Aunt Mary'S Banana-Chocolate Chip Bread
Banana-chocolate chip loaf with moist banana, sweet chocolate chips, a hint of vanilla, perfect for a quick breakfast or afternoon snack, loved by families and coffee lovers alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream sugar and shortening in a mixing bowl.
- Beat in eggs, vanilla extract, and mashed bananas until fully blended.
- Combine all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl.
- Add the dry mixture to the creamed mixture and stir just until combined.
- Fold in semi-sweet chocolate chips.
- Spoon batter into a greased 9 x 5 x 3-inch loaf pan.
- Bake at 350°F for 60 to 70 minutes or until a wooden pick comes out clean.
- Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then remove to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional: freeze slices in bags or wrap in foil.
Tips & Substitutions
For a moist bread, ensure your bananas are very ripe, with brown spots. If you don't have shortening, melted butter can be a good substitute. To enhance flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg. If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the sugar to 3/4 cup. This recipe is also versatile; feel free to add nuts or swap chocolate chips for dried fruits.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm or at room temperature, and consider pairing it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. It also makes a delightful breakfast when served with a side of fresh fruit. For an afternoon treat, enjoy it with a cup of coffee or tea. This bread pairs beautifully with Appalachian Favorite Pancakes for a comforting brunch spread.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, wrap the banana-chocolate chip bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can store it at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze slices in resealable bags or wrap them individually in foil. To reheat, microwave a slice for about 15-20 seconds or warm it in a toaster oven until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Aunt Mary'S Banana-Chocolate Chip Bread contains roughly 4393 calories, with 40g protein, 502g carbohydrates, and 232g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (111% of the Daily Value), calcium (90% of the Daily Value), and protein (81% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Yes, frozen bananas work well! Just thaw them and ensure they are well mashed. They may add extra moisture, so you might want to slightly reduce the other liquid ingredients if the batter seems too wet.
How do I know when the bread is done baking?
Check for doneness by inserting a wooden pick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it's ready. If it has wet batter on it, bake for an additional 5-10 minutes and check again.
Can I add nuts to the banana-chocolate chip bread?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans complement the flavors well. Just fold in about 1/2 cup of your preferred nuts with the chocolate chips for added texture and taste.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).