Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe | Made in the USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 50 minutes | Servings: 2 loaves

Introduction

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread is a delicious and moist treat that combines the sweetness of ripe bananas with the rich flavor of chocolate chips. This recipe is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack any time of day.

History

Banana bread has been a popular baked good in American households since the early 20th century. The addition of chocolate chips to the traditional banana bread recipe adds a sweet and decadent twist to this classic treat.

Ingredients

3 mashed overripe bananas
1.13 cup sugar
0.5 cup fresh orange juice
2 eggs
0.25 cup softened unsalted butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cup flour
2 tsp baking powder
0.5 tsp baking soda
0.13 tsp salt
1 cup small chocolate chips
1 cup chopped walnuts

How to prepare

In a mixing bowl, combine the bananas, sugar, orange juice, eggs, butter, and vanilla. Beat the mixture until well combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the mixture, one at a time, ensuring they are well mixed.
Grease two loaf pans and pour the batter evenly into them.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and bake the loaves for approximately 50 minutes.

Variations

Try adding a handful of shredded coconut or chopped pecans to the batter for extra texture and flavor.
For a healthier version, substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour and reduce the sugar content.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use overripe bananas for the best flavor and texture in your banana bread.

- Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in a tough and dense loaf.

- For extra flavor, try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter.

- To prevent the chocolate chips from sinking to the bottom of the loaf, toss them in a little flour before adding them to the batter.

Serving Suggestions

Serve slices of Chocolate Chip Banana Bread warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the banana bread at a lower temperature for a longer period of time helps to ensure that the loaf cooks evenly and stays moist.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have walnuts on hand, you can substitute them with pecans or almonds. You can also use milk chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips for a sweeter flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

Presentation Ideas

Slice the banana bread into thick slices and arrange them on a platter with fresh fruit and a dusting of powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Enjoy a slice of Chocolate Chip Banana Bread with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk for a delicious and satisfying snack.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave a slice for 15-20 seconds or toast it in a toaster oven until warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Chocolate Chip Banana Bread contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Chocolate Chip Banana Bread contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Chocolate Chip Banana Bread contains approximately 12 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Chocolate Chip Banana Bread contains approximately 5 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Bananas are a good source of potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin B6, all of which are important for overall health and well-being.

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs, dairy (butter), and nuts (walnuts), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread is a delicious treat that is relatively high in carbohydrates and fats, but also provides a good source of protein and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread is a delightful and indulgent treat that is perfect for any occasion. With the perfect balance of sweetness from the bananas and chocolate chips, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Chocolate Chip Banana Bread. It was a warm summer day, the kind that makes you want to stay in the kitchen and bake up something delicious. I had a bunch of ripe bananas sitting on my counter, just begging to be used, and I was feeling inspired to try something new.

I remember flipping through a magazine that day, looking for inspiration, when I stumbled upon a recipe for Chocolate Chip Banana Bread. It sounded like the perfect combination of flavors - sweet bananas, rich chocolate chips, and the warm spices of cinnamon and nutmeg. I knew I had to give it a try.

I gathered all the ingredients I needed and got to work in the kitchen. As I mashed the bananas and mixed in the flour, sugar, and spices, a sense of anticipation filled the air. The kitchen was filled with the warm aroma of baking bread, and I couldn't wait to see how it would turn out.

As the bread baked in the oven, I watched eagerly through the oven door, waiting for it to rise and turn golden brown. Finally, the timer went off, and I pulled the loaf out of the oven. It looked perfect - a golden crust speckled with chocolate chips, and the smell was divine.

I let the bread cool for a few minutes before slicing into it. The bread was moist and tender, with just the right amount of sweetness from the bananas and chocolate chips. It was a perfect blend of flavors, and I knew I had stumbled upon a recipe that would become a staple in my kitchen.

I shared the bread with my family that evening, and they all raved about how delicious it was. My grandkids couldn't get enough of it, and even my husband, who usually isn't a fan of banana bread, asked for a second slice. I knew then that this recipe was a winner.

Over the years, I've made this Chocolate Chip Banana Bread countless times, each time tweaking the recipe slightly to make it my own. Sometimes I'll add a handful of chopped nuts for extra crunch, or a swirl of caramel sauce for a decadent touch. But no matter how I change it up, the basic recipe remains the same - a simple, delicious treat that never fails to please.

I've shared this recipe with friends and neighbors, who have all become fans of my Chocolate Chip Banana Bread. They always ask for the recipe, and I'm happy to pass it along, knowing that it will bring joy to their kitchens just as it has to mine.

As I sit here in my kitchen, with the smell of freshly baked bread wafting through the air, I can't help but feel grateful for stumbling upon that recipe all those years ago. It has become a cherished part of my repertoire, a reminder of the joy that baking can bring, and the simple pleasure of sharing something delicious with the ones you love.

So if you ever find yourself with a bunch of ripe bananas and a craving for something sweet, give this recipe a try. I promise you won't be disappointed. Happy baking!