If you have a craving for something utterly delicious that combines the comforting flavors of banana bread with a delightful twist, this Chocolate Chip Walnut Banana Bread with Sour Cream Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s not just any banana bread; it’s ultra-moist thanks to the sour cream, studded with melty chocolate chips, and topped with crunchy walnuts for the perfect texture contrast. Each slice offers a rich, tender bite with the right balance of sweetness and a hint of cinnamon warmth. Whether you’re baking for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon treat, this recipe never disappoints and will quickly become a family favorite you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several ingredients placed neatly on a white marbled surface. There is a clear glass bowl filled with white flour at the top left, and next to it on the right is a small white bowl with coarse salt. A white bowl containing a golden brown liquid, likely vanilla extract, is in the middle left. Below that are two fresh yellow bananas with light brown spots resting side by side. To the right of the bananas is a white bowl filled with a white powdery substance, possibly baking soda or baking powder. At the bottom left is a white measuring spoon filled with white granulated sugar, and next to it on the right, a white sieve holds a quantity of white flour or sugar. Finally, a clear glass bowl at the bottom right contains small round milk chocolate pieces. The items are arranged with clear space between them on a clean white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward baking this irresistible loaf. The simplicity of these pantry staples is what makes this Chocolate Chip Walnut Banana Bread with Sour Cream Recipe so approachable, yet each component plays its own crucial role in bringing the perfect crumb, flavor depth, and moistness to your bread.

1½ cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of your batter, providing structure and tenderness.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the bread rise beautifully while keeping it light.
½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors by balancing sweetness.
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds a cozy warmth that complements the banana perfectly.
½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Creates richness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
¾ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the bread without overpowering it.
¼ cup brown sugar: Brings a subtle caramel note and extra moisture.
2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients and add to the bread’s tenderness.
1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2–3 bananas): The star that gives the bread its moist fruitiness.
½ cup sour cream: A secret ingredient for an unexpectedly moist and tangy crumb.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances sweetness and rounds out the flavor.
¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: Pockets of gooey, melty chocolate with every bite.
½ cup chopped walnuts: Adds a satisfying crunch and nutty contrast.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Walnut Banana Bread with Sour Cream Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Next, grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper or simply butter it well. This ensures your bread won’t stick and will come out clean and perfect every time.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. This mix is essential because evenly distributing these ingredients guarantees your bread will rise properly and have a lovely hint of spice in every bite.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with the granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light, fluffy, and creamy. This process incorporates air into the batter, which helps give your bread a tender crumb and delightful texture.

Step 4: Add Eggs One at a Time

Beat in the eggs one by one, mixing well after each addition. This ensures the eggs are fully incorporated, contributing to the bread’s structure and moisture.

Step 5: Mix in Bananas, Sour Cream, and Vanilla

Fold the mashed ripe bananas, sour cream, and vanilla extract into your wet mixture. The bananas bring natural sweetness and moisture, while the sour cream amps up the tenderness and adds a subtle tang that balances all the flavors expertly.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overworking the batter; overmixing can make the bread tough instead of tender.

Step 7: Fold in Chocolate Chips and Walnuts

Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and chopped walnuts. This is what makes this loaf truly special—the gooey chocolate mingling with crunchy nuts in every mouthwatering slice.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and bake for about 55 to 65 minutes. The bread is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean, with just a few moist crumbs attached. If the top browns too quickly, tent with foil to prevent burning while baking through.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling time helps the bread set and makes slicing easier without crumbling.

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Walnut Banana Bread with Sour Cream Recipe

A close-up of a thick slice of nut bread standing upright on a wooden board placed on a white marbled surface. The bread has a golden-brown crust with a slightly rough texture on top and is filled with many small dark spots and chunks of nuts scattered inside. The inside shows a dense, moist texture with a mixture of light brown and darker brown colors, and visible nut pieces throughout. The background is softly blurred and white, creating a clean and bright look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar adds a delicate sweetness and an inviting look to your bread. For extra indulgence, spread a little butter or cream cheese frosting atop warm slices for a creamy, dreamy treat.

Side Dishes

This banana bread pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or even a cold glass of milk. If you’re serving it for breakfast or brunch, fresh fruit or a dollop of yogurt complements the richness wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice your loaf thick or thin and serve it alongside scoops of vanilla ice cream or drizzled with warm caramel sauce for a dessert twist. You can also cut it into cubes and skewer with fresh fruit for a fun, shareable snack platter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover banana bread tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps the bread moist and fresh for snacking or breakfast the next day.

Freezing

The Chocolate Chip Walnut Banana Bread with Sour Cream Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or slice and freeze in individual portions. It can be kept frozen for up to 3 months without losing its flavor or texture.

Reheating

To enjoy your banana bread warm, reheat slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or place them in a toaster oven until just warmed through. This brings back the softness and melts the chocolate chips delightfully.

FAQs

Can I substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream?

Yes! Greek yogurt works well as a substitute and will still give your banana bread moisture and tang, though the texture might be slightly different but delicious nonetheless.

What type of bananas should I use?

Very ripe bananas with brown spots are best because they’re naturally sweeter and softer, which enhances the flavor and moisture of your bread.

Why do you add sour cream to banana bread?

Sour cream adds moisture and richness, making the bread incredibly tender and giving it a subtle tang that balances the sweetness perfectly.

Can I use walnuts whole or should they be chopped?

Chopped walnuts disperse better throughout the batter, giving you crunchy bits in every slice. Whole walnuts might be too big and could create uneven baking.

How do I know when the bread is done baking?

Insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Avoid baking too long, or the bread may dry out.

Final Thoughts

Once you try this Chocolate Chip Walnut Banana Bread with Sour Cream Recipe, you’ll understand why it’s such a beloved treat. Its moist crumb, balanced sweetness, and delightful textures make it the perfect homemade comfort food. It’s an easy bake that fills your kitchen with the most wonderful aromas and fills your heart (and belly) with happiness. So, grab those ripe bananas and get baking—you’re about to create something truly special!