Moist Banana Bread with Chocolate Chips and Optional Nuts Recipe

Introduction

Moist banana bread is a timeless treat that’s perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert. With ripe bananas and a hint of cinnamon, this easy recipe yields a tender, flavorful loaf that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 3 ripe bananas
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional) or nuts of choice
• 1 banana for topping (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 4×8-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper. Grease the parchment paper with butter as well. Set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, mash 3 bananas with a fork until smooth. Add both sugars and mix until combined. Then add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well.
3. Step 3: Pour in melted butter and stir until fully incorporated.
4. Step 4: Sift together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually add to the wet ingredients, stirring gently to combine without overmixing.
5. Step 5: Fold in chocolate chips or your choice of chopped nuts.
6. Step 6: Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Slice one banana lengthwise and place it cut side up on top of the batter for decoration.
7. Step 7: Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Step 8: Let the bread cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes before removing the parchment paper. Allow to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.

Tips & Variations

• Use very ripe bananas with brown spots for the best natural sweetness and moisture.
• For a nutty crunch, try adding walnuts or pecans instead of chocolate chips.
• Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor if using chips.
• If you prefer a dairy-free version, substitute melted butter with coconut oil or a plant-based margarine.
• Sprinkle some oats or pumpkin seeds on top for extra texture before baking.

Storage

Store banana bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze slices for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm slices briefly in a toaster or microwave until soft.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?

Yes, thaw frozen bananas completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing them to avoid making the batter too wet.

How can I tell when banana bread is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick or skewer into the center; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the bread is done. Avoid opening the oven too early to prevent sinking.

Moist Banana Bread with Chocolate Chips and Optional Nuts Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 111 reviews

This Moist Banana Bread Recipe is a delightful treat featuring ripe bananas, a perfect balance of sugars, and optional chocolate chips or nuts for added texture. Baked to golden perfection, this quick bread is fluffy, flavorful, and ideal for breakfast or a snack.

• Author: Sana
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf (about 10 slices) 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Banana Bread Batter

• 3 Ripe bananas
• 1/2 cup White sugar
• 1/4 cup Brown sugar
• 2 Eggs
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup Melted butter
• 2 cups All-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon Baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon Baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon Salt
• 1 teaspoon Cinnamon (optional)
• 1/2 cup Chocolate chips (optional) or nuts of choice

Topping

• 1 Banana, sliced in half lengthwise (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 4×8-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper. Grease the parchment paper with butter as well to prevent sticking, then set the pan aside.
2. Mash bananas and mix wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mash the 3 ripe bananas thoroughly with a fork until smooth. Add both the white and brown sugars and mix until fully combined. Then add the eggs and vanilla extract, stirring until the mixture is uniform. Finally, pour in the melted butter and mix until everything is well combined.
3. Add dry ingredients: Sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet banana mixture, stirring gently until incorporated. Be careful not to over mix to keep the bread tender.
4. Incorporate mix-ins: Fold in the chocolate chips or nuts of your choice evenly throughout the batter for added flavor and texture.
5. Prepare for baking: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. For an attractive finish, place the banana sliced lengthwise on top of the batter with the cut side facing up.
6. Bake the bread: Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes. To check doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
7. Cool the bread: Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes before carefully removing it from the pan. Then let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Notes

• Use very ripe bananas for optimal sweetness and moisture.
• Do not over mix the batter to avoid dense bread.
• Optional additions like nuts or chocolate chips can be adjusted to preference.
• Ensure the loaf is completely cooled before slicing for best texture.
• Store banana bread wrapped in plastic wrap or airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature or freeze for longer storage.

Keywords: banana bread, moist banana bread, homemade banana bread, banana bread recipe, quick bread, dessert, breakfast