Not one, not two, not three, but FOUR bananas are packed into a single loaf of this Chocolate Chip Walnut Banana Bread. A bread absolutely bedazzled with chocolate chips and walnuts.
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Original content posted October 2014. Updated March 2021.
This Chocolate Chip Walnut Banana Bread is rich and decadent. Not one or two, instead FOUR bananas are packed into a single loaf of this delicious bread. That’s what gives it it’s beyond high moisture content.
Just like any treat should be if you ask me! The fact that it has some bananas thrown in for good measure is just an added benefit. And because of said bananas, that means this is totally an appropriate breakfast food! Don’t you like how my mind works?
I love adding bananas to baked goods. The flavor and moisture they add is just second to none! I mean, take a bite of my Banana Chocolate Chip Fluffernutter French Toast Casserole or Coconut Banana Bread Donuts and you’d be shaking your head in agreement in no time!
Can Bananas Be Too Ripe to Use in Banana Bread?
And yes, I know, I know. Everyone says their banana bread is the best, but I’m here to set the record straight. THIS is the best banana bread recipe. I actually order large amounts of bananas to sit and turn an ugly shade of black in my fruit bowl just so I can make this Chocolate Chip Walnut Banana Bread.
I don’t believe bananas ever truly go bad. For this banana bread recipe, the blacker a banana is, the better. Once they are black and start to shrivel a little bit, the sugars within the banana being to almost ferment. Using extra ripe bananas like this will make your bread extra delicious!
This Chocolate Chip Walnut Banana Bread has it all. A moist and comforting banana bread base is bedazzled with chopped walnuts and chocolate chips. What emerges from the oven is nothing short of amazing.
That melty chocolate gets me every time! I typically make two loafs at a time as the first is devoured so quickly. Or if you have more self-restraint that I do – kudos to you! – this bread also freezes beautifully.
TIP: If you’re looking for an autumn take on this recipe, check out my Chocolate Chip Walnut Pumpkin Bread. I also am in love with my Blueberry Walnut Banana Bread which is packed with fresh blueberries!
How to You Make Banana Bread with Walnuts and Chocolate Chips?
[1] In the bowl of an electric mixer, add butter and sugar.
[2] Cream together on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
[3] Add eggs and bananas to mixing bowl.
[4] Mix on medium speed until combined.
TIP: I like to leave some larger pieces of banana in my batter so that they’re visible and provide a punch of banana to the finished bread.
[5] Add flour, baking soda, salt and vanilla to mixing bowl.
[6] Mix on low speed until just combined.
TIP: You want to mix only until the separate ingredients are barely visible as you’ll continue to stir to mix in the walnuts and chocolate chips in the next step. If you over mix the batter, it will result in a more dense and chewy bread.
[7] Add walnuts and chocolate chips to mixing bowl.
[8] With a spatula, fold in walnuts and chocolate chips until just combined.
TIP: Folding is another name for very gently stirring that’s typically done with a rubber spatula until ingredients are just incorporated. The goal is to avoid deflating delicate ingredients by making broad, scoop-like movements from the inside of the bowl outwards.
The more you handle the batter gently, the more tender your bread will be!
[9] Pour batter in a greased and parchment lined 9″ x 5″ x 3″ loaf pan and bake at 350 degrees for 55 minutes. Turn oven off and leave bread in oven for additional 15 minutes.
TIP: To form a parchment paper sling for your bread, cut a length of parchment paper long enough to line the bottom of the pan with extra hanging over the sides. If your parchment is longer than your pan, fold the extra under.
Press a crease in the parchment at the edges, so it fits snugly into the bottom. Spray non-stick cooking spray directly onto the bottom and sides of the pan and set the parchment on top. This will help the parchment stick to the pan, keep it from moving as you pour in the batter, and prevent batter from oozing between the parchment and the pan.
How to Store Banana Bread
This Chocolate Chip Walnut Banana Bread should always be kept in plastic wrap, tin foil, or an airtight container to keep it from drying out. You can extend the life of your banana bread up to about a week by refrigerating it.
I’ve also had great luck freezing loaves by wrapping tightly in foil and then placing in an air tight food storage bag. Then when you’re ready to enjoy it, you can simply place it in the fridge overnight to thaw. Bread loaves will keep in the freezer for three months.
If you’ve tried this Chocolate Chip Walnut Banana Bread or any other recipe on Melanie Makes, please let me know your thoughts in the comments below. I love hearing from you and respond to each and every comment!
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Chocolate Chip Walnut Banana Bread
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 eggs beaten
- 4 ripe bananas
- 1-1/2 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- In the bowl of an electric mixer, add butter and sugar.
- Cream together on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add eggs and bananas to mixing bowl.
- Mix on medium speed until combined.TIP: I like to leave some larger pieces of banana in my batter so that they're visible and provide a punch of banana to the finished bread.
- Add flour, baking soda, salt and vanilla to mixing bowl.
- Mix on low speed until just combined.TIP: You want to mix only until the separate ingredients are barely visible as you'll continue to stir to mix in the walnuts and chocolate chips in the next step. If you over mix the batter, it will result in a more dense and chewy bread.
- Add walnuts and chocolate chips to mixing bowl.
- With a spatula, fold in walnuts and chocolate chips until just combined.TIP: Folding is another name for very gently stirring that's typically done with a rubber spatula until ingredients are just incorporated. The goal is to avoid deflating delicate ingredients by making broad, scoop-like movements from the inside of the bowl outwards.The more you handle the batter gently, the more tender your bread will be!
- Pour batter in a greased and parchment lined 9" x 5" x 3" loaf pan and bake at 350 degrees for 55 minutes. Turn oven off and leave bread in oven for additional 15 minutes.TIP: To form a parchment paper sling for your bread, cut a length of parchment paper long enough to line the bottom of the pan with extra hanging over the sides. If your parchment is longer than your pan, fold the extra under. Press a crease in the parchment at the edges, so it fits snugly into the bottom. Spray non-stick cooking spray directly onto the bottom and sides of the pan and set the parchment on top. This will help the parchment stick to the pan, keep it from moving as you pour in the batter, and prevent batter from oozing between the parchment and the pan.
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