Name: Banana Bread with Walnuts and Chocolate Chips
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-487093H20M28S
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional); 3 medium ripe bananas (about 1½ cups mashed); ⅓ cup melted butter; ½ cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)

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This Banana Bread with Walnuts and Chocolate Chips is a perfect combination of moist, flavorful banana bread with the added crunch of walnuts and a hint of sweetness from chocolate chips. It’s a classic recipe that’s easy to make and is ideal for breakfast, a snack, or a dessert. Whether you’re using overripe bananas or just craving a comforting treat, this banana bread delivers every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Banana bread is a beloved classic, and this version takes it up a notch with the addition of walnuts and chocolate chips. The bananas provide natural sweetness and moisture, while the walnuts add a satisfying crunch. The chocolate chips melt into the bread, creating pockets of gooey goodness. This recipe is quick, easy to make, and will fill your kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma. It’s perfect for enjoying with a cup of coffee or sharing with friends and family.

Banana Bread with Walnuts and Chocolate Chips

Ingredients

½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
3 medium ripe bananas (about 1½ cups mashed)
⅓ cup melted butter
½ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Prepare the Banana Mixture:

In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas with a fork or potato masher until smooth. You should have about 1½ cups of mashed bananas.
Stir in the melted butter, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.

3. Add Dry Ingredients:

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

4. Add Optional Ingredients:

If using, fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans and chocolate chips. These add great texture and flavor to the bread but are entirely optional.

5. Bake the Bread:

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it out evenly.
Bake for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top is browning too quickly, you can tent the loaf with aluminum foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.

6. Cool and Serve:

Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Slice and enjoy your homemade banana bread!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8-10 slices
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 60-65 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

Add more fruit: You can add dried fruit, like raisins or cranberries, for a different texture and flavor.
Spices: Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a pinch of ginger to the batter for a warm, spiced version of banana bread.
Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version of this banana bread.
Vegan: Substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water), and use a plant-based butter substitute.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the banana bread at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it for up to a week.
Freezing: This banana bread freezes well! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply let it sit at room temperature for a few hours or microwave individual slices.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes, frozen bananas work perfectly for banana bread! Thaw the bananas before mashing them.

2. Can I make this bread without nuts or chocolate chips?

Absolutely! This banana bread is delicious on its own without the nuts or chocolate chips. Simply leave them out, and it will still turn out great.

3. How do I know when the banana bread is done?

The banana bread is done when a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs. If it comes out wet, bake for an additional 5-10 minutes.

4. Can I use a different type of sugar?

You can use brown sugar for a deeper flavor, but keep in mind that it may alter the texture slightly, making it a bit more moist.

5. Can I make mini loaves instead of one large loaf?

Yes, you can make mini loaves! Reduce the baking time to about 25-30 minutes, checking with a toothpick to ensure it’s fully baked.

6. Can I add yogurt to the batter for extra moisture?

Yes, you can substitute half of the butter with yogurt for extra moisture and a slightly tangy flavor.

7. How can I make the banana bread sweeter?

If you prefer a sweeter banana bread, you can increase the amount of sugar by 1-2 tablespoons, or add extra chocolate chips.

8. How can I ensure the bread doesn’t stick to the pan?

Make sure to grease the pan thoroughly with butter or nonstick spray, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

9. Can I use self-rising flour?

If you use self-rising flour, you can skip the baking soda and salt. Be sure to reduce the amount of salt as well, since self-rising flour already contains it.

10. Can I make this recipe as muffins?

Yes, you can make banana muffins instead of a loaf. Divide the batter into a muffin tin and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Conclusion

This Banana Bread with Walnuts and Chocolate Chips is a wonderful way to use ripe bananas and turn them into a delicious, comforting treat. With a soft, moist texture, crunchy nuts, and gooey chocolate chips, it’s sure to be a hit whether you’re baking for breakfast, dessert, or a snack. It’s easy to make, customizable, and always a crowd favorite!