If I could tell you all the reasons why I love this dark chocolate chip banana bread recipe, this would be the longest post ever, ha! I will just tell you the most important reasons why I love this recipe. How many times have you gone to the grocery store and had high hopes for your fresh produce, only to throw them out at the end of the week? If your anything like me saving produce that was destined for the garbage makes me really happy. I hate wasting food, but it happens. That’s why I love using this recipe because it turns those brown spotted bananas that are just sitting in your fruit bowl into a delicious loaf of sweet banana bread. And the best part, the dark chocolate chips.

This dark chocolate chip banana bread recipe is great to make ahead and store in the freezer. Be sure to allow the bread to cool completely. Then wrap it in a layer of plastic, then with a second layer of foil. I even go as far as putting it in another protective layer and placing it in a freezer bag. Take it out of the freezer and thaw as if you made it that day!

Another reason this is a must-have banana bread recipe is that it can be made with just about any dietary substitution and still come out amazing. I have made this recipe gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free. Simply swap out the dairy for your favorite substitute, butter and all. To make gluten-free, just use gluten-free flour in place of all-purpose flour. I get King Arthur’s gluten-free flour that is a cup-for-cup swap. I find that it keeps the bread still moist and won’t compromise taste and texture.

What you will need

Flour

Sugar

Brown sugar

Salt

Baking soda

Bananas

Vanilla extract

Milk

Butter

Eggs

Dark chocolate chips

1/2 Cup of chopped walnuts (Optional)

Sugar in the raw (for topping)

How to make

Start by preheating the oven to 350 degrees, and prep your loaf pan by lining it with parchment paper. Next, you’re going to add all the dry ingredients to a large mixing bowl and whisk until dry ingredients are evenly combined. In a separate mixing bowl add the bananas and give a quick mash then mix in all the wet ingredients and mix until smooth. Then fold in the dark chocolate chips. I like using partially melted butter because it is easier to blend into the banana bread ingredients.

Pour the banana bread mixture into your prepared loaf pan and sprinkle chocolate chips over the top and some coarse sugar. Bake in the oven for about 55-60 minutes. Some ovens vary so adjust baking time if necessary. A trick to use is taking a toothpick and poking down in the middle. If the toothpick comes out clean it’s ready. If you get wet ingredients on the toothpick it needs to bake a little bit longer.

Once the banana bread is baked all the way through let it cool for 10-15 minutes before serving. This delicious dark chocolate chip banana bread is great with your morning coffee or a cup of your favorite afternoon tea. If you love this recipe try our power breakfast bowl for a quick and healthy breakfast.