Chocolate Chip Walnut Banana Bread Recipe Made Easy

If you’ve ever wondered how to transform ripe bananas into a decadent treat, this Chocolate Chip Walnut Banana Bread recipe is exactly what you need. Combining the natural sweetness of bananas with the rich crunch of walnuts and gooey chocolate chips, this bread is a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Whether you’re baking for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, this loaf will quickly become a family favorite. The moist crumb and irresistible aroma make it hard to resist a second slice!

Plus, this recipe is incredibly forgiving, making it ideal for both beginner and seasoned bakers. It’s a wonderful way to use up those overripe bananas sitting on your counter, turning them into something truly special.

Let’s dive into why this banana bread stands out and how you can make it step-by-step in your own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This banana bread is the perfect marriage of classic comfort and indulgence. Here’s why it’s worth baking:

• Moist and tender crumb: Thanks to the ripe bananas and the right balance of wet and dry ingredients, the bread stays soft and moist for days.
• Crunchy walnuts: Adds a satisfying texture contrast that complements the soft bread and melted chocolate chips.
• Chocolate chips: Little pockets of melted chocolate throughout the bread make every bite a delight.
• Easy to customize: You can swap walnuts for pecans or add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to suit your taste.
• Great for any occasion: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet treat with your afternoon coffee.

Ingredients

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 ½ cups)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ½ cup chopped walnuts, toasted

Equipment

• 9×5 inch loaf pan
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Cooling rack
• Toothpick or cake tester

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray. Line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal if desired.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
4. Add the eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition.
5. Mix in the mashed bananas, vanilla extract, and sour cream until fully combined.
6. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix; stir just until combined.
7. Gently fold in the chocolate chips and toasted walnuts, reserving a few to sprinkle on top if desired.
8. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle the reserved chocolate chips and walnuts over the surface.
9. Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
10. Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely before slicing.

Tips & Variations

“For the best banana bread, use bananas that are very ripe with plenty of brown spots. They bring the most natural sweetness and moisture to the loaf.”

• Toast your walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes to enhance their flavor and crunch.
• Add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg (about ½ teaspoon each) for a warm, cozy twist.
• Swap out the walnuts for pecans or even macadamia nuts for a different nutty profile.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute coconut oil for butter and use dairy-free yogurt.
• Mix in ½ cup of shredded coconut or dried cranberries for added texture and flavor.
• Freeze slices in an airtight container for up to 3 months for quick snacks later.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This banana bread is delicious on its own, but here are a few ways to enjoy it even more:

• Spread a thin layer of butter or cream cheese for a creamy contrast.
• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
• Pair with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea to complement the sweet and nutty flavors.
• Toast slices lightly for a crunchy exterior and soft inside, perfect with peanut butter.

Conclusion

This Chocolate Chip Walnut Banana Bread is a timeless recipe that brings warmth and comfort to your kitchen. Its moist texture, balanced sweetness, and delightful mix of chocolate and nuts make it a versatile treat for any time of day.

Baking this bread is not only a rewarding experience but also a perfect way to use up ripe bananas that might otherwise go to waste. Once you try this recipe, you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again, whether for a cozy breakfast, quick snack, or sweet dessert.

Remember, baking is all about fun and creativity, so feel free to experiment with add-ins and spices to make this bread uniquely yours. And if you enjoyed this recipe, you might want to explore other delicious baked goods like Classic Blueberry Muffins, Lemon Poppy Seed Cake, or Double Chocolate Brownies for more inspiration!

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