Are you craving a warm, comforting treat that's both delicious and surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than this amazing Toll House Banana Bread recipe! This isn't your average banana bread; we're adding the irresistible magic of Toll House chocolate chips for a truly decadent experience. It’s the perfect blend of moist banana flavor and rich, melty chocolate – guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack. Get ready to enjoy this easy recipe and elevate your homemade cooking game!
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 3 medium)
- 1 cup Toll House semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan. This simple step ensures your banana bread releases easily and prevents sticking.
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Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents for a perfectly textured loaf.
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Cream Butter & Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. A stand mixer or hand mixer works best for this step, but you can also do it by hand if you're feeling extra energetic!
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Add Eggs & Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Mixing well at this stage helps incorporate the flavors evenly throughout the bread.
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Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay! Overmixing can result in a tough banana bread.
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Bananas & Chocolate: Gently fold in the mashed bananas and chocolate chips. This step preserves the texture of the chocolate chips, preventing them from melting completely into the batter.
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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.
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Cool & Enjoy: Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the bread from becoming soggy. Slice and serve!
Tips for the Best Toll House Banana Bread:
- Ripe Bananas are Key: Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor and sweetness. The browner the better!
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in a tough loaf. Mix until just combined.
- Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick or wooden skewer to check if the banana bread is baked through. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, it's done.
- Cool Completely: Allowing the bread to cool completely enhances the flavor and makes for easier slicing.
Variations:
- Nuts: Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavor.
- Spices: A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg adds warmth and complements the banana and chocolate.
- Different Chocolate: Experiment with dark chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips, or a combination of both.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
- Calories: 250-300
- Fat: 12-15g
- Saturated Fat: 7-9g
- Carbohydrates: 35-40g
- Sugar: 18-22g
- Protein: 3-4g
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
This Toll House Banana Bread recipe is a delightful addition to your collection of easy recipes and quick dinner ideas. It's a healthy meal alternative that is perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings. Enjoy this delicious dish, and don't forget to share your baking creations!