Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

Why Make This Recipe

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread is a beloved comfort food that brings together the sweet flavors of ripe bananas and rich chocolate. This recipe is a family favorite, and for good reason! Not only does it taste delicious, but it is also a fantastic way to use up bananas that have turned too ripe for eating. Each slice is moist, soft, and filled with gooey chocolate chips that melt in your mouth.

Making Chocolate Chip Banana Bread is straightforward, making it an ideal choice for beginner bakers. The smell of bread baking in the oven creates a warm and inviting atmosphere, enticing family and friends to come together. Plus, this recipe is versatile; whether you enjoy it for breakfast, as a snack, or even a dessert, it’s a delightful way to satisfy your sweet tooth.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

Making Chocolate Chip Banana Bread is simple and requires only a few ingredients. Follow these steps, and you’ll soon have a delicious loaf ready to enjoy.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (8 Tbsp, softened)
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• 3 medium/large bananas (very ripe, about 1 3/4 cups mashed)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips (divided, or mini chocolate chips or chunks)

Directions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the bread cooks evenly.

2. Prepare the Pan:
   Take a bread loaf pan (9.25"L x 5.25"W x 2.75"D) and butter and flour it. This will help prevent the bread from sticking and make it easier to remove after baking.

3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
   In a mixing bowl, use a paddle attachment to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until you achieve a light, fluffy mixture. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the mix, making the bread fluffy.

4. Add Eggs:
   Next, add the two lightly beaten eggs to the mixture. Make sure to mix well until everything is fully incorporated.

5. Prepare the Bananas:
   Mash the ripe bananas in a separate bowl or use a fork to mash them directly. Aim for a chunky applesauce consistency. Once ready, add the mashed bananas and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the mixing bowl. Mix until everything is well blended.

6. Whisk Dry Ingredients:
   In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the baking soda and salt throughout the flour, ensuring consistent results.

7. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
   Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients in the mixing bowl. Mix just until incorporated; be careful not to over mix, as this can result in a dense loaf.

8. Fold in Chocolate Chips:
   Gently fold in 3/4 cup of chocolate chips to the batter. The warm, gooey chocolate chips will provide bursts of flavor in every bite.

9. Transfer to Pan:
   Pour the batter into the prepared bread pan and make sure it’s evenly spread. Then, sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of chocolate chips evenly across the top.

10. Bake:
    Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55-65 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it’s perfect! If you see wet batter, give it a bit more time.

11. Cool Down:
    Let the banana bread rest in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread is delicious on its own, warm or at room temperature. You can serve it plain for a simple treat, or enhance it further. Here are some serving suggestions:

1. With Butter or Nut Butter:
   Spread a little butter or your favorite nut butter over a warm slice for extra richness.

2. As a Snack or Dessert:
   Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful dessert.

3. With Fruit:
   Pair with fresh berries or banana slices to add a refreshing and fruity contrast.

4. Coffee or Tea:
   This bread pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea, making it perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack.

How to Store Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

Storing Chocolate Chip Banana Bread is easy and helps maintain its moistness:

1. Room Temperature:
   If you plan to eat the bread within a few days, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it at room temperature.

2. Refrigerator:
   For longer storage, you can refrigerate it. Make sure it’s wrapped to prevent drying out. When you’re ready to eat it, reheat in the microwave or toaster for a few seconds.

3. Freezer:
   If you want to keep it for an extended period, slice the bread and place each slice in an airtight container or zip-top bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the refrigerator or at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.

Tips to Make Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

1. Use Ripe Bananas:
   The riper the bananas, the sweeter your bread will be. Look for bananas with lots of brown spots.

2. Don’t Overmix:
   Mixing too much can lead to a dense loaf. Mix until ingredients are just combined.

3. Check for Doneness Early:
   Ovens can vary in temperature. Start checking your banana bread at the 50-minute mark.

4. Add nuts:
   For added texture, fold in a cup of walnuts or pecans along with the chocolate chips.

5. Experiment with Flavors:
   Consider adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra flavor boost.

Variation

1. Nutty Banana Bread: Add 1 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture.
2. Coconut Banana Bread: Mix in 1/2 cup of shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
3. Vegan Version: Substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water per egg) and use a vegan butter alternative.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Yes! Just thaw them completely before mashing and using them in the recipe.

2. Why is my banana bread dense?
A dense banana bread can result from overmixing the batter or using too much flour. Be gentle when mixing ingredients.

3. How can I tell if my banana bread is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s done. If there’s wet batter on it, bake for a few more minutes.

4. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

5. How long does Chocolate Chip Banana Bread last?
When stored properly at room temperature, it should last for about 3-4 days. In the fridge, it can last about a week, and in the freezer, it can last up to 3 months.

Enjoy baking and sharing this delightful Chocolate Chip Banana Bread with those you love! The blend of soft, moist bread with sweet chocolate chips will surely make this a recipe you’ll turn to again and again.

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

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• Author: mohamed175
• Total Time: 75 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A delicious and moist banana bread filled with rich chocolate chips, perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 3 medium/large ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 3/4 cups)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips (divided)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Butter and flour a 9.25″L x 5.25″W x 2.75″D bread loaf pan.
3. Cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the lightly beaten eggs and mix until fully incorporated.
5. Mash the bananas and mix them with the vanilla extract into the batter.
6. In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
7. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix just until incorporated.
8. Gently fold in 3/4 cup of chocolate chips.
9. Pour the batter into the prepared bread pan and top with the remaining 1/4 cup of chocolate chips.
10. Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
11. Let cool for about 10 minutes in the pan before transferring to a wire rack.

Notes

Serve warm or at room temperature. Add nuts or coconut for variations.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 20g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: banana bread, chocolate chip, dessert, sweet, easy baking