Chocolate Chip Banana Bread with Walnuts

There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked banana bread wafting through the house — warm, sweet, comforting, and nostalgic. This Chocolate Chip Banana Bread with Walnuts takes that classic flavor and gives it a delicious upgrade with melty chocolate chips and crunchy toasted walnuts. It’s tender, moist, and perfectly sweet — everything banana bread should be and more.

Whether you’re baking for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, this recipe transforms simple pantry ingredients into something extraordinary. It’s great for meal prepping, gifting, or using up ripe bananas that would otherwise go to waste.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this banana bread because it strikes the perfect balance of flavors and textures — soft and fluffy with bursts of chocolate and the rich nuttiness from walnuts. It's also extremely reliable, meaning it turns out beautifully every time. Plus, it’s versatile: serve it warm with butter, toasted with coffee, or just as it is — pure comfort in every bite.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Uses simple ingredients you likely already have
• Makes any morning feel special
• Kid-friendly and freezer-friendly
• Perfectly moist — not dry or dense
• Ideal for using overripe bananas (no food waste!)

If you’ve never tried banana bread with chocolate AND nuts together — this is your sign. It’s a game-changer.

Recipe Details

Category	Information
Preparation Time	10 minutes
Cooking Time	55–65 minutes
Total Time	About 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings	10 slices
Calories per Serving	~295 calories
Course	Breakfast / Snack / Dessert
Cuisine	American Comfort Baking

Ingredients

Banana Bread

• 3 large ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 ¼ cups)
• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• ¾ cup granulated sugar (or substitute brown sugar for richer flavor)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk)
• ½ cup chopped walnuts (toasted optional)

Optional Toppings

• Additional chocolate chips
• Extra walnuts
• A sprinkle of cinnamon or coarse sugar

Cooking Directions (Step-by-Step Method)

Step 1: Prepare

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

3. In a large bowl, mash bananas until smooth.
4. Add melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Mix until well combined.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

5. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt.
6. Gently fold dry ingredients into the banana mixture — do not overmix.

Step 4: Add Enhancements

7. Fold in chocolate chips and walnuts.

Step 5: Bake

8. Pour batter into loaf pan and top with extra chocolate chips or walnuts.
9. Bake 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean (a few melted chocolate smudges are fine).

Step 6: Cool

10. Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
11. Transfer to a rack and cool at least 20–30 minutes before slicing.

How to Serve

• Serve warm with butter, cream cheese, or Nutella
• Toast a slice for extra texture
• Pair with coffee, tea, or warm milk

Recipe Tips

• Use very ripe bananas — black-spotted or almost mushy
• Don’t overmix — that creates dense, tough bread
• Let it cool before slicing for neat pieces
• Add a spoon of sour cream or yogurt for even MORE softness

Variations

Version	What to Change
Healthy Version	Use whole wheat flour, reduce sugar, add Greek yogurt
Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread	Add 1 tsp cinnamon and swirl cinnamon-sugar through batter
Nut-Free	Replace walnuts with more chocolate or dried fruit
Double Chocolate	Add ¼ cup cocoa powder + extra chocolate chips
Vegan Option	Use oil instead of butter, replace eggs with flax eggs

Freezing & Storage

• Room Temperature: 3–4 days (wrapped tightly or stored in airtight container)
• Refrigerator: Up to 1 week
• Freezer: Up to 3 months
  Freeze whole or sliced; wrap tightly and store in a freezer-safe bag.

Special Equipment Needed

• 9×5-inch loaf pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or electric mixer
• Cooling rack

FAQ

Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes — thaw and drain excess liquid before using.

Can I skip walnuts?

Absolutely — or replace with pecans, hazelnuts, or more chocolate.

Why did my bread turn out dense?

Likely overmixing the batter or not using ripe bananas.

Can I use self-rising flour?

Yes, but omit the baking soda and salt.

Conclusion

This Chocolate Chip Banana Bread with Walnuts is everything you want in a homemade baked treat — moist, flavorful, comforting, and effortlessly delicious. Whether you’re making it for breakfast, a sweet snack, or to share with someone you love, it’s guaranteed to become a recipe you’ll return to again and again. Simple ingredients, big flavor — a classic worth baking often.