Chocolate Chip Banana Nut Bread
Updated Aug 16, 2026
Chocolate chip banana nut bread made with over-ripe bananas, walnuts, and Greek yogurt for a moist loaf. An easy quick bread that uses up ripe bananas.
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I have a lot of feelings about banana bread, and the biggest one is that you shouldn’t have to pick a side between chocolate chips and walnuts. I want both, so this chocolate chip banana nut bread has chocolate and nuts in every slice, and I refuse to apologize for it. The other thing I’m firm on is that the bananas have to be genuinely overripe, like the ones you’d be a little embarrassed to put in a fruit bowl. That’s where all the flavor comes from in this easy chocolate chip banana bread.
RECIPE TESTING NOTES
For the past 10 years, I’ve tested every recipe before sharing it with you! These notes give you a peek into the process of developing this chocolate chip banana nut bread recipe.
The bananas are the thing I’m most stuck on, and I’ve tested this enough to know it really matters. Bananas that are just lightly spotted make a bland, flat loaf, but the ones that have gone soft and blackened give you way more sweetness and banana flavor without changing anything else. The uglier they look, the better the bread, so I actually let mine go longer than most people would be comfortable with.
The long bake time needs a little managing too. Because this loaf bakes for the better part of an hour, the top can get too dark before the center is done, so I tent it loosely with foil around the 40 minute mark. I also hold back a few chocolate chips and walnuts to press on top before it goes in, since the ones scattered on the surface look nice and don’t sink into the batter. And letting it cool before slicing is worth the wait, because cutting in too early makes it crumble apart.
Happy Cooking!
– Yumna
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Chocolate Chip Banana Nut Bread Ingredients
- Bananas: Use overripe bananas with lots of brown spots for the sweetest flavor and the softest texture. If they’re still mostly yellow, the banana bread won’t be as sweet or moist.
- Walnuts and chocolate chips: Chop the walnuts so they spread evenly throughout the loaf. You can also use pecans. I use semi-sweet chocolate chips, but use your favorite!
- Dry ingredients: All-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. You can also try whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste. To make it gluten-free, use an all-purpose gluten-free flour mix; I don’t recommend substituting only almond flour or coconut flour here. Make sure your baking soda is fresh, because if it’s old, the chocolate chip banana nut bread may not rise as well.
- Wet ingredients: Avocado oil, large eggs, maple syrup, plain Greek yogurt, and vanilla extract. You can substitute avocado oil with olive oil or coconut oil, maple syrup with agave or honey, and Greek yogurt with sour cream or milk. I recommend using room-temperature eggs and dairy to help all of the ingredients mix together well.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Banana Nut Bread
These photos walk through the main recipe steps, so it’s easy to follow along. For the complete ingredient amounts and detailed instructions, head to the recipe card below, or jump straight to the → Chocolate Chip Banana Nut Bread Recipe
1. WHISK THE WET INGREDIENTS
Add the eggs, oil, maple syrup, Greek yogurt, and vanilla to a large bowl and whisk until smooth and combined.
2. ADD THE BANANAS
Mix the mashed bananas into the wet ingredients until everything looks evenly combined.
3. ADD THE DRY INGREDIENTS
Whisk the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt together in a separate bowl. Then, fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients just until no dry streaks remain.
4. FOLD IN THE MIX-INS
Gently fold in the walnuts and chocolate chips. Stop mixing as soon as they’re evenly distributed so the batter stays light.
5. FILL THE LOAF PAN
Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan and sprinkle extra chocolate chips and walnuts over the top if you’d like.
6. BAKE UNTIL GOLDEN
Bake until the loaf is golden brown and a cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack.
Full Chocolate Chip Banana Nut Bread Recipe
Chocolate Chip Banana Nut Bread Recipe
Video
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup avocado oil
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- ⅓ cup maple syrup
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 over-ripe medium bananas
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
- ½ cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a loaf pan with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, oil, maple syrup, Greek yogurt, and vanilla extract until well blended. Stir in the mashed bananas until well blended. Fold the flour mixture with a rubber spatula until no streaks of flour remain. Then, fold in the walnuts and chocolate chips.
- Scrape the batter into the prepared pan and sprinkle with more nuts and chocolate chips. Bake for 50–60 minutes, tenting after 40 minutes if needed, or until a cake tester inserted in the center of the loaf comes out clean.
- Let cool for at least 20 minutes, then remove from pan and cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.
Recipe Variations
- Add baking spices: In addition to the cinnamon, add ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg, ¼ teaspoon allspice, or ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom for a more spiced bread. You can swap vanilla extract for almond extract, too!
- Top with sliced banana: Arrange a banana, sliced in half lengthwise, over the batter before baking for a bakery-style finish.
- Make chocolate chip banana bread muffins: Just reduce the bake time to 20-22 minutes.
