This Super Moist Chocolate Chip Banana Bread is the ultimate treat for banana lovers! It’s packed with ripe bananas and chocolate chips for a sweet, soft loaf that you can’t resist.
Honestly, this bread is so good that it often disappears in a day at my house! Pair it with a cup of coffee, and you have a perfect snack. It’s super easy to make—just mix and bake!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bananas: The key to a moist banana bread is using very ripe bananas. They should be heavily speckled or even brown for the best flavor. If you don’t have bananas, unsweetened applesauce can work in a pinch, although the taste will differ.
Butter: I recommend unsalted butter for this recipe, but if you’re out, you can use vegetable oil or melted coconut oil instead—both keep the bread moist.
Sour Cream/Yogurt: Using sour cream or Greek yogurt adds richness and moisture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you could substitute plain non-dairy yogurt or even buttermilk if you have it.
Chocolate Chips: I prefer semi-sweet chocolate chips for a balanced sweetness. You can swap these with dark chocolate chips or even white chocolate for a different twist. Nuts are an optional but tasty addition!
How Do I Ensure My Banana Bread Turns Out Moist?
Moisture is key in banana bread. Here are some tips to help you perfect the texture:
- Use overripe bananas—don’t shy away from brown spots!
- Be careful not to overmix the batter; this can make the bread dense.
- Check for doneness around the 60-minute mark. Even if it’s not quite done, it’s better to underbake slightly than to overbake.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for a short time before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps retain moisture.
Super Moist Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 ¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 ½ cups)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup (120ml) sour cream or Greek yogurt
Add-ins:
- 1 cup (170g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Optional: ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
Time Estimate:
This delicious banana bread will take about 15 minutes to prepare and will need 60-70 minutes to bake. After baking, allow it to cool for about 10 minutes in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack. Overall, you can expect it to take around 1 hour and 30 minutes before it’s ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan to ensure your bread doesn’t stick, or you can line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agent. Once mixed, set this bowl aside for later use.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add Eggs and Bananas:
Now, beat the eggs into the butter and sugar mixture one at a time, making sure each egg is completely incorporated before adding the next. Then, stir in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract until well combined.
5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gently. Alternate this with the sour cream, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Be careful not to overmix; you just want everything to be combined!
6. Fold in the Chocolate Chips:
Gently fold the chocolate chips into the batter. If you’re adding nuts, include those here as well.
7. Pour the Batter and Smooth the Top:
Pour the prepared batter into the greased loaf pan. Use a spatula to smooth out the top for an even bake.
8. Bake the Bread:
Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for 60-70 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
9. Cool the Bread:
Once baked, remove the banana bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After this, gently take it out of the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
10. Slice and Enjoy!
Your super moist chocolate chip banana bread is now ready! Once cooled, slice it up and enjoy it as a snack, breakfast, or dessert. Happy baking!
FAQ for Super Moist Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
Can I Use Frozen Bananas for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen bananas work great, just make sure to thaw them completely before mashing. Drain any excess liquid after thawing to avoid adding too much moisture to the batter.
How Should I Store Leftover Banana Bread?
Store leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can wrap slices in plastic wrap and freeze them for up to 2 months—just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy them!
Can I Reduce the Sugar in This Recipe?
Yes! You can reduce the sugar by up to ¼ cup without significantly impacting the moisture or texture of the bread, especially if your bananas are very ripe and sweet.
What Can I Substitute for Sour Cream?
If you don’t have sour cream, Greek yogurt is an excellent substitute! You can also use plain yogurt or buttermilk if those are more readily available. Just ensure you use a similar amount!
