This Chocolate Chip Banana Nut Bread is a glorious way to turn a few overripe bananas languishing on your counter into pure magic. It’s everything you love: moist, speckled with melty chocolate, spotted with crunchy walnuts, and lightly scented with cinnamon. Whether it’s breakfast, snack time, or a comfort-food craving, you’re about to meet your new favorite loaf—one that’s so easy yet so irresistible, you’ll want to share a warm slice (or two) with everyone you love.

Chocolate Chip Banana Nut Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Get ready for a short but mighty ingredient list! Each component in this Chocolate Chip Banana Nut Bread brings a special something to the table, from perfect moisture to amazing flavor. Here’s what you’ll be working with, plus tips to help your loaf shine:

All-purpose flour: Gives the bread structure and just the right amount of tenderness.
Baking soda: Essential for a nice rise and light crumb—don’t skip it!
Cinnamon: Adds a subtle warmth and complexity to every bite.
Salt: Balances sweetness and brings all the flavors to life.
Avocado oil: Keeps the loaf moist and tender with a lovely subtle richness; you can substitute melted coconut or canola oil in a pinch.
Eggs: Help bind everything together and add a bit of lift.
Maple syrup: Lends gentle sweetness and hints of caramel—pure maple syrup is best for depth of flavor.
Greek yogurt: Brings creaminess and helps create that perfect crumb.
Vanilla extract: Enhances all the cozy flavors and adds a little extra aroma.
Mashed ripe bananas: The star of the show! The riper, the better for natural sweetness and flavor.
Walnuts: Provide delicious crunch and nutty richness—feel free to toast them for even more flavor.
Chocolate chips: Pocket every bite with melty, gooey chocolate bliss—semisweet or dark work beautifully.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Banana Nut Bread

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F. Line a loaf pan with parchment paper—this makes removing the bread a breeze later on. A little prep now means perfect slices when you’re ready to serve.

Step 2: Whisk Dry Ingredients

Grab a medium bowl and whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. This simple step ensures even distribution and prevents any bitter clumps of baking soda or salt from hiding in your loaf.

Step 3: Blend Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the avocado oil, eggs, maple syrup, Greek yogurt, and vanilla extract for about a minute or two until smooth and well-blended. Add the mashed bananas and whisk again—your mixture should be thick, creamy, and wonderfully fragrant.

Step 4: Combine and Fold

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a rubber spatula, taking care not to overmix. Once you don’t see any more flour streaks, fold in the walnuts and chocolate chips. The goal is a thick, chunky, chocolate-studded batter.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Scrape the batter into your prepared loaf pan and sprinkle extra nuts and chocolate chips over the top for a bakery-worthy look. Bake for 50 to 55 minutes, or until a cake tester or toothpick comes out clean from the center. Your kitchen will smell amazing!

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Let the bread cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes before lifting it out with the parchment. Transfer to a wire rack and cool completely. Slicing too soon might lead to a gummy loaf, so patience is key for the perfect Chocolate Chip Banana Nut Bread experience.

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Banana Nut Bread

Garnishes

Dress up your slices with a light dusting of powdered sugar, a swirl of softened butter, or a drizzle of warm honey. If you want an extra-luxurious touch, try a dollop of whipped cream or a few extra chocolate chips on top—sometimes more is more!

Side Dishes

This loaf pairs beautifully with a steaming mug of coffee, a tall glass of cold milk, or even a creamy latte. For breakfast, serve alongside a refreshing fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla yogurt for a balanced, feel-good meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Chocolate Chip Banana Nut Bread into stunning brunch fare by cutting thick slices and arranging them on a wooden board with berries and nuts. For special occasions, wrap individual slices in parchment and tie with twine for the sweetest homemade gift. Or try cubing the bread for a dreamy bread pudding or French toast casserole!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap or store slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This bread stays tender and moist—almost improving after a day!

Freezing

To freeze, let the Chocolate Chip Banana Nut Bread cool completely. Slice, then wrap each piece in parchment and slip them into a zip-top bag or airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months, and just thaw what you need for a quick treat.

Reheating

For that fresh-baked warmth, pop individual slices into the toaster or warm gently in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds. If reheating several slices, wrap lightly in foil and bake at 300°F for 10 minutes—it smells heavenly all over again.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of oil?

Absolutely! While avocado oil gives this Chocolate Chip Banana Nut Bread wonderful richness, you can easily substitute with melted coconut oil or canola oil. Each brings its own subtle flavor and texture, so feel free to use your favorite.

Do I have to add nuts?

Nope! If you have a nut allergy or just prefer your banana bread nut-free, simply leave out the walnuts. Consider adding extra chocolate chips or a swirl of nut butter (if not allergic) for another twist.

Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes, frozen bananas work great in this recipe! Thaw them completely and drain off any excess liquid before mashing. They often make the bread even more flavorful and moist.

How do I know when the bread is done?

Insert a cake tester or toothpick into the center of the loaf; if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your Chocolate Chip Banana Nut Bread is ready. If you hit a chocolate chip, check another spot to be sure.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

You can! Substitute your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (ideally one with xanthan gum already included) for the standard flour. The results are still moist, flavorful, and truly satisfying.

Final Thoughts

This recipe is simply a must-try for anyone who loves baking at home—there’s something genuinely comforting about a thick slice of freshly baked Chocolate Chip Banana Nut Bread shared with family or friends. Give it a whirl in your kitchen, tweak it to your taste, and prepare to fall for this delightful loaf again and again!

Chocolate Chip Banana Nut Bread Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 14 reviews

Author: Ethan
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the rich flavors of Chocolate Chip Banana Nut Bread. This moist and flavorful bread is packed with ripe bananas, crunchy walnuts, and sweet chocolate chips, making it a perfect treat for any time of day.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 325°F. Line a loaf pan with parchment paper and set aside.
Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the oil, eggs, maple syrup, Greek yogurt, and vanilla extract until well blended. Stir in the mashed bananas until well blended. Fold in the flour mixture until no streaks of flour remain. Fold in walnuts and chocolate chips.
Bake: Scrape the batter into the pan, sprinkle with more nuts and chocolate chips. Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a cake tester comes out clean.
Cool and Serve: Let cool for 20 minutes, then remove from pan and cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Notes

Add a sprinkle of cinnamon on top before baking for extra flavor.
For a healthier option, use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50-55 minutes
Category: Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of loaf)
Calories: 280
Sugar: 14g
Sodium: 200mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: Chocolate Chip Banana Nut Bread, Banana Bread Recipe, Homemade Bread, Baking with Bananas