The Ultimate Moist Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe [Updated 2025 ]

Okay, friends, let’s talk Moist Chocolate Chip Banana Bread. Is there anything more comforting? The smell alone baking in the oven is pure bliss.

This isn’t just any banana bread recipe, though. This is the recipe. The one you’ll make again and again. It’s perfectly moist, packed with banana flavor, and studded with melty chocolate chips.

Get ready to fall in love! If you think food should be comforting, this recipe is for you.

What I Love About This Recipe?

Why is this recipe my absolute favorite? Let me tell you:

Unbelievably Moist: Seriously, this bread is so tender and moist, it practically melts in your mouth. No dry banana bread here!
Loads of Chocolate Chips: We’re generous with the chocolate chips in this recipe. Every bite is a chocolatey dream.
Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and simple, perfect for beginner bakers. You don’t need any fancy equipment. It’s truly an easy way to get great results.
Customizable: Want to add nuts? Use different chocolate chips? Go for it! This recipe is a fantastic base for your own creations.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Breakfast, snack, dessert… this banana bread is always a good choice.

How to Make the Best Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

This recipe is all about the details. Follow these steps for moist and delicious results!

Yields: 1 loaf

Prep time: 15 minutes

Bake time: 50-60 minutes

Ingredients:

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened (or no butter option: 1/2 cup applesauce)
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs (or no eggs option: 1/4 cup applesauce + 1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water, mixed and let sit for 5 minutes)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 very ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 1/2 cups – use bananas that are soft and spotty for best results)
1/4 cup sour cream or greek yogurt (for extra moisture)
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (or almond flour for a gluten-free option)
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup chocolate chips (milk, dark, or semi-sweet)
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional) (pecan banana bread)

Instructions:

Get Ready: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter (or applesauce) and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs (or egg substitute) one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
Mash Bananas: In a separate bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork.
Combine Wet Ingredients: Stir the mashed bananas and sour cream (or greek yogurt) into the creamed mixture.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don’t overmix!
Fold in Goodies: Gently fold in the chocolate chips and nuts (if using).
Bake: Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool: Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Recipe Variations

Banana Nut Chocolate Chip Bread: Add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans.
Double Chocolate Banana Bread: Use 1/2 cup cocoa powder in place of 1/2 cup flour.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Banana Bread: Swirl peanut butter into the batter before baking.
Zucchini Chocolate Chip Banana Bread: Add 1 cup shredded zucchini.
Banana Oat Chocolate Chip Bread: Replace 1/2 cup flour with 1/2 cup rolled oats.
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Banana Bread: Add 1/2 cup pumpkin puree and 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice.
Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Banana Bread: Use brown butter for a nutty flavor.
Banana Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe: Bake in a square pan for easy bars.

How Should I Store Chocolate Chip Banana Bread?

Store cooled banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze¹ it for longer storage.