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A loaf of chocolate chip banana bread with a slice cut, showing the moist texture and chocolate chips.

Moist Chocolate Chip Banana Bread: 1 Bowl Joy

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Written by Alex Hayes

October 12, 2025

There’s just something magical about a slice of warm, gooey chocolate chip banana bread, isn’t there? For me, it instantly brings a sense of cozy comfort. I remember those times when life felt like a whirlwind, and the kitchen felt like the last place I wanted to be. But after discovering the pure joy of creating something delicious from scratch – like this incredibly moist, one-bowl banana bread – it all changed. You can read more about my kitchen journey here. This recipe is a game-changer for using up those overripe bananas that are just begging for a delicious purpose. It’s proof that simple, home-baked treats can bring so much happiness.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

Seriously, this recipe is a winner! Here’s why you’ll be making it again and again:

  • Super Moist & Flavorful: We’re talking tender, moist crumb packed with banana flavor and melty chocolate chips. It’s pure deliciousness!
  • One Bowl Wonder: Yep, you heard that right. Everything goes into one bowl, meaning way less cleanup. Who doesn’t love that?
  • No Mixer Needed: Forget pulling out the big stand mixer! This is a simple ‘mix-it-by-hand’ recipe, perfect for quick baking sessions.
  • Uses Ripe Bananas: It’s the perfect way to rescue those bananas that are a little *too* spotty to eat straight.
  • Versatile & Simple: Great for breakfast, a snack, or even a simple dessert. It’s your go-to easy quick bread.

Ingredients for the Best Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to banana bread bliss! Trust me, using good stuff makes all the difference. Make sure those bananas are super ripe – like, really brown and spotted. That’s where all the sweetness and moisture magic happens! You can check out another favorite banana bread recipe if you’re looking for more inspiration, but this one is a keeper for a reason. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this amazing loaf:

Yields: 1 loaf
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 50-65 minutes

  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 very ripe mashed bananas (about 1 1/2 cups worth – this is key!)
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet are my favorite, but use what you love!)

How to Make One-Bowl Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

Alright, get ready to make the easiest, most delicious chocolate chip banana bread ever! This isn’t complicated, I promise. We’re using just one bowl and no fancy mixers to get this incredible loaf into your oven. You can find all sorts of great tips for baking bread, but this one is so straightforward, anyone can do it!

Prepping Your Loaf Pan and Oven

First things first, let’s get your oven to the right temperature: 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, grab your standard 9×5 inch loaf pan. Give it a good grease and then a little flour dusting – this makes sure your beautiful bread slides right out when it’s done.

Mixing the Wet Ingredients for Moist Banana Bread

Now for the magic in one bowl! Dump in your granulated sugar, then pour in that melted butter. Toss in your beaten egg and a splash of vanilla extract. Give it all a good whisk until it’s nicely combined. Next, add in your mashed bananas – and remember, the riper, the better for that super moist banana bread texture! Stir until it’s just incorporated. Easy peasy, right?

Incorporating Dry Ingredients and Chocolate Chips

Time for the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gently fold these dry ingredients into your wet mixture. Be careful not to go crazy here – overmixing is the enemy of a tender crumb! Just mix until you don’t see any big streaks of flour. Now for the best part: the chocolate chips! Gently fold those in, making sure they’re distributed throughout the batter. It’s starting to smell amazing already!

Baking Your Chocolate Chip Banana Bread to Perfection

Pour your glorious batter into that prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top a bit. Now, into the preheated oven it goes! Bake for about 50 to 65 minutes. Your kitchen will start to smell divine! To check if it’s ready, just pop a wooden skewer or a thin knife into the center. If it comes out clean, with maybe just a few moist crumbs attached (no wet batter!), you’re golden!

Cooling and Serving Your Easy Quick Bread

Once it’s out of the oven, let your amazing chocolate chip banana bread hang out in the pan for about 10 minutes. This helps it set up. Then, carefully flip it onto a wire rack to cool completely. This is crucial for the perfect texture! Once cool, slice it up and enjoy. It’s perfect as a quick breakfast loaf or a delightful simple dessert recipe.