Recipe Tips
- Ripen the bananas in the oven. If your bananas aren’t ripe yet, put them in a 300°F oven (with their peels on) for about 15-20 minutes. They’ll turn black and get super soft inside, just like naturally ripened bananas.
- Don’t overmix the batter. After adding the dry ingredients to the wet, mix until just combined. There should be a few lumps in the batter. Stirring too much can make your chocolate chip banana nut bread turn out tough.
- Tent the loaf pan with foil during the last 10–15 minutes of baking if necessary. Sometimes, around the 40-minute mark, the top of the banana bread will be golden brown, but the center won’t be cooked through yet. Tenting with foil helps prevent the top from burning while you finish baking the banana bread.
- Let it cool before slicing. The banana bread continues setting as it cools, so wait at least 20 minutes for clean slices instead of crumbly ones.
TROUBLESHOOTING
Banana bread often browns on top before the middle finishes baking. If the top is getting too dark, tent it loosely with foil and continue baking until a cake tester comes out clean.
This can happen if you mix the batter too much or if the chocolate chips are very large. Folding them in gently at the end helps keep them suspended more evenly throughout the loaf.
Comments
I added extra chocolate chips and nuts! I really liked the texture and the flavor! I would have added a fourth banana to add extra banana flavor! Thank you for such a fun easy recipes! I never bake so trying this recipe was big deal! My boyfriend really enjoyed it as well 🙂 Keep the great ideas coming!
Thank you so much! I’m so happy you tried it, especially since you don’t usually bake. That makes it even more special! Extra chocolate chips and nuts sound delicious, and adding a fourth banana next time would definitely bring out more banana flavor. I’m so glad you and your boyfriend both enjoyed it!
Super excited to try your recipe with no sugar and only maple syrup!
Thanks for innovating and sharing healthy recipes.
Let me know what you think when you make it!!
made this recipe with blueberries instead of chocolate chips and used a muffin tin because I wanted muffins instead of a loaf and it turned out perfectly. The muffins were moist and held up well and tasted delicious! I love that it’s a tiny bit healthier of a recipe using oil and maple syrup instead of butter and sugar. I also only had olive oil so used that instead of avocado and it did not make a difference in taste.
Sounds so good, Sasha! Love the tweaks you made and glad the muffins turned out delicious!
I was excited when I saw this listed as peanut butter chocolate chip banana bread! But, alas, there was no peanut butter in the recipe. Hugely disappointed as I LOVE peanut butter. Do you have a recipe for any kind of quick bread that uses pb?
Hi Judy! Where did you see this recipe listed as a peanut butter banana bread recipe? I have a Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bread recipe that sounds closer to what you’re looking for!
Really tasty and moist! Will make again.
Yay, so glad you liked it!! Thank you!
It looks delicious! Can you substitute Greek yogurt for natural milk yogurt?
Yes, you can! I prefer Greek yogurt to make the bread extra moist but any yogurt will work. Enjoy!
It’s truly sooooo good! The best banana bread I’ve ever made. Usually when I bake something it lasts for 3-4 days in my house but this was demolished within a day!
Aww, yay!! That’s amazing! So happy it was a hit in your house!
I made this tonight with my daughters and it was a hit, even sent some to my parents and they loved it! It’s my go-to recipe now and a huge plus that it did not use sugar! I did the exact amounts and looked at your super helpful tips too. 10/10 on this one!
Yay!! So happy you and your family love the recipe, thank you!!
Soooo good! I made mine with butterscotch instead of chocolate chips and did the muffin version. Really yummy, and easy, will make again!
Yay, so happy to hear that! Thank you!!
Hi Yumna, I wanted to know, why did you change recipe to avocado oil? I thought I was going crazy searching for the recipe with coconut oil 😂. Can you tell me why so I can see if I should switch to avo? ❤️
Hi! Sorry for the switch! I just felt like avocado oil or a neutral oil was easier for most people and I’ve been using it lately for all my baking instead of coconut oil (which needs melting) or canola oil (which I stopped using for health reasons). You can definitely still make it with coconut oil though! ❤️
Tried making this today and it came out so moist!!! I already had two slices and will definitely be making this again. I used 3 ripe Cuban bananas and honey.
So glad to hear!
Can you do this in an air fryer?
Hi there, I have not tried it, but depending on the size on your air fryer it could work. You just want to make sure there is enough room in the air fryer for the bread to properly rise. Also, you will want to reduce the baking temp by about 25 degrees, and bake it for less time. I’d say start checking it around 40 minutes.
This looks good. I think butterscotch or caramel chips would be tasty in this.
Yes, sounds like a great idea!
I made this and it turned out so moist. I did put it into two smaller loaf pans and I did not have any nuts. Will make again.
Happy it worked out so well!
