This ultra moist chocolate chip banana bread strikes the perfect harmony between sweet, ripe bananas and rich, melty chocolate chips. The combination of melted butter and vegetable oil gives it an incredibly tender texture, while overripe bananas infuse the loaf with irresistible flavor. Whether you’re enjoying it fresh out of the oven, as a quick breakfast, or a cozy dessert with tea, this easy-to-make banana bread is guaranteed to become a household favorite.
Ingredients
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1 ½ cups (180g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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½ teaspoon salt
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½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
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¼ cup (60mL) vegetable oil
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¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
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2 large eggs, at room temperature
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1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
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1 ½ cups (360g) mashed ripe bananas (about 3–4 medium bananas)
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1 cup (170g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
Directions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal.
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In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, vegetable oil, sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Whisk until smooth.
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Stir in the mashed bananas until fully incorporated.
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Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
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Fold in the chocolate chips.
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Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
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Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil.
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Cool in the pan until slightly warm or at room temperature. Slice and enjoy.
Nutritional Value (Per Serving – Approximate)
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Calories: 280 kcal
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Carbohydrates: 35g
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Protein: 3g
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Fat: 16g
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Saturated Fat: 7g
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Cholesterol: 35mg
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Sodium: 190mg
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Potassium: 200mg
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Fiber: 2g
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Sugar: 20g
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Vitamin A: 6% DV
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Vitamin C: 10% DV
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Calcium: 2% DV
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Iron: 6% DV
Why This Banana Bread Stands Out
What sets this banana bread apart from countless other versions is its texture and flavor depth. Most banana breads are either too dry, overly dense, or lack the right balance of sweetness. This recipe fixes all of those issues with a few key enhancements:
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Moisture: The combination of melted butter and vegetable oil is the secret to its ultra-moist crumb. Butter adds richness and flavor, while oil ensures a soft texture that lasts for days.
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Sweetness: Ripe bananas naturally sweeten the loaf, which allows for a modest amount of sugar without compromising on taste.
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Chocolate Chips: The addition of semi-sweet chocolate chips elevates the flavor profile, turning a humble banana bread into an indulgent treat.
Each of these elements works in harmony to create a loaf that feels both homey and indulgent.
A Versatile Treat for All Occasions
One of the best things about this banana bread is how versatile it is. Whether you’re serving it fresh out of the oven with a pat of butter, slicing it for a school lunch, or topping it with whipped cream for dessert, this loaf fits any scenario. It travels well, freezes beautifully, and can even be used as a base for more elaborate creations like banana bread French toast or trifle layers.
If you’re entertaining, consider slicing it and serving with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. Want to make it more health-conscious? Swap the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour, or add chopped walnuts for some crunch and added protein.
The Magic of Overripe Bananas
If you’ve ever wondered why banana bread recipes call for overripe bananas, here’s why: bananas become sweeter and more flavorful as they ripen. The starches in the banana convert to sugar, which enhances both the sweetness and aroma of the bread. That dark, spotty banana you’re about to throw out? It’s actually a golden ticket to the best loaf of banana bread you’ve ever made.
Plus, overripe bananas are easier to mash and incorporate into the batter, giving the bread a smooth, even consistency.
Tips for the Perfect Loaf
Even though the recipe itself is straightforward, a few tips can ensure perfection every time:
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Don’t Overmix: Once the dry ingredients are added, mix just until combined. Overmixing develops gluten in the flour, which can lead to a tough texture.
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Use Parchment Paper: Lining your loaf pan makes for easy removal and clean edges.
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Check for Doneness: Start checking the loaf at the 50-minute mark. Insert a toothpick or skewer into the center—if it comes out with just a few moist crumbs, it’s done.
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Let It Cool: Banana bread continues to set as it cools. Wait until it’s mostly cooled before slicing to get the cleanest cuts.
Storage and Freezing
Banana bread stores well at room temperature for 3 to 4 days if wrapped tightly or kept in an airtight container. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week—just bring it to room temperature before serving to restore some of its softness.
Freezing is another great option. Simply wrap individual slices or the whole loaf in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or microwave individual slices for a quick treat.
Health and Nutrition Highlights
While banana bread isn’t a health food per se, this version offers some nutritional benefits that make it more wholesome than your average dessert.
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Bananas provide potassium, vitamin C, and dietary fiber.
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Moderate sugar content means it won’t spike your blood sugar as dramatically as other baked goods.
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Chocolate chips, while indulgent, also contain antioxidants and add to the satisfaction factor, making you less likely to overindulge.
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Eggs contribute protein and essential nutrients like vitamin B12 and choline.
If you’re looking to make it even more nutritious, consider adding flaxseeds, chia seeds, or a scoop of protein powder. You could also reduce the sugar slightly if your bananas are especially ripe.
Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Approved
This recipe is a hit with both kids and adults. Children love the gooey chocolate chips and the soft texture, while adults appreciate the nostalgic flavor of classic banana bread with a modern twist. It’s also a great recipe to make with kids—they can mash the bananas, stir the batter, and sneak a few chocolate chips along the way.
If you’re baking for a crowd, this recipe easily doubles. You can also portion the batter into muffin tins for individual servings—just reduce the baking time to about 18–22 minutes.
Variations to Try
This banana bread is a solid base for countless variations. Here are a few ideas:
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Nutty Banana Bread: Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for texture.
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Coconut Twist: Fold in shredded coconut and top with a sprinkle of coconut flakes.
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Mocha Banana Bread: Mix in a tablespoon of espresso powder for a coffee kick.
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Peanut Butter Banana Bread: Swirl in ¼ cup of peanut butter before baking for a nutty upgrade.
You can even make it dairy-free by using plant-based butter and chocolate chips.
Conclusion
Ultra Moist Chocolate Chip Banana Bread is more than just a baked good—it’s a heartwarming experience in loaf form. It’s a reminder of the comfort found in simple ingredients, the joy of baking from scratch, and the pleasure of sharing good food with loved ones. This recipe captures all those sentiments and wraps them up in a tender, chocolate-speckled loaf that tastes just as good on day three as it does fresh from the oven.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this banana bread is foolproof, flexible, and utterly delicious. Add it to your baking rotation and enjoy the unbeatable aroma of homemade banana bread filling your kitchen whenever the mood strikes.