Name: Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups (380g) ripe and mashed banana (3-4 medium bananas), measured; 1/2 cup (110g) unsalted butter, melted; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 cup (130g) 2% Greek yogurt (sour cream also works); 1/2 cup (100g) packed light brown sugar; 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar; 1 1/3 cups (180g) all-purpose flour or 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour; 1 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp salt; 3/4 cup (140g) mini chocolate chips + a handful more for sprinkling on top

There’s something irresistibly cozy about the smell of freshly baked banana bread filling your kitchen, especially when studded with pockets of melty chocolate. This Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe is my go-to for turning overripe bananas into a soft, moist loaf that feels like a warm hug with every bite.

A stack of three thick rectangular slices of chocolate chip banana bread sits on a white marbled surface. The bread is dark brown with a moist, dense texture full of small chocolate chips spread throughout each slice. A woman's hand is gently lifting the top slice, showing the soft interior with bits of chocolate visible on the sides. In the blurred background, more slices of the same bread can be seen. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I remember the first time I made this chocolate chip banana bread—it came out so moist and bursting with real banana flavor, plus those little chocolate chips made it pure magic. It’s exactly the kind of recipe that feels special yet is simple enough to whip up anytime.

Balanced sweetness: Combining brown and granulated sugars gives just the right tender sweetness without being overpowering.
Extra moist texture: The addition of Greek yogurt ensures the bread stays soft and never dry, day after day.
Chocolate chip burst: Mini chips distribute evenly, offering small delightful pockets of chocolate in every slice.
Simple to customize: It’s easy to swap ingredients or mix in your favorites — I’ll share my tips below.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe plays a role in delivering that perfect balance of flavor and texture. Let me walk you through why I love using each one and what makes them essential.

Flat lay of ripe yellow bananas, a small mound of light brown sugar, a small mound of granulated white sugar, a small white ceramic bowl with melted golden butter, two whole uncracked brown eggs, a small white ceramic bowl holding amber vanilla extract, a small white ceramic bowl of thick creamy Greek yogurt, a neat pile of all-purpose flour, a small white ceramic bowl with fine white baking soda powder, a small white ceramic bowl of coarse salt crystals, a small white ceramic bowl filled with glossy mini dark chocolate chips placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Ripe bananas: Using bananas that are sweet and very ripe means you naturally add sweetness and moisture to the bread.
Light brown sugar: Adds a subtle caramel depth plus moisture that plain white sugar won’t give.
Granulated sugar: Balances the sweetness and helps with texture, giving a slight crispness to the crust.
Unsalted butter: Melted to blend effortlessly, it adds richness and a tender crumb.
Eggs: Bind the batter together and add structure, so you get slices that hold without crumbling.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the warm flavors without overpowering the banana or chocolate.
Greek yogurt: This is my secret weapon for moist, tender bread—it’s also a great swap for sour cream if you prefer.
All-purpose flour or gluten-free baking flour: Your choice here affects the texture slightly; I’ve used both with excellent results.
Baking soda: Helps the bread rise for a light and fluffy crumb.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
Mini chocolate chips: These small chips melt evenly throughout the bread so you get chocolate in every bite.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, which is why I keep coming back to it. Playing around with add-ins or swapping ingredients to suit dietary needs makes this recipe truly your own kitchen companion.

Variation: I sometimes add chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch, which adds a lovely contrast to the soft bread.
Dairy-free version: Swap the butter for coconut oil and use a dairy-free yogurt alternative to keep it moist but allergy-friendly.
Healthier twist: Try swapping half the sugar for honey or maple syrup, though keep an eye on the baking time as it can brown faster.
Extra chocolatey: Using dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips instead of mini chips amps up the richness.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe

A single slice of banana bread is shown on a white marbled surface. The bread has one main layer with a textured, moist appearance, light brown with darker brown spots of chocolate chips sprinkled evenly throughout. The edges are darker brown and look slightly crisp. In the blurry background, there is a white striped cloth and another slice of banana bread on a cooling rack. The lighting highlights the texture and moistness of the bread. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Mash your bananas and prep your wet ingredients

I like to use very ripe bananas with lots of brown spots—they mash up easily and bring so much flavor. Mash them until smooth, then whisk them together with melted butter, the two sugars, eggs, vanilla extract, and Greek yogurt. Mixing these first ensures everything is well combined and smooth for the best texture.

Step 2: Combine dry ingredients and fold gently

In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add this to your wet mixture, folding just until everything is incorporated—overmixing can make your bread tough. Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips last so they don’t sink to the bottom.

Step 3: Pour, sprinkle, and bake

Pour your batter into a greased loaf pan and sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips on top for that irresistible look. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about an hour, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean (a few melty crumbs are ok). If the loaf starts to brown too quickly on top, tent it with foil in the last 15 minutes.

Top Tip

From my many times baking this bread, I’ve picked up a few tips that make a real difference. Knowing these little tricks can save you from common frustrations and boost your confidence in the kitchen.

Use very ripe bananas: The riper, the better! Their natural sweetness means you can use less added sugar and get a more flavorful loaf.
Don’t overmix: Once you add the flour, fold gently to keep the bread tender—overworking the batter can make it dense.
Check for doneness with a toothpick: Insert it near the center, and if it comes out with moist crumbs (not wet batter), you’re good to go.
Cool completely before slicing: This lets the bread set fully, so your slices stay neat and moist—not crumbly.

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe

chocolate chip banana bread - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love spreading a little butter or cream cheese on warm slices—both enhance the flavors wonderfully. For something special, a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on the chocolate chips can really elevate your slice.

Side Dishes

This banana bread pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making it perfect for breakfast or a cozy afternoon snack. If you’re serving it for brunch, fresh fruit or a simple yogurt parfait complement it well.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, I like to slice the bread and arrange it on a wooden board with small bowls of nuts, fresh berries, and a few spreads like nut butter or chocolate hazelnut spread. It turns a humble loaf into an inviting centerpiece without much fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, which keeps it wonderfully soft. If your kitchen is warm, the fridge works too—just bring the slices back to room temp before enjoying.

Freezing

This Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe freezes beautifully. I wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. When I want one, I let it thaw overnight in the fridge or warm it gently in the microwave for a quick treat.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop a slice in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or warm it in a toaster oven. This revives the moisture and melts the chocolate chips slightly, making it taste freshly baked again.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen bananas work great here. Just thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing to avoid a soggy batter.

What’s the best way to prevent the chocolate chips from sinking?

To keep your chocolate chips evenly distributed, toss them lightly in a little flour before folding them into your batter. This helps suspend them while baking.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Just make sure your baking soda is gluten-free too, and follow the recipe as is for delicious results.

How ripe should the bananas be for this bread?

The bananas should be very ripe—ideally with lots of brown spots and softness. This maximizes sweetness and moisture in the bread, making for a richer flavor and softer crumb.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe has been a kitchen staple for me because it transforms humble ingredients into a loaf that’s bursting with warmth, sweetness, and comfort. It’s perfect for gifting, sharing, or just savoring yourself with a cozy drink. I hope you enjoy baking and eating it as much as I do—trust me, it’s a must-have recipe you’ll return to again and again.