Nutty Chocolate Chip Banana Bread is the perfect blend of sweet, nutty, and chocolaty goodness. It’s a delightful twist on the classic banana bread, making it a treat you'll want to bake again and again. Let's dive into this satisfying recipe that’s sure to warm your kitchen and your heart.
Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps to create a tender crumb. Butter: Adds richness and a soft texture to the bread. Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add moisture. Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavors and adds a lovely aroma. Flour: Forms the structure of the bread. Baking soda: Acts as a leavening agent, helping the bread rise. Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors. Bananas: The star ingredient, adding natural sweetness and moisture. Walnuts: Provide a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. Chocolate chips: Add pockets of melty chocolate goodness throughout the bread. Sour cream: Keeps the bread moist and tender.
This banana bread is delicious on its own, but try serving it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. It also pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of spiced chai tea for a cozy afternoon treat.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan to prevent sticking. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the sugar and butter until light and fluffy — this usually takes about 2-3 minutes with a hand mixer. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, before stirring in the vanilla extract.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing, which can make the bread tough.
Gently fold in the mashed bananas, walnuts, chocolate chips, and sour cream. Stir just until they're evenly distributed. Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula for an even bake.
Bake in your preheated oven for 60-70 minutes. You'll know it's done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents it from getting soggy at the bottom.