Perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike – this easy chocolate chip banana bread recipe delivers bakery-quality results every single time.

Why This Recipe is the Best

Ultra-Moist Crumb That Lasts for Days
Perfectly Domed Top Every Single Time
No Electric Mixer Needed – One Bowl!
Tried, Tested & Perfected (Read the Reviews!)

Recipe Overview

Prep Time	Cook Time	Total Time	Servings	Difficulty
15 minutes	60 minutes	1 hour 15 min	12 slices	Easy

Nutrition per slice: 285 calories | 12g fat | 42g carbs | 5g protein

Ingredients

Wet Ingredients

3 large overripe bananas (about 1½ cups mashed)
⅓ cup melted butter (cooled slightly)
¾ cup packed brown sugar
¼ cup granulated white sugar
1 large egg (room temperature)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
⅓ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)

Dry Ingredients

1¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (plus extra for topping)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Kitchen

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter and lightly dust with flour, or line with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mash the Bananas

In a large mixing bowl, mash the overripe bananas until mostly smooth with just a few small lumps remaining. The ideal consistency should be creamy but with some texture – this creates pockets of banana flavor throughout your moist chocolate chip banana bread.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

Add the melted butter to the mashed bananas and stir until combined. Mix in both sugars, the egg, vanilla extract, and sour cream. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well-incorporated.

Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients (Critical Step!)

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and gently fold until just combined. Do not overmix – a few streaks of flour are perfectly fine. This is the secret to achieving that tender, moist texture in your banana bread.

Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips

Reserve 2 tablespoons of chocolate chips for topping, then gently fold the remaining chips into the batter using a spatula.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and sprinkle the reserved chocolate chips on top. Bake for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached.

Step 7: Cool Properly

Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Baker’s Masterclass: The Science Behind This Perfect Recipe

Why These Ingredients Work

Overripe Bananas: As bananas ripen, their starches convert to natural sugars, creating intense sweetness and moisture. The enzymatic breakdown also adds depth of flavor that underripe bananas simply can’t provide.

Melted Butter vs. Softened: Melted butter creates a denser, more moist crumb compared to creamed butter, which incorporates air. For banana bread, we want that fudgy, tender texture.

Brown Sugar + White Sugar Combination: Brown sugar adds moisture and a subtle molasses flavor, while white sugar provides sweetness and helps create a beautiful golden crust.

Sour Cream Magic: The acidity in sour cream (or Greek yogurt) tenderizes gluten strands, resulting in an incredibly soft crumb. It also adds richness without heaviness.

The Muffin Method: Your Key to Success

This easy chocolate chip banana bread recipe uses the “muffin method” – mixing wet and dry ingredients separately before gently combining. This technique prevents tough, dense bread and ensures consistently moist results.

Pro Tip: The secret to a perfectly domed top lies in starting with a higher oven temperature. The initial blast of heat creates “oven spring” – the rapid rise that gives bakery-style banana bread its signature dome.

Troubleshooting Guide & FAQ

Common Problems Solved

Q: Why did my banana bread sink in the middle?
A: This usually happens from over-mixing the batter or underbaking. Mix just until ingredients are combined, and always use the toothpick test plus check that internal temperature reaches 200°F.

Q: Why is my banana bread dry or tough?
A: Over-mixing develops too much gluten, creating a tough texture. Also check your flour measurement – too much flour is the #1 cause of dry banana bread. Spoon flour into measuring cups rather than scooping.

Q: How do I know when it’s perfectly baked?
A: Use the toothpick test (should come out with a few moist crumbs) AND check internal temperature with a thermometer – it should read 200°F in the center.

Storage & Freezing Guide

Storage Method	Duration	Best Practice
Room Temperature	3-4 days	Wrap tightly in plastic wrap
Refrigerator	1 week	Not recommended – dries out
Freezer (whole)	3 months	Double-wrap in plastic, then foil
Freezer (sliced)	3 months	Individual plastic wrap, freezer bag

Ingredient Substitutions & Variations

Healthy Swaps

Oil for butter: Use ¾ cup neutral oil for dairy-free version
Whole wheat flour: Replace up to half the all-purpose flour
Sugar alternatives: Coconut sugar works 1:1 for brown sugar
Egg-free: Use 1 flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water)

Delicious Upgrades

Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins: Divide batter among 12 muffin cups, bake at 375°F for 18-22 minutes.

Streusel Topping: Combine ¼ cup flour, ¼ cup brown sugar, 2 tbsp cold butter, and ½ tsp cinnamon. Sprinkle over batter before baking.

Nutty Variations: Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans with the chocolate chips.

Brown Butter Version: Brown the butter in a saucepan until fragrant and golden. Cool completely before using – this adds incredible nutty depth.

Why This is the Best Banana Bread Recipe

After testing dozens of variations, this moist chocolate chip banana bread consistently delivers:

Foolproof technique that works for beginners
Professional results with bakery-quality texture
Make-ahead friendly – actually improves overnight
Customizable with endless variation possibilities

The combination of perfectly ripe bananas, the ideal fat ratio, and gentle mixing creates a loaf that stays moist for days while delivering rich chocolate chip satisfaction in every bite.

Final Tips for Success

Use a kitchen scale for most accurate measurements
Don’t skip the sour cream – it’s the moisture secret
Cool completely before slicing for clean cuts
Store properly to maintain that perfect texture

This easy chocolate chip banana bread recipe has become a staple in thousands of kitchens worldwide. Whether you’re learning how to make banana bread for the first time or perfecting your technique, this foolproof method delivers consistently delicious results that will have everyone asking for the recipe.

Ready to bake? Gather those overripe bananas, and let’s create something amazing together. Don’t forget to share your results and any creative variations you try!