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: Favorite Baking Favorites

I absolutely love baking banana bread, and this recipe for Banana Bread with Mini Chocolate Chips is a favorite in my house. The combination of ripe bananas and sweet mini chocolate chips creates a deliciously moist loaf that’s perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack. I've found that using overly ripe bananas really boosts the flavor, so I never hesitate to let them get spotty. Trust me, this banana bread will disappear quickly!

Created by

Isobel Fairfax

Last updated on 2026-01-06T13:44:50.535Z

Every time I make this banana bread, I can’t help but remember the first time I experimented with adding mini chocolate chips. It was a game-changer! The sweetness of the chocolate complements the bananas perfectly, and every slice is strewn with delightful little bursts of flavor. I always make sure to check the doneness with a toothpick as ovens vary, but honestly, that initial aroma is a telltale sign that it’s almost time to dig in.

This recipe has become a staple for us, especially on chilly mornings. I love how easy it is to make and how it fills the kitchen with a warm, inviting scent. I often serve it with a dollop of butter or a spread of cream cheese, but it’s tasty even on its own. Trust me, you won’t be able to resist going back for a second slice!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Moist texture bursting with banana goodness
Mini chocolate chips add a delightful sweetness
Easy to make and perfect for any occasion

      

The Role of Bananas

Ripe bananas are the cornerstone of this banana bread recipe. As they mature, their starches convert to sugars, enhancing sweetness and enriching the flavor of the bread. Use bananas with lots of brown spots or even those that are overly ripe to achieve the best taste. If you're in a hurry and need to ripen bananas quickly, place them in a paper bag to trap ethylene gas, speeding up the process.

Beyond flavor, bananas contribute moisture to the bread, which is essential for a tender crumb. If you find yourself with more ripe bananas than you can use, feel free to mash and freeze them. Just be sure to drain any excess liquid before adding them to your batter.

Chocolate Chip Considerations

Using mini chocolate chips in this recipe not only provides bursts of sweetness but also allows for even distribution throughout the loaf, ensuring every bite includes a little chocolatey goodness. If you prefer a darker chocolate profile, consider opting for semi-sweet or dark mini chips, which can complement the sweetness of the bananas beautifully.

If chocolate isn't your favorite, feel free to swap the mini chocolate chips for other add-ins like chopped nuts or dried fruit. These substitutions can create a unique banana bread experience, while still retaining the essential moistness and structure of the loaf.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

Once your banana bread has cooled, it can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer, where it can last up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy it, simply let it thaw at room temperature or pop slices in the microwave for a quick warm-up.

Banana bread is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. Enjoy it plain, spread with a pat of butter, or top with cream cheese for a sweet twist. It also makes an excellent base for French toast; just dip slices in an egg mixture and cook them up on the griddle until golden. Your breakfast just got an upgrade!

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients before you start:

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

Mix these ingredients well to ensure a delicious batter!

Instructions

Follow these steps to bake your banana bread:

Preheat the Oven

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

Mix Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter with the mashed bananas. Stir in the baking soda and salt. Then mix in the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Finally, add the flour and stir until just combined. Fold in the mini chocolate chips.

Bake the Bread

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

Cool and Serve

Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Once you follow these simple steps, your banana bread is ready to be enjoyed!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, you can include nuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon into the batter. Make sure your bananas are really ripe for the best sweetness and moisture in the loaf.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your banana bread turns out too dense, this could be because of overmixing the batter. When combining the flour, mix just until you no longer see dry ingredients. A few lumps are perfectly fine! Additionally, make sure your bananas are properly ripe; unripe bananas can cause your bread to be heavy and less flavorful.

Sometimes, the crust might become too dark before the inside is fully cooked. If you notice this happening, tent the bread with aluminum foil during baking to prevent excessive browning. This will help the interior cook evenly while still developing a lovely golden color on the outside.

Scaling the Recipe

This banana bread recipe is easily scalable. If you're looking to make multiple loaves, simply multiply the ingredients by the number of loaves you want to make. For example, doubling the recipe will yield two 4x8-inch loaves. Just be mindful of your oven space; bake in batches if needed, ensuring that each loaf has enough room for proper airflow.

When scaling up, consider using larger mixing bowls and a larger pan for melting butter to make the process easier. Always do a toothpick test to ensure each loaf is thoroughly baked, as larger volumes may require slight adjustments in baking time.

Flavor Variations to Try

While mini chocolate chips are a delicious addition, think about experimenting with spices or extracts to enhance your banana bread. A teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg can add warmth and depth, while a splash of almond extract can introduce a subtle nuttiness that pairs beautifully with the bananas.

You can also add in different mix-ins such as shredded coconut, chopped walnuts, or even a swirl of peanut butter for a protein boost. Each variation offers a new twist to the classic banana bread without losing the essential moistness and flavor.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I freeze the banana bread?

Yes! You can wrap the banana bread tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 3 months.

→ How do I know when the banana bread is done?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf; if it comes out clean, the bread is done.

→ Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but the texture might be slightly denser.

→ What can I do if my bananas aren’t ripe enough?

You can place them in a brown paper bag with an apple or tomato to speed up the ripening process.