What do you think of when Autumn arrives, and the days start to get shorter, and you’re spending more time creating in the kitchen? I think of the comforting scent of coffee beans roasting on morning air, and a slice of good ol’ banana bread heaping sweetness on a plate next to my mug. Even if you’re not a fan of the fruit, the pure joy a bite of moist, mouth-watering bread gives you is totally worth it. Come on – give in to your sweet tooth, even if it’s just for the season.

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

INGREDIENTS

• 3 ripe/overripe bananas
• 1/3 cup melted unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp baking soda
• pinch of salt
• 1 + 1/2 cups all purpose flour
• 1/2 – 1 cup mini chocolate chips (semi-sweet preferred)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a standard size bread loaf pan with baking spray and set pan aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas until they are as smooth as possible.
3. Place butter in separate bowl and microwave for about 45 seconds to melt.
4. Stir in the melted butter along with the mashed bananas, until smooth, as well.
5. Add the sugar, egg, vanilla, baking soda, salt and flour to the bowl. Stir until the batter is smooth, thick and 100% combined.
6. Fold in the chocolate chips. This is where you can get creative. Add as much, or as little chocolate as you’d prefer. I usually add about a full cup!
7. Pour and scoop the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
8. Add a sprinkle of extra chocolate chips on top for a crisp, decadent crust!
9. Bake the bread for 50 minutes (to an hour), or until a toothpick can be inserted and come out completely clean.
10. Let bread cool on a wire rack. Slice, serve and bon appetit!

Written + Captured by Katherine Manley