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Craving something sweet and comforting? How about a delightful single serving of Chocolate Chip Banana Bread baked in a cozy ramekin? This recipe is a perfect blend of ripe banana flavor with the rich, melty joy of chocolate chips. The ease and simplicity of making this delightful treat ensures that anyone, regardless of their baking skills, can enjoy a homemade, oven-fresh delight in no time. It’s like having your own mini banana bread, fresh and warm, just for you.
If you’re a fan of banana bread, you’ll be delighted by our collection of single serving and small batch banana bread recipes. Try our classic Banana Bread for a traditional taste, Banana Nut Bread for a crunchy twist, or our small batch Banana Muffins for a lighter, snack-sized treat. For a sweet twist, don’t miss our Chocolate Banana Bread, blending rich chocolate into the classic banana flavor. Each recipe offers a unique and delightful spin on the beloved classic.
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe
- Quick & Easy: It doesn’t require a lot of time or effort, making it perfect for when you’re craving a homemade treat but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
- Portion Control: Making a single serving means you won’t be tempted to eat an entire loaf of banana bread. It’s a great option for those who want to enjoy a delicious dessert without the temptation of leftovers.
- Perfect for One: Whether you’re living alone, want a personal treat, or need a last-minute dessert option for an unexpected guest, this recipe has got you covered!
- Versatile: You can enjoy it as a dessert, a snack, or even a sweet breakfast option. It’s a versatile treat that can be enjoyed at any time of the day.
- Warm & Gooey: The chocolate chips melt into the banana bread, creating a gooey and indulgent texture that’s absolutely irresistible.
Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this mini chocolate chip banana bread recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
- Flour: All-purpose flour is commonly used in banana bread recipes for its neutral flavor and good texture. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free measure for measure flour.
- Baking Soda: A leavening agent that helps the banana bread rise and become fluffy.
- Ground Cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor of the banana bread. You can use ground nutmeg, allspice, or pumpkin pie spice as alternatives for a different flavor profile.
- Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the banana bread.
- Banana: One ripe banana is essential for a sweeter and more intense banana flavor. If you’ve got extra bananas, consider using them to make Banana Pudding, a mini Hummingbird Cake, or a Tropical Smoothie.
- Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with the texture and browning of the bread.
- Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the bread. Substitute with an equal amount of vegetable oil, coconut oil, or unsweetened applesauce for a lower-fat or dairy-free option.
- Egg Yolk: Binds the ingredients together. Be sure to save the egg white and use it in one of our egg white recipes like Coconut Macaroons or a small White Cake.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor. Almond or maple extract can be used for a different flavor twist.
- Chocolate Chips: Provide gooey, melty pockets of sweetness. Use any leftover chocolate chips in a single serve Chocolate Lava Cake, a small batch of Chocolate Chip Cookies, or a small S’mores Dip.
This is just an overview of the ingredients I used and why I used them. For the full recipe please scroll down to the recipe box at the bottom of the post.
Recipe Variations
- Banana Nut Bread: Add 2 tablespoons of chopped nuts like walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the batter for added crunch and a nutty flavor.
- Berry Banana Bread: Fold in a few fresh berries for a fruity twist.
- Coconut Delight: Add 1 tablespoon of shredded coconut flakes to the batter for a tropical flavor and a bit of texture.
- Spiced Banana Bread: Add a pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin spice for a warm, spiced flavor.
How To Make Chocolate Chip Banana Bread For One
These step-by-step photos and instructions help you visualize how to make this chocolate chip banana bread recipe. See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and lightly grease a 10-ounce ramekin.
- In a small bowl, combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Mix them together and set the bowl aside.
- Mash the banana with a fork.
- Transfer the mashed banana to a medium-sized bowl and add the sugar. Use an electric mixer or a wire whisk to thoroughly whip the banana and sugar together.
- Add the melted butter, egg yolk, and vanilla to the banana-sugar mixture. Mix everything together until it’s well combined.
- Now, add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Pour the dry ingredients into the bowl with the banana mixture and mix until all the ingredients are fully combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips.
Pro Tip #1: Be careful not to overmix. Mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined to keep the bread tender.
Pro Tip #2: Consider experimenting with different types of chocolate chips or chunks for varying flavors.
- Next, pour the batter into the prepared ramekin. Place the ramekin on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any possible spills.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is a beautiful golden brown. Remove the ramekin from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before enjoying!
Pro Tip #3: Let the banana bread cool for a few minutes in the ramekin to settle the flavors.
Expert Tips
- Use Ripe Bananas: For the best flavor and sweetness, use ripe bananas with brown speckles on the skin. They will mash easily and infuse your banana bread with a rich, natural sweetness.
