Chocolate Chip Banana Bread(Makes One 16 Slice Loaf)
A moist, flavorful banana bread studded with chocolate chips and nuts, perfect for breakfast or snacks, appealing to banana and chocolate lovers alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour the bottom only of one 9 x 5-inch or two 8 x 4-inch loaf pans.
- In a large bowl, combine sugar and softened butter; beat until light and fluffy.
- Add mashed bananas, sour cream, and eggs; blend well.
- Lightly spoon flour into measuring cup; level off.
- Stir in flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Blend well. Fold in chocolate chips and chopped nuts.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 55 to 65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool upright in the pan for 15 minutes.
- Remove from pan and cool completely.
- Wrap tightly and store in the refrigerator.
- Best when served the next day; also freezes well.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter banana bread, you can substitute half of the butter with unsweetened applesauce. Make sure your bananas are very ripe for the best flavor. If you don't have sour cream, plain yogurt works as a great substitute. To enhance the chocolate flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or using dark chocolate chips instead of miniature ones.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of this chocolate chip banana bread warm or at room temperature. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea for breakfast or an afternoon snack. For an extra treat, try spreading a little butter or cream cheese on top. This delightful loaf can also be enjoyed alongside Candied Squash Rings for a comforting meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover banana bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it moist. It can be kept at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for about a week. For longer storage, slice and freeze the bread. To reheat, simply microwave a slice for 15-20 seconds or warm it in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chocolate Chip Banana Bread(Makes One 16 Slice Loaf) contains roughly 259 calories, with 4g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 782mg per serving (34% 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 in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen bananas! Just thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing. Frozen bananas are often sweeter and make a great addition to banana bread, enhancing its moisture and flavor.
Can I make this banana bread without eggs?
Absolutely! You can substitute each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or 1/4 cup of mashed silken tofu for a vegan option. This will help maintain the moisture and texture without compromising the taste.
How can I tell when the banana bread is done baking?
The banana bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If the top is browning too quickly, you can tent it with aluminum foil during the last few minutes of baking to prevent burning.
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).