Banana Bread Mini Loaves: A Warm, Chocolatey Classic in Every Bite

The first time I made these banana bread mini loaves, I wrapped them in wax paper, tied them with twine, and handed one to my elderly neighbor. She called me the next day, raving like I’d gifted her a slice of heaven. That’s when I knew: these weren’t just loaves—they were little bundles of love. Warm banana, gooey chocolate, and just the right size for sharing? Yes, please.

The Best Banana Bread Mini Loaves

These banana bread mini loaves are everything you love about classic banana bread, in a sweet little size that’s just right for gifting, snacking, or freezing for later. They’re ultra-moist, packed with rich banana flavor, and studded with melty mini chocolate chips for a little extra joy in every bite. Whether you call them mini banana bread loaves or individual banana breads, one thing’s for sure: they’re totally irresistible and incredibly simple to make.

Perfect for neighbor gifts, lunchboxes, or that “just one more bite” moment with your coffee, this recipe gives you eight mini loaves in under an hour. Cozy, portable, and freezer-friendly? Yes and yes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Close-up of a chocolate chip banana bread mini loaf in parchment liner on marble
Warm and fluffy banana bread loaf packed with chocolate chips and baked to golden perfection.
  • Uses up overripe bananas (we love a no-waste moment!)
  • Perfect portion size for easy sharing
  • Freezer-friendly and make-ahead approved
  • Made with everyday pantry staples
  • Just sweet enough with chocolate in every bite

Ingredients You’ll Need

Flat lay of banana bread ingredients including flour, egg, bananas, and chocolate chips
Everything you need to start baking: ripe bananas, flour, sugar, spices, and chocolate chips.

Here’s what you’ll need to make these chocolate chip banana bread mini loaves:

  • Butter (1/2 cup) – softened for creaming
  • Sugar (1 cup) – for sweetness and moisture
  • Eggs (2) – bind everything together
  • Ripe Bananas (3) – the riper, the better for bold flavor
  • Sour Cream (1/4 cup) – adds tang and tenderness (or sub Greek yogurt)
  • Vanilla (1 tsp) – for warmth and depth
  • Flour (1 1/2 cups) – all-purpose does the trick
  • Baking Soda (1 tsp) – rise and fluff
  • Salt (1/2 tsp) – balances the sweet
  • Mini Chocolate Chips (1/2 cup) – because we love melty moments

Tip: Mini chocolate chips distribute better in small loaves, but regular ones work too!

How to Make Banana Bread Mini Loaves

Banana bread batter process and mini loaves ready to bake
From mashed bananas to filled pans—this is how your batter should look before baking.

Making these couldn’t be easier—just mix, pour, and bake:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease or line your mini loaf pans with parchment paper.
  2. Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step makes the base of the batter soft and rich.
  3. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each.
  4. Mash your bananas and mix them in along with the sour cream and vanilla.
  5. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
  6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing gently just until combined.
  7. Fold in the chocolate chips, then spoon the batter evenly into the pans.
  8. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  9. Cool completely before removing. Then wrap, gift, or slice and snack.

Expert Tips for Perfect Mini Loaves

Golden chocolate chip banana bread mini loaves baked in pan
Bake until golden, puffed, and just barely cracked on top!
  • Spray pans well or line with parchment for easy removal.
  • Use a toothpick in the center to check for doneness—no wet batter!
  • Let loaves cool completely before wrapping or freezing.

Storage & Freezing Tips

Store these mini loaves in an airtight container for 3–4 days at room temp, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. To freeze, wrap each loaf in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. They keep beautifully for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temp and enjoy.

More Banana Recipes You’ll Love

Got more ripe bananas? Try these favorites from the blog:

FAQs About Banana Bread Mini Loaves

Can I make this recipe without a mini loaf pan?

Yes! Use a muffin tin for banana muffins or a standard loaf pan—just adjust baking time as needed.

How ripe should the bananas be?

Very ripe with plenty of brown spots. The riper they are, the sweeter and more flavorful your loaves will be.

Can I add nuts or mix-ins?

Absolutely—chopped walnuts, pecans, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon would be fantastic!

Feeling inspired? Share your loaf pics and tag me—I’d love to see how you gift (or hoard) these little beauties! Want more cozy kitchen inspiration? Follow along on Pinterest or join the flavor fun over on Facebook.

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Golden chocolate chip banana bread mini loaves baked in pan

Banana Bread Mini Loaves: A Warm, Chocolatey Classic in Every Bite


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  • Author: Ely Rechard
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 8 mini loaves 1x

Description

Moist, chocolatey banana bread mini loaves that are perfect for gifting, snacking, or freezing.


Ingredients

Scale

1/2 cup butter (softened)

1 cup sugar

2 eggs

3 ripe bananas

1/4 cup sour cream

1 tsp vanilla

1 1/2 cups flour

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 cup mini chocolate chips


Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.

2. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

3. Add eggs and beat until incorporated.

4. Mix in mashed bananas, sour cream, and vanilla.

5. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.

6. Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet mixture.

7. Stir in chocolate chips.

8. Pour into greased or parchment-lined mini loaf pans.

9. Bake for 30–35 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.

10. Cool completely before removing from pans.

Notes

Perfect for using up overripe bananas.

Use parchment paper for easy removal and gifting.

Loaves freeze well.

Can be made with regular or mini chocolate chips.

Greek yogurt can be substituted for sour cream.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Baking
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 mini loaf
  • Calories: 274
  • Sugar: 24g
  • Sodium: 231mg
  • Fat: 11g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg

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