Tips for the Ultimate Moist Banana Bread

Okay, let’s talk about getting that *perfect* moist texture because, let’s be honest, dry banana bread is just sad. My biggest secret? Really, really ripe bananas. I’m talking black spots galore! They bring so much natural sweetness and moisture, it’s unbelievable. You can find more tips for using up those bananas here. Also, please, please, please don’t overmix the batter once you add the flour. Just mix until it’s *barely* combined. Overmixing develops gluten, and that’s how you get a tough, dense loaf. A gentle hand is key to that tender, moist crumb we all crave!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

Let’s dive a little deeper into why these ingredients work their magic! Those super ripe, spotty bananas aren’t just for show; they’re essential for that deep banana flavor and incredible moisture. If you don’t have fresh ones, thawed frozen ripe bananas work like a charm! You can explore more delicious ways to use them with our gluten-free banana bread recipe too. And about those chocolate chips? While semi-sweet are my go-to, feel free to use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate! For a nutty crunch, swapping half the chips for chopped walnuts or pecans is a fantastic idea.

Storing and Freezing Your Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

Now that you’ve baked this absolute gem, what do you do if you can’t eat it all in one sitting? (Which, let’s be honest, is a real possibility!). Storing this banana bread is super simple. If you think you’ll finish it within a couple of days, just wrap it up tightly with plastic wrap or pop it into an airtight container and leave it right on the counter. It’ll stay delicious for about two to three days. But if you want to save some for later – or, let’s be real, hoard it for yourself! – this is a fantastic freezer-friendly bake. Wrap the cooled loaf really well first in plastic wrap, then add a layer of foil. It can hang out in your freezer for up to 3 months, keeping it delicious for those unexpected cravings. If you’re looking for more freezer-friendly bakes, you’ll find lots of inspiration here!

Frequently Asked Questions About This Banana Bread

Got questions about making the best chocolate chip banana bread? I’ve got answers!

Can I use less sugar in this chocolate chip banana bread?

You can try reducing the sugar a bit, but remember it helps with moisture and browning. Less sugar might lead to a slightly less tender cake, so I’d stick to the recipe for the best results!

How do I know when my banana bread is done baking?

Look for golden brown edges that pull away slightly from the pan. The easiest way is the skewer test: insert a toothpick or thin knife into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s ready!

Why is my banana bread dense?

A dense loaf usually means the batter was overmixed, or maybe not enough leavening was used. Make sure to just mix until the ingredients are combined and use fresh baking soda for the best lift!

Nutritional Information

Just a heads-up, the nutritional info below is an estimate per slice, and it can swing a bit depending on the exact ingredients you use (like the type of chocolate chips or if you add nuts!). This recipe tends to be pretty rich and satisfying, so a slice is usually a good amount.

Serving Size: 1 slice

  • Calories: 300
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg
  • Sodium: 200mg
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 25g
  • Protein: 4g

Share Your Creations!

Loved making this chocolate chip banana bread? I’d be thrilled to hear all about it! Drop a comment below, leave a star rating, or tag me on social media with your delicious photos. You can reach me through my contact page or find me on Facebook. Happy baking!

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One-Bowl Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

A delicious loaf of chocolate chip banana bread, showcasing the moist texture and chocolate chips.

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Make a super moist, chocolate chip banana bread in one bowl using ripe bananas. This easy quick bread is perfect for weekend baking.

  • Author: purejoyalex
  • Prep Time: 15 min
  • Cook Time: 60 min
  • Total Time: 75 min
  • Yield: 10 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 very ripe mashed bananas (about 1 1/2 cups)
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
  2. In a large bowl, stir together the baking soda, salt, and sugar.
  3. Add the melted butter, beaten egg, and vanilla extract to the bowl. Mix well.
  4. Stir in the mashed bananas until just combined.
  5. Fold in the flour until just combined. Do not overmix.
  6. Gently stir in the chocolate chips.
  7. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
  8. Bake for 50-65 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
  9. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

  • For best results, use very ripe bananas with plenty of brown spots.
  • You can substitute half of the chocolate chips with chopped nuts if desired.
  • This bread freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer.
  • To reheat, thaw at room temperature or warm slices in the oven or microwave.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 25g
  • Sodium: 200mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg

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Hi, I'm Alex! I believe incredible food doesn't have to be complicated. Here at Pure Cooking Joy, I share delicious, approachable recipes designed to bring happiness back into your kitchen. Let's get cooking!

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