What if I said we could take normal banana bread and make it even better? If you think that’s impossible, you’d be wrong. This Banana Chocolate Chip Bread recipe takes regular banana bread and adds browned butter and chocolate chips to make something extra delicious.
This Banana Chocolate Chip Bread recipes is nostalgic, but with a unique twist. It’s really simple to make and perfect for a sweet breakfast, a mid-afternoon snack, or an after-dinner dessert. Browning the butter adds a subtle caramelized, almost toffee-like flavour that makes the loaf taste bakery-level good with only minimal extra effort. If you love a classic banana bread recipe but want something just a little more, this brown butter banana bread is it. You should also try my Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread and my Chocolate Loaf Cake.
😍 Why You’ll Love This Banana Chocolate Chip Bread
Deep, rich flavour: Browning the butter adds a nutty, caramel-like depth that regular banana bread just doesn’t have.
Ultra moist: Ripe bananas and brown sugar keep the crumb soft and tender for days.
Simple but elevated: One extra step (brown butter!) makes this loaf even better.
Totally versatile: Perfect for breakfast, snacking, dessert, or gifting.
🍌 Ingredients You’ll Need To Make This Banana Chocolate Chip Bread
Unsalted butter: Browning it brings out a nutty, toasty flavour that transforms the entire flavour profile.
Eggs: Bind everything together and give the bread structure and richness.
Ripe bananas: The riper, the better as they add natural sweetness and moisture.
Brown sugar: Adds warmth, moisture, and a subtle molasses note that pairs great with banana.
Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavours and adds a cozy sweetness.
Almond extract (optional): Just a hint deepens the flavour and complements the chocolate.
All-purpose flour: Provides structure without making the loaf dense.
Baking soda & baking powder: Work together to give the bread lift and a tender crumb.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings all the flavours into focus.
Cinnamon: Adds warmth and enhances the banana flavour without overpowering it.
Mini chocolate chips (optional): Melt evenly throughout the loaf for little chocolatey bites in every slice.
✔ How To Make This Banana Chocolate Chip Bread
Preheat your oven to 375 °F and line a 9×5 loaf pan with parchment paper or spray with cooking spray.
Brown the butter: in a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Continue cooking, swirling occasionally, until it turns golden brown and gives off a nutty aroma. This usually takes between 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool for a few minutes while you prepare everything else.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside. In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk together the browned butter and brown sugar until smooth and free of lumps.
Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract, almond extract, and mashed bananas and mix until combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding in gently until just combined, then fold in the chocolate chips.
Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean. Slice, serve and enjoy!
🗒 Variations
Nutty twist: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
Extra chocolate: Use dark chocolate chunks instead of mini chips for bigger pools of chocolate.
Spiced up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for extra warmth.
🗒 Substitutions
No chocolate chips: Leave them out for a classic brown butter banana bread.
Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.
🤔 FAQ’S
How ripe should the bananas be?
Very ripe. You want lots of brown spots or even fully brown peels. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavourful your banana bread will be.
Do I have to brown the butter?
You don’t have to, but it’s highly recommended. Browning the butter adds that nutty, caramelized depth.
Can I make this without chocolate chips?
Absolutely. You’ll have a delicious classic brown butter banana bread. You can also replace the chocolate chips with chopped nuts if you prefer.
Why did my banana bread sink in the middle?
This usually happens if the loaf is underbaked or if the batter was overmixed. Make sure to mix just until combined and test with a toothpick before removing it from the oven.
How do I keep banana bread moist?
Store it in an airtight container at room temperature. Thanks to the bananas and brown sugar, this loaf stays soft and moist for several days.
🍴 Leftovers? Lucky you.
Store your banana chocolate chip bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, slice the loaf, wrap each slice tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm gently before serving.
👩🏻🍳 Hungry For More?
If you enjoyed my Banana Chocolate Chip Bread recipe, take a peek at a few of my personal favourite desserts down below you’ll likely love:
- Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread
- Pumpkin Banana Bread with Maple Syrup Glaze
- Chocolate Loaf Cake
- Raspberry Lemon Loaf with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Ginger Molasses Cookies
- Chocolate Muffins
- Blueberry Lemon Muffins
💌 Let’s Stay Connected
Keep in touch with me on Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest! If you do make this banana chocolate chip bread recipe (or any recipe of mine) don’t forget to leave a review.
Banana Chocolate Chip Bread
Equipment
- 1 9×5 loaf pan
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter, unsalted
- 2 eggs
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp almond extract, optional
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 3/4 cup mini chocolate chips, optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375 °F and line a 9×5 loaf pan with parchment paper or spray with cooking spray.
- Brown the butter: in a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Continue cooking, swirling occasionally, until it turns golden brown and gives off a nutty aroma. This usually takes between 5-7 minutes.Remove from heat and let it cool for a few minutes while you prepare everything else.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
- In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk together the browned butter and brown sugar until smooth and free of lumps.
- Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition.Stir in vanilla extract, almond extract, and mashed bananas and mix until combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding in gently until just combined, then fold in the chocolate chips.
- Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean.
- Slice, serve and enjoy!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This worked exactly as written, thanks! My fam loved it.