I made this last night. It is so good. I find most quick breads overly sweet, not this one. It has a softer, smoother texture than most quick breads. I used sour cream in place of Greek yogurt and a scant 1/3 cup maple syrup. Though this was delicious, I find the chocolate chips overwhelmed the taste of bananas. A mistake I made was not using the parchment paper, the bread did adhere to the pan, even though it was a non stick. This is going in my recipe file. 🙂
Thank you so much!
Delicious! This will definitely be my go to banana bread from now on!
Thanks so much, that makes me so happy!
Your recipe works great, the bread is really moisture and it tastes lightly sweet. Our family love this banana bread a lot!
Thanks so much!
The best chocolate chip banana bread I’ve ever made 🤩🤩
Aw, thank you so much, Souhila!
I made this banana bread recipe tonight and it is by far my favorite banana bread recipe now! I used olive oil instead of coconut oil, agave syrup instead of maple syrup, all-purpose flour instead of whole wheat flour, and I left out the walnuts. Even with all my substitutions, the banana bread was amazing. It was perfectly moist and not too sweet.
That makes me so happy to hear! I love that!
Hi dear Yumna
I tried baking the chocolate chip banana bread incidentally it did rise up but did
Not cook inside this is the second Time it’s happened pretty unhappy please tell me how did happen well after you reply I will try using yr receipe hopefully it may come out well thanks dear please advise.
Tent the loaf pan with foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking if necessary. Sometimes at around 40 minutes the top of the bread will be golden brown but the center won’t be cooked through yet. The tenting tip helps to prevent the top from burning while baking the bread through.
Good day can I use all purpose flour instead of whole wheat
Yes, it should work!
Hi- In your original recipe (which is the one on pinterest and not the updated one) you never say the oven temperature so I was assuming 350, but turns out it is 325 based on your update. Could you please update the one on your pinterest board to sat the oven temp? Thank you!
Thank you for letting me know!
Love this recipe! Love all of your recipes!
Thank you! That makes me so happy to hear!!
Can I use oat flour instead?
I haven’t tested oat flour in this recipe yet, but it should work!
Can I use oat flour instead?
I haven’t tested oat flour in this recipe yet, but it should work!
Best banana bread so far. I love this recipe
Tried this a couple of times and every time it is perfect. Also tried it with substituting coconut oil with regular oil, same result. Kids love it and ask for it regularly
I’m so happy to hear it! Thank you!!
Made this for my son and I and it was a hit! Very delicious and easy recipe I has everything in my pantry without even knowing it! Definitely making it again and will be looking for more of her recipes!
So glad to hear it! Thanks so much for taking the time to share 🙂
I have tried this recipe a couple of times and it is now my go to for banana bread, it comes out very moist and tasty.
And the tips you add to your recipes are very helpful and I find them crucial to the success of recipes for new bakers.
Aww, so glad to hear it. Thanks so much for taking the time to leave feedback 🙂
First time using this recipe! I usually opt for another banana bread recipe but I came across this and couldn’t wait to try! Delicious and moist!
So glad you enjoyed it! Thank you!!
Hi, love your recipes!! so I have everything but the yogurt how different would it be if I used almond milk?
Thank you so much! It would still work! Instead of greek yogurt, you can use sour cream or a neutral oil using a 1:1 substitution. You can also use milk!
This recipe was amazing! I made the bread a few days ago and it seriously hit the spot for a sweet tooth without having too much sugar involved! I loved it! ❤️
Yay! So glad you liked it!
Made your banana bread , omg so moist and delicious 😋 never made it like this before my go to recipe from now on 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻thank you 🥰 Keep up the great recipes
I’m so glad to hear that. Thank you!!
Best Banana bread recipe ! Super easy to make !
The result was super moist and fluffy and not to sweet !
Yay! I’m so glad to hear it. Thank you 🙂
Thanks for the recipe! The best banana bread I had from far. Everyone loves it ! 🙂
Thanks for the recipe! I tried a few different ones and this one is the winner from far. Everyone loves it 🙂
Yay! So glad to hear it. Thank you!!
Hi Yumna. What can I use as a substitute for coconut oil?
You can use butter or vegetable oil
This recipe was a big hit with my family and my friends . Super moist and the chocolate chips made up for my sugar craving . Definitely the best banana bread I’ve made . Thank you x
Yay! So glad to hear it!
Oh, my goodness! Where do I begin? This recipe was so easy to make and it turned out delicious! This is now my go to chocolate chip banana bread recipe. Give it try because you will not be disappointed:)
Yay! I’m so happy you loved it Debbie. Thank you!
Best banana bread ever made. This is actually my second time making it, my kids love it.
That’s so awesome!! So glad to hear it 🙂
I tried your banana’s cake and it was so delicious ?i added more maple syrup just bc i love more sweetness❤️ thank you ❤️
Thank you so much!!
