Chocolate Chip Walnut Banana Bread

Chocolate Chip Walnut Banana Bread

There’s something incredibly comforting about the aroma of banana bread wafting through the kitchen. Add in the richness of chocolate chips and the crunch of walnuts, and you’ve got a treat that’s impossible to resist. This Chocolate Chip Walnut Banana Bread is moist, flavorful, and packed with just the right amount of sweetness and texture. Whether you’re baking it for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite.

• Perfect for Overripe Bananas: Got bananas turning brown on your counter? This recipe is the perfect way to use them up.

• Easy to Make: No fancy equipment or techniques required—just mix, pour, and bake.

• Versatile: Enjoy it as-is, or customize it with your favorite add-ins.

• Crowd-Pleaser: It’s a hit with kids and adults alike!

Ingredients

• 4 ripe bananas, mashed

• ½ cup melted butter (1 stick, unsalted butter)

• ¾ cup cane sugar

• 2 large egg (room temperature)

• 2 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, but highly recommended)

• 1/2 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark)

• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (plus extra for topping)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Mash the Bananas:
   In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. A few small lumps are okay—they add texture!

3. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
   Add the melted butter, cane sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Stir until well combined.

4. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using).

5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix—this keeps the bread tender.

6. Fold in the Goodies:
   Gently fold in the chocolate chips and chopped walnuts, reserving a handful of each for topping the loaf.

7. Pour into the Pan:
   Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula, then sprinkle the reserved chocolate chips and walnuts over the batter.

8. Bake:
   Bake for 75-90 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil.

9. Cool and Serve:
   Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!

Useful Tips

• Use Overripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be.

• Don’t Over-mix: Over-mixing can lead to a dense loaf. Stir until just combined.

• Customize It: Swap walnuts for pecans, or add a handful of shredded coconut for extra flair.

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze slices for up to 3 months.

Serving Suggestions

• Warm It Up: Serve a slice warm with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey.

• Add Ice Cream: Turn it into dessert by pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

• Coffee or Tea: Enjoy it with your favorite hot beverage for the ultimate cozy treat.

Food For Thought

This Chocolate Chip Walnut Banana Bread is the perfect balance of sweet, nutty, and chocolatey. It’s a versatile recipe that’s easy to make and even easier to love. Whether you’re baking it for yourself or sharing it with friends and family, this loaf is guaranteed to bring smiles all around. So, grab those overripe bananas and get baking—your kitchen (and your taste buds) will thank you!

Let me know if you try this recipe or have any fun variations of your own! Happy baking! 🍌🍫🥜

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