This isn't your grandma's banana bread (though she'd probably love it too!). We're taking the classic recipe and elevating it to new heights with the addition of rich chocolate chips and crunchy pecans. This moist, flavorful loaf is the perfect treat for any occasion, from a cozy weekend brunch to a potluck gathering. Get ready to experience banana bread like never before!
Why This Recipe is the Best
This Chocolate Chip Pecan Banana Bread recipe stands out for several reasons:
- Perfectly Moist Texture: We've perfected the balance of wet and dry ingredients to ensure a moist, tender crumb every time. No more dry, disappointing banana bread!
- Intense Flavor Combination: The sweetness of ripe bananas perfectly complements the bitterness of dark chocolate chips and the nutty crunch of pecans. It's a flavor symphony in every bite.
- Easy to Follow Instructions: Even novice bakers can confidently whip up this loaf. The step-by-step instructions are clear, concise, and easy to understand.
- Adaptable to Your Preferences: Feel free to adjust the amount of chocolate chips and pecans to your liking. You can also experiment with different types of chocolate or nuts.
Ingredients You'll Need
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips (dark, milk, or semi-sweet)
- 1/2 cup pecan halves, roughly chopped
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
- Mash Bananas: In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Mix well until thoroughly combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Add Chocolate Chips & Pecans: Stir in the chocolate chips and pecans.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool & Enjoy: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve!
Tips for Banana Bread Success
- Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Look for bananas with brown spots.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a tough bread. Mix until the ingredients are just combined.
- Check for Doneness: Start checking for doneness around the 50-minute mark. Every oven is different!
- Store Properly: Store leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Variations to Try
- Spiced Banana Bread: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg, and a pinch of cloves to the dry ingredients.
- Walnut Banana Bread: Substitute walnuts for pecans.
- White Chocolate Cranberry Banana Bread: Use white chocolate chips and dried cranberries instead of dark chocolate chips and pecans.
This Chocolate Chip Pecan Banana Bread recipe is guaranteed to become a family favorite. Its irresistible combination of textures and flavors makes it the perfect treat for any occasion. Enjoy!
