The vibrant flavors of banana and pineapple come together in this luscious chocolate chip bread that’s as indulgent as it is tropical. Perfectly moist with the gentle tang of fruit and the richness of melted chocolate, this loaf is the kind of treat that feels like a vacation with every bite.
This sweet bread is not only great for breakfast or brunch but also makes a delightful dessert or afternoon pick-me-up. It’s a perfect use for overripe bananas and a creative way to incorporate pineapple into your baking. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or enjoying it with your morning coffee, it’s sure to bring smiles all around.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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3 ripe bananas, mashed
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1/2 cup crushed pineapple (drained)
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
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3/4 cup granulated sugar
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2 eggs
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1/2 cup sour cream
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1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
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In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
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Beat in the eggs, one at a time. Add mashed bananas, crushed pineapple, vanilla, and sour cream. Mix well.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture. Stir until just combined.
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Fold in the chocolate chips.
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Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
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Bake for 60–70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 60 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Kcal: 290 kcal | Servings: 10 slices
A Delicious Twist on Classic Banana Bread: Banana Pineapple Chocolate Chip Bread
When it comes to comfort baking, few things rival the nostalgic aroma and warm, moist texture of a freshly baked loaf of banana bread. It’s a timeless classic: versatile, reliable, and endlessly customizable. But what if you could take banana bread to a whole new level? That’s exactly what this Banana Pineapple Chocolate Chip Bread offers: a tropical, chocolatey twist that transforms traditional banana bread into something truly special.
This recipe brings together the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, the vibrant, juicy tang of crushed pineapple, and the decadence of semi-sweet chocolate chips. The result is a moist, flavorful bread with depth and richness in every slice. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, dessert or honestly, whenever you need a slice of sunshine on your plate.
The Origins: Why This Combination Works So Well
Bananas have long been a favorite ingredient in baked goods, especially in quick breads. They add moisture, sweetness, and a silky texture that’s hard to beat. On the other hand, pineapple, with its juicy and slightly acidic profile, introduces a lively tropical flair that cuts through the richness of the banana and balances the flavors beautifully.
The addition of chocolate chips takes this bread to dessert-worthy status. When baked, the chips melt just enough to create little pockets of gooey indulgence throughout the loaf. Together, these three ingredients form a harmonious trio that delights the senses and surprises anyone expecting just “ordinary” banana bread.
But there’s more to this bread than flavor, it’s about texture too. The pineapple adds moisture and a light, fluffy crumb while bananas act as a natural binder. Combined with a touch of sour cream for creaminess and richness, the end result is a dense yet tender loaf that doesn’t dry out, even days after baking.
Ingredient Deep Dive
Let’s take a closer look at some of the key ingredients and what they bring to the table:
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Bananas: Use ripe, even overripe bananas with plenty of brown spots on the peel. The riper they are, the more intense the banana flavor and natural sweetness.
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Crushed Pineapple: Canned crushed pineapple (drained) works perfectly for this recipe. It adds moisture and a subtle tang, enhancing the tropical vibe.
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Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chips are ideal here. They add a bittersweet richness that contrasts beautifully with the sweet fruit.
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Butter & Sugar: Classic ingredients that create a soft crumb and a golden crust.
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Sour Cream: This is the secret ingredient that ensures your bread stays moist and slightly tangy. It rounds out the sweetness while contributing to a tender texture.
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Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm undertone that ties everything together.
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Flour, Baking Soda, and Salt: The standard dry mix, which gives the bread its structure and lift.
This bread requires no exotic or hard-to-find items, just pantry staples, plus a couple of ripe bananas and a can of pineapple. It’s approachable, affordable, and can be prepped in just 15 minutes.
Versatility and Variations
One of the best parts of this recipe is how easily it can be adapted to suit different tastes or dietary needs.
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Nut Lovers: Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch and an earthy contrast.
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Gluten-Free: Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make it celiac-friendly.
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Vegan Option: Use plant-based butter, a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water), and dairy-free sour cream and chocolate chips.
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Tropical Boost: Sprinkle shredded coconut on top before baking for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
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Mini Loaves or Muffins: Pour the batter into muffin tins or mini loaf pans to create perfect grab-and-go portions. Just adjust the baking time accordingly.
Whether you’re baking for a brunch, a school snack, or a treat to enjoy with coffee, this recipe adapts to your needs. It freezes well too, just wrap tightly and store for up to 3 months.
Serving Suggestions
This bread is incredibly satisfying on its own, but here are a few creative ways to serve it:
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Toasted with Butter: Toast a thick slice and top with a pat of salted butter for a sweet-savory combo.
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Cream Cheese Spread: Add a dollop of whipped cream cheese for extra richness.
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Dessert Style: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
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Tropical Breakfast Platter: Pair with sliced mango, papaya, and a coconut latte for an island-inspired breakfast.
And don’t forget to enjoy it alongside a hot cup of tea, espresso, or a glass of cold milk whatever your comfort combo is.
Tips for Perfect Banana Pineapple Chocolate Chip Bread
Here are a few baking tips to ensure your loaf turns out perfect every time:
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Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter just until combined to avoid a tough or gummy texture.
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Check Your Oven Temp: Use an oven thermometer if needed. Baking at the right temperature (350°F/175°C) ensures even cooking.
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Use a Toothpick Test: Insert a toothpick in the center of the loaf; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs (not wet batter), it’s done.
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Cool Before Slicing: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Cutting too early can make the loaf fall apart.
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Storage: Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or refrigerate for a week. It’s even better the next day as the flavors meld.
Nutritional Note
While this is certainly a treat, it’s more wholesome than most store-bought cakes. You’re getting fruit, healthy fats from the butter (or oil substitute), and the satisfaction of knowing exactly what went into your loaf. Each slice averages around 290 kcal, perfectly reasonable for a snack or breakfast portion.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Bread
There’s a reason banana bread is a classic but by adding pineapple and chocolate chips, you create a memorable upgrade. This loaf is the perfect intersection of comfort, creativity, and craveability. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a newbie looking to try something new, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
It brings joy to any table, whether you’re enjoying a quiet breakfast, packing a lunchbox surprise, or serving guests at brunch. It’s also a fun way to introduce kids to baking, simple enough to make together, and delicious enough to keep them asking for more.
Conclusion
Banana Pineapple Chocolate Chip Bread is more than just another quick bread. It’s a celebration of flavor, a nod to tropical inspiration, and a feel-good bake that brings a little sunshine to any day. Moist, sweet, lightly tangy, and bursting with melty chocolate, this bread checks every box from taste and texture to ease and elegance.
So, the next time you have overripe bananas sitting on your counter, skip the usual and go for something extraordinary. Bake a loaf of this tropical treasure, and you’ll see how just a few extra ingredients can turn a classic into something unforgettable.