When it comes to classics that you’ll want to make over and over again, this Chocolate Chip Banana Bread is hard to beat. It’s perfect for amateur bakers and experts alike!
There aren’t many things that beat a warm slice of banana bread filled with melting chocolate chips.
This easy banana bread is a big favorite both with and without the nuts. I know plenty of folks who love a banana bread that’s chock full of nuts while others prefer their banana bread nut free.
Banana Nut Bread
I’ll happily eat a slice of this chocolate chip banana bread with or without the walnuts but more often than not, I opt to add in a generous handful of nuts. We’re a family who loves nut-filled banana bread, so I highly recommend adding them.
However, if you aren’t a fan of nuts or avoid them due to allergies, rest assured that this banana bread is also fantastic without them!
Moist and sweet with the perfect amount of chocolate chips, I’ve made this chocolate chip banana nut bread time and time again and never been disappointed.
For a standard banana nut loaf or batch of muffins with less sweetness, you are also welcome to omit the chocolate chips if you like but I think the chocolate chips and nuts combined with the rich banana flavor in this bread are just about the perfect combination.
If you’re a fan of macadamia nuts, you’ll also want to give my Chocolate Chip Macadamia Nut Banana Bread a try as soon as you can. I go wild for that bread baked in loaf form or as muffins.
Banana Bread with Sour Cream
Sour cream is the secret ingredient for moist and irresistible banana bread. Have you tried the original Sour Cream Banana Bread? I’m happy to tell you that the basic recipe is highly adaptable and this is our latest favorite variation.
Unlike some banana bread recipes which tend to end up dry and crumbly after a few hours, this Banana Nut Bread recipe stays completely tender and sliceable, thanks in big part to the sour cream. If you’ve never baked with sour cream before, I can’t wait to hear what you think after you give this chocolate chip banana nut bread recipe a try.
Did you know that banana bread is even better the day after you make it? It’s kind of strange, but that’s how it is.
I love making banana bread in the afternoon and then enjoying a slice with my morning coffee the following day.
I store it in an airtight container and the banana provides even more moisture by the following day. Why? I don’t know, but it’s true.
Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
Banana bread also makes a great afternoon snack with a glass of milk, a welcome tea time treat and it’s a terrific breakfast to freeze for busy mornings.
When chocolate chips are involved you could even slice it up, serve it with a scoop of ice cream and call it dessert!
A loaf of Chocolate Chip Banana Nut Bread makes a fabulous hostess gift or teacher gift too.
I’d never turn down a loaf of freshly baked homemade banana bread, especially when walnuts and chocolate chips are involved. Banana bread is welcome on my plate at any time of day or night.
I enjoy banana bread so much, I used the flavors to inspire one of our favorite go-to breakfast meals, Peanut Butter Banana Bread Baked Oatmeal!
Quick Bread Recipes
I could make a different kind of banana bread every week and never get bored. I’ve shared many of my favorite variations on this classic loaf on this site, from Blueberry Coconut Banana Bread to Hawaiian Banana Bread with Pineapple and I love them all.
The world of quick bread is more than just banana bread. One of our favorites is this Irish Raisin Soda Bread I made after being inspired by a tour through the British Isles.
While banana bread is an ideal way to use up overripe bananas, there are plenty of other bread recipes for putting other kinds of fruits and veggies to good use.
When Zucchini is abundant in the summer recipes like this Carrot Apple Zucchini Bread and this Gluten Free Zucchini Spice Bread are at your service.
And autumn isn’t autumn until you’ve filled your kitchen with the aroma of baking Pumpkin Bread or Cinnamon Apple Pie Bread.
Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a loaf pan very well with butter (or line with parchment paper) and set aside. Combine the eggs, sugar, and vanilla in a large mixing bowl. Whisk to combine. Add the butter and sour cream and whisk again.
- Add the flour, baking soda, and salt to the bowl. Whisk to combine. Add the mashed banana and stir again. Add the chocolate chips and the walnuts and stir once more to mix throughout.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 60-65 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing from the pan. Let cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.
Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
Ingredients
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- ½ cup white sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 3 small bananas, smashed, about 1 cup
- 3/4 cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
- 2/3 cup chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a loaf pan very well with butter (or line with parchment paper) and set aside. Combine the eggs, sugar, and vanilla in a large mixing bowl. Whisk to combine. Add the butter and sour cream and whisk again.
- Add the flour, baking soda, and salt to the bowl. Whisk to combine. Add the mashed banana and stir again. Add the chocolate chips and the walnuts and stir once more to mix throughout.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 60-65 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing from the pan. Let cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.
Shirley Carroll says
DEAR MARY,
I LOVE your E’mail s. I send them on to my girls and they enjoy them .
However , I and my oldest son have CELIAC DISEASE and cannot make your delicious recipes.
My son and his girlfriend ( live in Rochester N.Y.) . She makes everything from scrch for him.
I know she , as I would love to have some GF Recipes from you if you have anyany..My daughter in Rochester N.Y. does enjoy making your recipes and shares them with her friends.
THANK YOU for sharing all your recipes, pictures , books, and Beautiful stories .
I look forwards to all your letters😙
STAY WELL, SAFE AND WITH ALL OF GODS BLESSING.
SINCERELY,
SHIRLEY CARROLL
Kelly says
Normally I’m a banana bread purist who says you can leave out the chocolate thank you. This, however, is one gorgeous loaf! And your proportions look perfect. I might actually try and like this version! Thanks for changing my mind!
Diana says
I made this chic chip bananna bread and it is the best I have ever ate.
Thanks for this great tasting recipe
Mary Younkin says
I’m so glad that you love it, Diana!
Michelle Fletcher says
If I bake in a baking pan that had 8 mini-loaves, (Like a muffin pan),what time adjustments are needed?
Mary Younkin says
I can’t guess the time like that, Michelle. I recommend watching as it bakes and adjusting as needed. Muffins tend to be anywhere between 16-22 minutes and full loaves can take an hour. So, somewhere in between that?
Bonnie says
I made this banana nut chocolate chip bread & it’s the best I’ve ever had. Didn’t have any sour cream, used whole milk instead and it was great! Will be making this again. Loved it!
Mary Younkin says
I’m thrilled that you love it, Bonnie!
CINDY FEINZIMER says
Hi Mary,
Do you have A recipe for Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Banana Bread? Please let me know how I might convert this above recipe to Gluten Free.
Cindy
Mary Younkin says
Hi Cindy! You can make this recipe (https://barefeetinthekitchen.com/sour-cream-banana-bread-recipe/) following the gluten-free directions and just add chocolate chips. Enjoy!
Macy says
This recipe is so yummy! I baked it with my mom for out block party, and everyone loved it! Although we left out the walnuts, the chocolate melted perfectly to make it rich and amazing. Thank you so much for this recipe I plan to use it many more times in the future!
Although, I do wonder: I’ve never seen a recipe that uses sour cream in it. What does is it’s use in the recipe?
Mary Younkin says
I’m glad you like the bread, Macy! The sour cream provides extra moisture.
BB says
Fantastic recipe. My new favorite. I love that it has sour cream and doesn’t call for buttermilk. I always have sour cream on hand. I look forward to trying it next with peanut butter chips.
Mary Younkin says
I’m so glad you are enjoying the recipe!