This chocolate chip banana bread is incredibly soft, rich, and full of banana flavor with melty chocolate chips in every bite. It’s the kind of loaf that stays tender for days, slices beautifully, and works just as well for breakfast as it does for dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe delivers consistently moist banana bread without being dense or heavy. The balance of ripe bananas, melted butter, and yogurt creates a smooth texture, while mini chocolate chips ensure chocolate in every slice. It’s easy to make, uses simple ingredients, and turns out bakery-quality every single time.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 1/2 cups ripe mashed banana (about 3 to 4 medium bananas, measured)
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup 2% Greek yogurt or sour cream
1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup mini chocolate chips, plus extra for topping

Directions

Preheat the oven to 325°F. Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until thick and smooth, resembling a paste.

Add the mashed bananas and mix until fully combined. Whisk in the eggs one at a time, followed by the Greek yogurt and vanilla extract.

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients just until combined. Do not overmix. Fold in the mini chocolate chips.

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle additional chocolate chips on top if desired.

Bake for 60 to 75 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Allow the bread to cool completely in the pan before removing and slicing.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes one standard loaf, serving about 10 slices.

Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes. Baking time ranges from 60 to 75 minutes. Total time is about 1 hour and 30 minutes including cooling.

Variations

You can replace the mini chocolate chips with chopped dark or milk chocolate. For a nutty version, substitute half of the chocolate chips with chopped walnuts or pecans. To reduce refined sugar, coconut sugar can be used in place of both sugars, though the texture may be slightly different. For a gluten-free option, use a one-to-one gluten-free baking flour.

Storage/Reheating

Store the banana bread at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 1 week. Slices can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds for a warm, fresh-baked texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes, frozen ripe bananas work well. Thaw them completely and drain off excess liquid before mashing.

How ripe should the bananas be?

The bananas should be very ripe with brown spots or mostly brown skins for the best flavor and sweetness.

Can I make this recipe without chocolate chips?

Yes, you can omit the chocolate chips entirely for classic banana bread or replace them with nuts.

Why is my banana bread dense?

Overmixing the batter can make the bread dense. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.

Can I use plain yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?

Yes, plain unsweetened yogurt works, but the bread may be slightly less rich.

Why did my banana bread sink in the middle?

This usually happens from overmixing or using a loaf pan that is too small.

Can I reduce the sugar?

You can slightly reduce the sugar, but it may affect moisture and texture.

How do I know when the bread is done?

Insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.

Can I add spices?

Yes, cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg pairs very well with banana and chocolate.

What pan size works best?

A 9×5-inch loaf pan is ideal to ensure even baking and proper structure.

Conclusion

This chocolate chip banana bread is a reliable, crowd-pleasing recipe that delivers rich flavor and a perfectly moist crumb every time. Whether you enjoy it plain, warmed, or customized with your favorite add-ins, it’s a timeless bake you’ll come back to again and again.

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