Perfect for extra ripe bananas.

This Chocolate Chip Walnut Banana Bread is incredibly moist and studded with chocolate chunks and walnuts. A crispy chocolate chip crust and a dash of cinnamon brings everything together for the best banana bread you’ve ever had.

A loaf of chocolate chip topped banana bread on a glass platter with a slice in front of it.

Chocolate Chunks and Chips

I have tried so many banana bread recipes over the years. We’re all guilty of the bunch of bananas that didn’t get touched during the week. Cue banana bread!

Let’s be honest, this definitely leans more of a dessert style banana bread and less a typical banana loaf, but it makes for a fantastic switch on your classic recipe.

We use chocolate chunks in the batter and mini chocolate chips on top. The brown sugar crust makes a great texture contrast to the very soft and moist banana bread.

A slice of banana bread on a white plate with a blue knife and mini chocolate chips.

Ingredients

Very ripe bananas are key here for their texture and sweetness. This recipe uses about 4 medium/large bananas.

bananas – very ripe, basically past the point you would eat them
eggs
granulated white sugar
brown sugar
unsalted butter
vanilla extract
all purpose flour
baking soda
kosher salt – I use Diamond Crystal in all my recipes
cinnamon – this tiny amount does not make the bread taste like cinnamon, it just rounds out the flavors and gives it more of a fresh bakery flavor
heavy cream
chocolate chunks – I use semi-sweet
chocolate chips – I use semi-sweet
chopped walnuts – I buy them pre-chopped but you can of course chop whole walnuts

Three very ripe bananas, a bowl of flour, sugar, salt and cinnamon, chopped walnuts, chocolate chips, vanilla, a stick of butter, and 2 eggs on a marble counter.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Walnut Banana Bread

Prep your Oven and Loaf Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×5 loaf pan.
Mash the Bananas: Mash the bananas with a fork until smooth.
Mix the Wet Ingredients: Combine the white and brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla, mashed banana, and heavy cream until fully combined.
Add Dry Ingredients: Whisk together the all purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon, then mix slowly into the wet ingredients until just combined.
Fold in the Mix-Ins: Fold in the chocolate chunks and chopped walnuts.
Top and Bake: Pour the batter into your loaf pan, top with brown sugar and mini chocolate chips, and bake until 50-60 minutes.

A stainless steel bowl of banana bread batter, added in chocolate chips, poured into a loaf pan, and topped with mini chocolate chips.

How to Store Chocolate Chip Walnut Banana Bread

Store leftover banana bread at room temperature for up to 3 days or place it wrapped in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Pull a slice out and let it come to room temperature or warm it slightly in the microwave or toaster.

Looking for more Sunday baking ideas? These Chocolate Cherry Macadamia Nut Magic Bars are a hit.

A loaf of chocolate chip walnut banana bread on a clear patter with a white plate with a slice of bread and a tub of butter.

Watch Me Make Chocolate Chip Walnut Banana Bread

Equipment I Use to Make Chocolate Chip Walnut Banana Bread

Loaf Pan – the perfect size for banana bread
Liquid Measuring Cups – I use these just about every day

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I skip the walnuts?

Yes, if you have an allergy or don’t prefer walnuts, you can leave them out.

How do I know when the banana bread is done?

Insert a toothpick into the center, it’s done when it comes out clean.

Can I leave out the cinnamon?

Yes. You won’t taste a strong cinnamon flavor, it just rounds out the bread.

Can I use chocolate chips instead of chocolate chunks in the batter?

Yes, use what you have.