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 (100g) packed light brown sugar; 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar; 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 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 plus a handful more for sprinkling on top

There’s something so cozy and comforting about this Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe. It’s that perfect balance of sweet bananas and melty chocolate chips, all wrapped up in a moist, tender crumb that just feels like a warm hug from the inside out.

Three thick slices of dark brown chocolate chip bread stacked on a white marbled surface, with the top slice being lifted by a woman's hand from the left side of the frame. The bread has a moist texture with many small chocolate chips spread throughout, and the crust is slightly darker and rough with visible chocolate chips embedded in it. The background is blurred, showing more slices stacked together. 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 fell in love with this chocolate chip banana bread the first time I made it. It’s ridiculously easy and forgiving, plus the flavors just sing together – ripe bananas, a touch of brown sugar, and a generous sprinkle of chocolate chips that melt beautifully.

Perfect Moisture: Thanks to the Greek yogurt, this bread stays soft and tender for days.
Loaded with Chocolate Chips: You get that gooey, chocolatey goodness in every bite – can’t resist!
Easy to Make: No fancy techniques here – just simple mixing and baking, perfect for all skill levels.
Customizable: Whether you want gluten-free or a tweak here and there, this recipe adapts beautifully.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this recipe plays its part to create a perfectly balanced banana bread. From the ripe bananas that bring natural sweetness, to the brown sugar that adds depth, it’s all about harmony.

Flat lay of ripe whole bananas with yellow skins, a small pile of packed light brown sugar, a small pile of granulated white sugar, a small white bowl of melted golden butter, two whole uncracked brown eggs, a small white bowl of creamy white Greek yogurt, a small heap of all-purpose flour, a small heap of baking soda powder, a small heap of fine salt, a small white bowl filled with glossy mini dark chocolate chips, all arranged symmetrically on simple white ceramic dishes and plates 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: The star of the show – the riper, the better, for that deep banana flavor and natural sweetness.
Light Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle caramel note that complements the bananas perfectly.
Granulated Sugar: Balances out the sweetness and helps achieve a tender texture.
Unsalted Butter: Melted for ease and richness, it brings that buttery melt-in-your-mouth quality.
Large Eggs: Bind everything together while adding structure and moisture.
Vanilla Extract: A subtle flavor enhancer that makes every bite more complex and delicious.
Greek Yogurt: Keeps the bread super moist and adds a slight tang—sour cream can be swapped in too.
All-Purpose Flour: Provides the framework; you can also use a 1-to-1 gluten-free blend if needed.
Baking Soda: Works with the acidity of the bananas and yogurt to give a good rise and a tender crumb.
Salt: A pinch to balance out the sweetness and highlight flavors.
Mini Chocolate Chips: Small enough to disperse throughout the bread, giving sweet pockets of melty chocolate – the irresistible surprise.

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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

I love how versatile this Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe is. Over the years, I’ve tried swapping in different ingredients and adding mix-ins to make it feel new every time.

Variation: Sometimes I toss in chopped walnuts or pecans for a nutty crunch—perfect for a contrast in texture.
Dietary Mod: Gluten-free flour works like a charm here, so don’t hesitate to make it your own if you need to avoid gluten.
Seasonal Flair: A sprinkle of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice in the batter creates an autumn vibe that’s perfect for colder months.

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

A single slice of banana bread is placed on a white marbled surface. The bread has one visible layer, showing a moist, slightly textured inside with small dark chocolate chips spread evenly throughout. The outer edge is darker brown and looks crisp, forming a firm crust around the soft, lighter brown interior. In the background, a blurred white cloth is loosely spread, adding a soft texture to the image. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Mash Those Bananas Well

Start with 3 to 4 ripe bananas—look for plenty of brown spots! I like to mash them right in a large bowl using a fork or potato masher until mostly smooth with a few chunks for texture. This ensures your bread has that fresh banana flavor without large lumps.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients Together

Add the melted butter, both sugars, eggs, vanilla extract, and Greek yogurt to your bananas. I like to lightly whisk them until combined—you want everything to blend smoothly, but no need to overmix here.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients Separately

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps distribute the rising agents evenly, which is key to an even crumb in your bread.

Step 4: Fold Dry into Wet, Then Add Chocolate Chips

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula. Don’t overmix—stop as soon as you don’t see flour streaks. Then fold in about ¾ cup of mini chocolate chips, reserving a handful to sprinkle on top for that tempting look and extra melty pockets.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pour your batter into a greased loaf pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips over it and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 60 minutes. Check around 55 minutes by inserting a toothpick—it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, but no wet batter.

Step 6: Cool Before Diving In

Let your banana bread cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. This cooling phase prevents sogginess and helps the flavors settle. I know it’s tempting, but try to wait—trust me, it’s worth it!

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few little tricks that really elevate this Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe from good to unforgettable.

Use Ripe Bananas: The more spotted and soft, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be.
Don’t Overmix: Mixing just until combined keeps the bread tender and avoids a tough texture.
Greek Yogurt Magic: It’s the secret to that moist crumb—never skip it, or substitute with sour cream for a similar result.
Sprinkle Chocolate Chips on Top: This is my favorite finishing touch—it makes the bread extra gorgeous and extra chocolatey.

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe

chocolate chip banana bread - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to keep it simple with a light smear of butter or cream cheese. Sometimes I’ll add a dusting of powdered sugar for a touch of elegance when serving to guests—it makes it feel special without overpowering that chocolate-banana star.

Side Dishes

This banana bread pairs beautifully with a cup of strong coffee or tea for breakfast or an afternoon snack. For something heartier, try it alongside fresh fruit or a dollop of yogurt on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of warm caramel sauce—imagine that melding with the chocolate chips! It’s always a crowd-pleaser and makes this humble bread feel like dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover banana bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature. It keeps beautifully for about 3 days. If you want to stretch that, the fridge works too, but just bring it to room temp before enjoying.

Freezing

This recipe freezes wonderfully. I wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and it keeps in the freezer for several months. When I want a treat, I thaw it overnight in the fridge or unwrap and microwave a slice for a few seconds.

Reheating

My favorite way to reheat banana bread is in the toaster oven or microwave for 15-20 seconds to bring back that soft warmth. Sometimes a tiny pad of butter or cream cheese on top freshens it up beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use overripe bananas for this recipe?

Absolutely! In fact, the riper your bananas, the better the flavor and natural sweetness in this Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe.

Can I substitute the Greek yogurt with something else?

Yes, sour cream is a great substitute if you don’t have Greek yogurt handy. It also helps keep the bread moist and tender.

How do I know when the banana bread is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs but no wet batter, your bread is done. It usually takes about 60 minutes at 350°F.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. It works beautifully without affecting the taste or texture.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe has become a household favorite for me and my friends—it’s the go-to for birthdays, cozy afternoons, or when I just need a reliable, delicious treat. I’m confident you’ll enjoy it just as much, whether you’re baking for yourself or sharing with loved ones. Give it a try and watch it disappear fast!