store the banana bread?

Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.