Banana Bread with Walnuts and Chocolate Chips — Moist Homemade Recipe

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The Best Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe

Looking for the best banana bread recipe ever?

I have it, and I’ll share it with you!

Years ago a friend shared this banana bread recipe with me, and it quickly became a favorite. It’s moist, tender, and full of flavor. On its own it’s delicious, but adding chopped walnuts and chocolate chips turns it into something truly special.

I shared a version of this recipe on social media recently and received requests to post it here. Below is the gluten-free adaptation that keeps the classic taste while using a 1:1 gluten-free flour for ease and consistent results.

Enjoy baking — and enjoy eating!

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Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 1/4 cup butter, softened
  • 2 ripe bananas (they should be very brown and soft), mashed
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1 1/2 cups gluten-free 1:1 flour blend
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • Chopped walnuts and chocolate chips, optional

Notes on ingredients: For the gluten-free flour, use a reliable 1:1 blend that includes xanthan gum if your blend does not already contain it. Very ripe bananas contribute the best sweetness and moist texture.

Directions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease a standard loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
  2. In a mixing bowl, cream together the sugar and softened butter until light and fluffy.
  3. Stir in the mashed bananas and beaten egg until combined.
  4. Whisk together the gluten-free flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl, then gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
  5. If using, fold in chopped walnuts and some chocolate chips, reserving a handful to sprinkle on top.
  6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle remaining chocolate chips over the surface if desired.
  7. Bake at 325°F for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs clinging to it.
  8. Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for about 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Tips:

  • If your bananas aren’t quite ripe enough, roast them at 350°F for 10–15 minutes until dark and very soft to boost sweetness and flavor.
  • Check doneness starting at 50 minutes; ovens vary, and gluten-free loaves can finish a little earlier or later.
  • Store wrapped at room temperature for 2–3 days, or refrigerate to extend freshness. Slices also freeze well for longer storage.

Yum — enjoy your gluten-free chocolate chip banana bread!