- Properly Measure Flour: To ensure your banana bread has the right texture, measure the flour accurately. Use a spoon to fill the measuring cup with flour, then level it off with a flat edge. Avoid packing the flour into the cup.
- Grease the Ramekin Well: Ensure that your ramekin is generously greased to prevent sticking.
- Precise Baking Time: Keep a close eye on the banana bread as it bakes. Oven temperatures can vary, so it’s important to follow the suggested baking time and check for doneness with a toothpick. Insert it into the center; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the bread is done.
Serving Suggestions
- A la Mode: Serve your warm banana bread with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The combination of the warm bread and cold ice cream is heavenly.
- Nut Butter Spread: Spread almond butter, peanut butter, or cashew butter on top of your banana bread for a creamy, nutty twist.
- Coffee or Tea: Pair your banana bread with a hot cup of coffee or hot chocolate for a delightful afternoon treat.
- Dusting of Powdered Sugar: Lightly sift powdered sugar over the banana bread for a touch of sweetness and elegance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can use frozen bananas that have been thawed. Simply let them come to room temperature before mashing and incorporating them into the recipe.
You can make this banana bread gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour.
It’s best to stick with the yolk to maintain the right texture for a single serving.
Store any leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage.
Absolutely, you can easily scale up this Chocolate Banana Bread recipe to make more servings. If you’re aiming for a double batch, I’d suggest using either two 10-ounce ramekins or use a 5×5-inch baking dish to accommodate the increased amount of batter.
Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:
For more information on the cooking and baking dishes I use in our “recipes for one”, please visit our FAQ page.
For examples of the dishes used at One Dish Kitchen, please visit our Store page.
If you’ve made this small chocolate chip banana bread recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Please rate the recipe and share your thoughts in the comments below.
Snapped a photo? Tag us on Instagram; we’d be thrilled to see your creation!
Chocolate Chip Banana Bread For One
Equipment
- Electric hand mixer or wire whisk
Ingredients
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 1 medium banana
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon salted butter , melted
- 1 large egg yolk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons semi-sweet chocolate chips , finely chopped chocolate, or mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and lightly grease a 10-ounce ramekin.
- In a small bowl, combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Mix them together and set the bowl aside.
- Mash the banana with a fork.
- Transfer the mashed banana to a medium-sized bowl and add the sugar. Use an electric mixer or a wire whisk to thoroughly whip the banana and sugar together.
- Add the melted butter, egg yolk, and vanilla to the banana-sugar mixture. Mix everything together until it’s well combined.
- Pour the dry ingredients into the bowl with the banana mixture and mix until all the ingredients are fully combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Next, pour the batter into the prepared ramekin. Place the ramekin on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any possible spills.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is a beautiful golden brown. Remove the ramekin from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before enjoying!
Notes
- Use Ripe Bananas: For the best flavor and sweetness, use ripe bananas with brown speckles on the skin. They will mash easily and infuse your banana bread with a rich, natural sweetness.
- Properly Measure Flour: To ensure your banana bread has the right texture, measure the flour accurately. Use a spoon to fill the measuring cup with flour, then level it off with a flat edge. Avoid packing the flour into the cup.
- Grease the Ramekin Well: Ensure that your ramekin is generously greased to prevent sticking.
- Precise Baking Time: Keep a close eye on the banana bread as it bakes. Oven temperatures can vary, so it’s important to follow the suggested baking time and check for doneness with a toothpick. Insert it into the center; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the bread is done.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
As expected, this ODK recipe was easy to prepare and came out perfectly. A great way to use up my overripe banana. It was nice to only have a small amount. Joanie has the best banana bread in technique and taste.
Now I’m free to move on to my next ODK experiment. This is so much fun 😁
I’m so happy you enjoyed it!
Made this today. It came out perfect . . So moist, tasty. Thanks for the great recipe.
Question: What size pan should I use if I want to double the recipe?
I’m glad you enjoyed it. If doubling the recipe, I’d suggest using either two 10-ounce ramekins or use a 5×5-inch baking dish to accommodate the increased amount of batter.
The recipe sounds fantastic! I however am not a big fan of chocolate chips in my banana bread. Has anyone tried it with another type of chip such as peanut butter, butterscotch, or maybe Heath bar chips? If so would love to hear how you thought it turned out! Thanks!
I never had chocolate chips in my banana bread before trying this recipe today. It was yummy but I may be a purist when it comes to my banana bread. I think your alternatives sound delicious. Have you tried any of them? I do like nuts in my bread. The peanut butter chips sound like they might be an even better option for my palette. Please, let us know how your ideas turn out.
Great recipe
Thank you!