One Bowl Chocolate Chip Banana Bread: Easy & Delicious Recipe

One Bowl Chocolate Chip Banana Bread: The Ultimate Easy Recipe

There’s something undeniably comforting about the aroma of freshly baked banana bread wafting through the kitchen. When you add chocolate chips to the mix, that comfort transforms into pure bliss. This One Bowl Chocolate Chip Banana Bread recipe combines the sweet, moist goodness of classic banana bread with the indulgent touch of chocolate chips – and the best part? You only need one bowl to make it!

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is perfectly accessible. The simplicity of preparation, combined with the rich rewards of the finished product, makes it a go-to recipe for busy weekdays, lazy weekends, or whenever you find yourself with a few overripe bananas begging to be transformed into something spectacular.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Before we dive into the ingredients and instructions, let’s talk about why this recipe deserves a spot in your baking repertoire:

• Minimal cleanup: Using just one bowl means fewer dishes to wash afterward!
• Simple ingredients: Everything you need is likely already in your pantry
• Versatile: Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert
• Great for beginners: No complicated techniques required
• Makes use of overripe bananas: Reduces food waste by using bananas that might otherwise be tossed

This recipe strikes the perfect balance between ease and deliciousness, making it an ideal choice for those days when you’re craving something homemade but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen or deal with a sink full of dishes afterward.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the beauties of this recipe is its straightforward ingredient list. Here’s everything you’ll need to create this delectable treat:

• 3 ripe bananas (the spottier, the better!)
• ⅓ cup butter, melted
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• A pinch of salt
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup mini chocolate chips

The key to making truly exceptional banana bread lies in using properly ripened bananas. Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots or even mostly black peels – these overripe bananas are sweeter and more flavorful, giving your bread that characteristic banana taste we all love.

Equipment Needed

True to its name, this recipe keeps things simple in the equipment department as well:

• One large mixing bowl
• A fork or potato masher (for the bananas)
• A wooden spoon or rubber spatula for mixing
• 8″x5″ loaf pan (or similar size)
• Baking spray or butter and flour for greasing
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wire cooling rack

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you’ve gathered all your ingredients and equipment, let’s walk through the simple process of creating this delicious treat:

Preparation

Before you start mixing, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your oven is at the perfect temperature when your batter is ready to bake. Spray your loaf pan with baking spray (preferably the kind with flour in it) or grease and flour it the traditional way. This step is crucial for easy removal after baking.

Making the Batter

1. Mash the bananas: In your large bowl, thoroughly mash the three ripe bananas until they’re completely smooth. A few small lumps are fine, but the smoother your banana mixture, the more evenly distributed the banana flavor will be throughout your bread.

2. Add the melted butter: Pour your melted butter into the mashed bananas and stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined. The warm butter will integrate beautifully with the bananas, creating a rich base for your batter.

3. Incorporate the remaining ingredients: Add the sugar, beaten egg, vanilla extract, baking soda, and salt to your banana-butter mixture. Stir everything together until well combined.

4. Add the flour: Gently fold in the all-purpose flour until you have a thick, relatively smooth batter. Be careful not to overmix at this stage – stirring just until the flour is incorporated helps maintain a tender texture in your finished bread.

5. Fold in the chocolate chips: Add the mini chocolate chips to your batter and fold them in gently. Using mini chips ensures good distribution throughout the batter, giving you little bursts of chocolate in every bite.

Baking

1. Transfer to pan: Pour or scoop your batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly with your spatula.

2. Bake: Place your loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50 minutes to 1 hour. The exact time may vary depending on your oven, so start checking at the 50-minute mark.

3. Test for doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs (but no wet batter), your bread is done. If there’s still wet batter on the toothpick, continue baking for a few more minutes before testing again.

Cooling and Serving

Once your banana bread is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, carefully transfer it to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.

Although it might be tempting to slice into warm banana bread (and we certainly understand if you can’t wait!), allowing it to cool completely will make slicing cleaner and easier. Plus, the flavors continue to develop as the bread cools.

Tips for the Perfect Banana Bread

Want to ensure banana bread success every time? Keep these tips in mind:

• Use very ripe bananas: The darker and spottier, the better! They’re sweeter and more flavorful.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Once you add the flour, stir just until combined to keep the bread tender.
• Check for doneness carefully: A clean toothpick is your best indicator of a perfectly baked loaf.
• Cool properly: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
• Storage: Wrap cooled banana bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.

Variations and Add-ins

While this chocolate chip banana bread is perfect as is, you might want to experiment with some variations:

• Nuts: Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and flavor.
• Spices: A teaspoon of cinnamon or a quarter teaspoon of nutmeg can add warmth.
• Chocolate: Try dark chocolate chips or chunks instead of mini chips for a more intense chocolate experience.
• Healthier options: Substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, or reduce the sugar slightly if you prefer a less sweet bread.
• Mix-ins: Consider adding dried fruit like cranberries or blueberries for additional texture and flavor.

Nutritional Information

If you’re watching your nutritional intake, here’s what you can expect per serving (assuming 6 servings per loaf):

• Calories: Approximately 395 kcal
• Total Fat: 15.4g
• Carbohydrates: 63.6g
• Sugars: 31.6g
• Protein: 5.9g
• Sodium: 275.7mg
• Fiber: 3.3g

Keep in mind that these values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used and exact portion sizes.

Storage and Freezing

One of the great things about banana bread is that it stores well and can even be frozen for later enjoyment:

Short-term Storage

Store your cooled banana bread in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 4 days. This keeps it moist and fresh.

Freezing

For longer storage, banana bread freezes beautifully:

1. Allow the bread to cool completely
2. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil or place in a freezer-safe bag
3. Freeze for up to 3 months
4. Thaw overnight at room temperature when ready to enjoy

You can also slice the bread before freezing, then wrap individual slices. This allows you to thaw just what you need for a quick breakfast or snack.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make this recipe without eggs?

A: Yes! You can substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, left to sit for 5 minutes) or ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce.

Q: How do I know when my bananas are ripe enough for banana bread?

A: The best bananas for banana bread are overripe with plenty of brown or black spots on the peel. They should be soft and sweet-smelling.

Q: Can I make this recipe with regular-sized chocolate chips?

A: Absolutely! Regular chocolate chips work fine, though mini chips distribute more evenly throughout the batter.

Q: Why did my banana bread sink in the middle?

A: This usually happens when the bread is underbaked or when the center hasn’t set properly. Make sure to bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Q: Can I make this recipe into muffins instead?

A: Yes! Pour the batter into a lined muffin tin and bake at the same temperature for about 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

This One Bowl Chocolate Chip Banana Bread recipe is proof that delicious, homemade treats don’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With minimal effort and cleanup, you’ll have a wonderfully moist, chocolatey banana bread that’s perfect for breakfast, snacking, or dessert. So the next time you spot those overripe bananas on your counter, don’t toss them – transform them into this irresistible treat that everyone will love!

Author

Srija Burman

 

Srija holds an MA in English Literature from the University of Calcutta and a PG diploma in Editing and Publishing from Jadavpur University. Her interest in writing and editing ranges across niches, including academics, sports, and human psychology.

Read full bio of Srija Burman