Miso Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe

If you’ve ever longed for a banana bread that brings a little extra excitement to the table, Miso Chocolate Chip Banana Bread is about to become your new obsession. This loaf is the perfect marriage of deep, toasty banana sweetness, the irresistible bittersweet bite of chocolate, and the subtle, savory magic of white miso paste. The result? A tender, flavorful bread with a gorgeous crumb and a wonderful balance of sweet, salty, and umami notes that keeps everyone coming back for just one more slice. Whether you’re a banana bread traditionalist or love shaking up classics, this recipe is a joyful surprise.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Everything for this loaf is likely already in your kitchen, but don’t be fooled by the simplicity—each ingredient plays a vital role, from flavor depth to texture. Here’s what makes this Miso Chocolate Chip Banana Bread shine:

• Mashed overripe banana: Go for super spotty bananas—they provide natural sweetness and a moist texture.
• Cane sugar: This gives the loaf warmth and a subtle caramel flavor that balances the other ingredients.
• Non-dairy milk: Keeps everything light and tender, and makes the recipe totally dairy-free if you wish.
• Olive oil: Brings fruity richness and a lovely, moist crumb without overpowering the other flavors.
• White miso paste: The secret weapon! It delivers umami depth, balancing banana and chocolate for next-level flavor complexity.
• Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors and adds a cozy, bakery-style aroma.
• All-purpose flour: Creates a just-right structure for a tender, sliceable bread.
• Baking powder and baking soda: These give the loaf its beautiful lift and keep the crumb light.
• Chocolate chips (dark or semisweet): The melty pockets of chocolate take every bite over the top.

How to Make Miso Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350 F. Line a greased 8×4 inch loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang on both sides. This not only helps the bread pop out easily after baking but makes cleanup a total breeze.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, cane sugar, non-dairy milk, olive oil, white miso paste, and vanilla extract. Beat everything together until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and the miso has completely dissolved. You’ll notice a sweet, nutty aroma building already—it’s a sign of good things to come.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

Next, add in your all-purpose flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Gently mix until there are no big pockets of dry flour left, but don’t over-stir. Keeping the mixing gentle ensures your Miso Chocolate Chip Banana Bread stays tender and fluffy.

Step 4: Fold in Chocolate Chips

Time for the fun part: gently fold in your chocolate chips. You want to distribute them evenly, so every slice has melty chocolate in every bite. If you love extra chocolate, keep a small handful aside to sprinkle on top before baking.

Step 5: Fill and Bake

Pour your batter into the prepared loaf pan and give it a little shimmy so it settles evenly. Scatter those extra chocolate chips over the top if you saved some. Slide the pan into your preheated oven, and bake for 55 to 60 minutes. The loaf should be beautifully browned with a tester coming out mostly clean—some melted chocolate streaks are totally fine.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This helps it set and come out of the pan neatly. Use those handy parchment overhangs to lift the loaf onto a wire rack, and let it cool for at least another 10 minutes before slicing. Patience pays off here: the crumbs are perfectly set, and every slice holds together like a dream.

How to Serve Miso Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

Garnishes

This bread is already loaded with flavor, but for a finishing touch, try a light dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of flaked sea salt. Both work beautifully with the sweet-salty profile of Miso Chocolate Chip Banana Bread, accentuating that crave-worthy balance.

Side Dishes

Pair your banana bread with a creamy oat latte or a chai tea for a truly cozy afternoon snack. If you’re serving a brunch spread, fresh berries or a side of coconut yogurt complement every bite while keeping things light and bright.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to really impress, slice your Miso Chocolate Chip Banana Bread, toast a piece, and slather it with a touch of almond or peanut butter—a decadent treat! For dessert, a warm slice served with a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream is utterly irresistible.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Miso Chocolate Chip Banana Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The loaf actually gets more flavorful as it sits, with the miso and banana mingling even more deliciously over time.

Freezing

If you want to keep your banana bread for longer, wrap individual slices tightly in parchment and then pop them into a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay perfectly fresh in the freezer for up to two months, making for a delightful anytime treat.

Reheating

To bring your bread back to its just-baked glory, warm a slice in the microwave for about 20 seconds, or gently toast it. The chocolate will become perfectly gooey again, and the aroma will be just as inviting as day one.

FAQs

Can I use regular dairy milk instead of non-dairy?

Absolutely! Regular milk works just as well in this recipe, so use whatever you have on hand.

What type of miso should I use?

White miso paste is best here—it’s milder and sweeter than red or brown miso, and blends seamlessly with the banana and chocolate flavors.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, just substitute an all-purpose gluten-free flour blend for the regular flour; check that your blend contains xanthan gum or a similar binder for best results.

What happens if my bananas aren’t overripe?

If your bananas are still a bit firm, you can speed up the ripening process by baking them in their skins at 300°F for about 15 minutes. Let cool before using.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Of course! Chopped toasted walnuts or pecans would add delightful crunch to your Miso Chocolate Chip Banana Bread. Feel free to experiment with your favorite add-ins.

Final Thoughts

This isn’t just banana bread—it’s a whole new way to experience those familiar flavors, upgraded with a salty-sweet twist that’s impossible to resist. Whether you bake it for breakfast, an afternoon pick-me-up, or to share with friends, Miso Chocolate Chip Banana Bread is sure to win hearts and spark conversation. Give it a try—you might discover your new favorite loaf!

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