The Ultimate Chocolate Chip Banana Nut Bread Recipe

This Chocolate Chip Banana Nut Bread Recipe is the perfect blend of moist, flavorful banana bread with the added indulgence of chocolate chips and crunchy walnuts. It’s a classic comfort food that’s incredibly easy to make and guaranteed to satisfy any sweet tooth. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe will guide you to baking perfection.

After mastering this recipe, consider trying a different take on banana bread with our classic banana bread recipe.

Why This Chocolate Chip Banana Nut Bread Recipe Works

This chocolate chip banana nut bread recipe is more than just a combination of ingredients; it’s a carefully crafted balance of flavors and textures. The overripe bananas provide natural sweetness and moisture, while the walnuts offer a delightful crunch. The chocolate chips, well, they’re the cherry on top, adding pockets of melty goodness in every bite. This recipe also uses a combination of butter and oil for a perfectly tender crumb.

Ingredients for the Best Chocolate Chip Banana Nut Bread

• 3 very ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup chopped walnuts

Step-by-Step Instructions for Chocolate Chip Banana Nut Bread

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan. This ensures your beautiful banana bread slides right out after baking.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, mash the bananas well. Add the melted butter, oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined. Think of this as creating the foundation of flavor for your bread.
3. Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures even distribution of the leavening agents, preventing a dense or unevenly risen loaf.
4. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough bread.
5. Add Chocolate Chips and Walnuts: Fold in the chocolate chips and walnuts. Imagine those pockets of chocolate and crunchy walnuts throughout your bread – irresistible!
6. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool and Enjoy: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Chocolate Chip Banana Nut Bread Ingredients

Tips and Tricks for Baking Perfect Chocolate Chip Banana Nut Bread

• Banana Ripeness: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Look for bananas with brown spots – they’re perfect for baking.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough bread. Mix the batter until just combined.
• Toothpick Test: To check for doneness, insert a wooden skewer or toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean, it’s done.
• Storage: Store leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Looking for a healthy twist on quick bread? Check out our healthy pumpkin bread recipe.

Variations on the Classic Chocolate Chip Banana Nut Bread Recipe

• Spiced Chocolate Chip Banana Nut Bread: Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm and cozy flavor.
• Chocolate Chunk Banana Nut Bread: Use chopped chocolate chunks instead of chocolate chips for larger pockets of chocolatey goodness.
• Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Banana Nut Bread: Swirl in a few tablespoons of peanut butter for a decadent twist. Who can resist the combination of peanut butter, chocolate, and banana?

Baking Chocolate Chip Banana Nut Bread

Why Use Both Butter and Oil in Banana Bread?

Using both butter and oil in this chocolate chip banana nut bread recipe provides the best of both worlds. Butter adds flavor and richness, while oil contributes to moisture and a tender crumb. This combination is key to achieving that perfect texture.

Troubleshooting Your Chocolate Chip Banana Nut Bread

• Bread is too dense: This could be due to overmixing or not enough leavening agents. Make sure to mix the batter until just combined and double-check the expiration dates on your baking soda.
• Bread is too dry: The bananas may not have been ripe enough, or the bread was overbaked. Use very ripe bananas and check for doneness with a toothpick.

For another delicious quick bread option, try our recipe for pumpkin bread.

FAQs about Chocolate Chip Banana Nut Bread

• Can I use frozen bananas? Yes, you can use frozen bananas. Thaw them completely and drain off any excess liquid before using.
• Can I substitute the walnuts? Absolutely! Pecans, almonds, or even macadamia nuts would be delicious substitutes.
• How do I store leftover banana bread? Store leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

If you’re looking for another way to use up those ripe bananas, consider our protein banana bread recipe. This is a great option for a healthier treat.

Chocolate Chip Banana Nut Bread with Coffee

Conclusion: Baking Bliss with Chocolate Chip Banana Nut Bread

This chocolate chip banana nut bread recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With its moist, tender crumb, sweet banana flavor, crunchy walnuts, and melty chocolate chips, it’s the perfect treat for any occasion. So grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and bake yourself a slice of happiness! Share your baking experience with us – we’d love to hear about it! And if you are feeling adventurous try out our banana bread sourdough recipe.