Thank you Yumna for the recipe! It’s healthy, simple, easy, and very tasty! I personally loved it and highly recommend it’s for everyone to try!
So glad you loved it, Darine! Thank you!
Hey!I made your chocolate chip banana bread yesterday! It turned out great!
I did some changes though, I was out of Greek yogurt so used plain whole milk in its place. And instead of whole wheat flour I used gluten free all purpose flour.
Thanks for making this recipe !
So glad the changes worked out for you and you enjoyed it!
Love it. Best banana bread recipe. Thanks for sharing
So good! Loved it, thanks so much for sharing amazing recipes and so easy to follow.
I even send it to my mom, so she could bake it, it was a success.
Yay, so glad to hear it. Thank you!
Best banana bread. I used honey instead of maple syrup. Family lover it!
So glad to hear you loved it!! Thank you!
I loved it! It turn out fluffy and not dry at all. I was wondering if I can substitute the whole wheat white flour for oat flour? Thank you! I’m a fan of your recipes 😉
So glad you loved the recipe! I think the oat flour might make it too dense unfortunately. However if you find a gluten-free flour mix that says it’s for 1:1 baking substitutions you can try that as a gluten-free option. Hope that helps!
Hi All, this recipe is amazing. It’s a must try. It is so simple and the result will be so delicious. The sweetness is apt and cake becomes so soft. Make sure to measure your ingredients well and you are good to go. The best part about this recipe is that this is so healthy. Thank you Yumna for inspiring me and getting me started with the my baking.
Aww thank you for the feedback. So glad that you enjoyed it 🙂
This was My first time making banana bread! It’s delicious and soooo easy to make. I added a tablespoon of matcha powder (to the dry ingredients) to make it a treat with an added health benefit ?. I cannot wait to share this recipe with my family and friends once social distancing is over. Thank you
Wow love that you added matcha powder to it. Hope you get to share it soon with your family and friends 🙂
At first I was skeptical about this recipe since it has no sugar or butter. But I was also encouraged to make it because it’s super easy. I only have whole wheat brown flour and I’m not sure if it’s the same thing as whole wheat white flour. Anyway I used one cup all purpose flour and 3/4 cup whole wheat flour. I’m truly impressed at how it turned out. Delicious and my family loved it so much.
Thank you Yumna for sharing it.
So glad to hear that you enjoyed it! I think the flour you used worked well. Mine is basically an all-purpose unbleached whole wheat flour that I use for everything. Thanks for taking the time to leave your feedback!!
Such a simple and lovely recipe!! Thank you ❤️❤️
So glad you liked it. Thank you!!
This looks so great! And so simple too ?
<3
Thank you so much!!
This recipe is one of the easiest and most delicious banana bread! I literally prepared it in 10 mins!
I highly recommend this blog!
Thank you Yumna for your delicious recipes♥️
Aww, I’m so glad to hear it. Thank you so much for taking the time to share your feedback!
Banana bread was on point ??thank you so much!
Yay! So glad to hear it. Thank you!!
Delicious and easy to make! ???? Thank you!
Thank you so much!
My daughter made your delicious chocolate chip banana bread. My kitchen smells wonderful. Happy Sunday!
Aww so happy to hear that. Thank you!!
I like ittt ? so delicious and easy to make ❤️❤️
So glad to hear it. Thank you!
Hi Yumna, I used your recipe and my bread came out AWESOME! I took some liberties with the recipe, for example I used olive oil, added a lot of dark chocolate coz I’m greedy lol, used regular yogurt and cocoa powder instead because I didn’t have the exact ingredients in my pantry but I must say the end result was nothing short of bananay-walnutty-peacany-chocolatey deliciousness. Thank you!!!! ❤
Love some of the substitutions you made.Thanks so much for taking the time to share your feedback!!
Hi! Can I use frozen bananas? Thanks! I really enjoy your recipes!!!
Yes, that will work!
This banana bread is so good. I replaced the backing soda with one teaspoon Of baking powder and it was so yummy and delicious specially with the chocolate chips.
Perfect! Glad it worked for you. Thank you!!
The instructions list honey and milk but it’s not listed in the ingredients.
Sorry I updated the recipe to be maple syrup and greek yogurt instead of honey and milk, I fixed that now. Thank you!
Hello! Do you have a replacement for eggs as we don’t eat eggs in our family? Also can you use plain/self raising flour instead?
Yes, you can use flax eggs. And that flour should work!
I likeee itttt ??? it’s so delicious and easyy ?? i replaced the maple syrup with honey and it was so yummy Thank you for these recipes ❤️
So glad to hear it. Thank you!!
Can I swap this for almond flour or buckwheat flour as well?
Hi Emma, gluten-free flour will require more moisture, so you will need to add more milk. I haven’t tested it with almond flour yet yet. Buckwheat flour would be an easier substitute since it’s not gluten-free. Happy baking!!