Let me tell you, this Chocolate Chip Banana Bread with Candied Bacon Recipe is a total game-changer. Imagine the cozy comfort of classic banana bread, but with a peanut butter twist, melty chocolate chips, and those irresistible crunchy-sweet candied bacon bites. You’re going to want to bake this for breakfast and dessert — seriously.

The image shows a rectangular loaf cake with one side visible, revealing a dense texture speckled with small dark chocolate bits throughout. The top layer of the cake is covered with a thick, smooth, orange frosting that drips slightly down the side. On top of the frosting are scattered dark chocolate chips and pieces of dried fruit. The cake is placed on a metal tray, which rests on a white marbled surface with a blue and white striped cloth nearby. In the background, there is a white bowl and a white plate with extra chocolate chips. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Chocolate Chip Banana Bread with Candied Bacon Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Banana Bread with Candied Bacon Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Chocolate Chip Banana Bread with Candied Bacon Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I honestly can’t get enough of this recipe! From the first time I made it, I knew it was something special—and every bite reminds me why. It combines flavors and textures I adore, and it’s so straightforward to make.

Perfectly Moist: The use of ripe bananas and sour cream keeps the bread wonderfully tender and never dry.
Flavor Explosion: Creamy peanut butter, rich chocolate chips, and sweet-salty candied bacon come together for a mouthwatering combo.
Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual breakfast or a delicious dessert, this bread fits right in.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and a straightforward process, it’s a winner even for novice bakers.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you start, I recommend grabbing some super ripe bananas—those speckled brown ones are perfect. Also, if you want that peanut butter flavor front-and-center, go for creamy peanut butter instead of chunky. This recipe relies on balancing rich, sweet, salty, and nutty elements, so getting quality ingredients will really make a difference.

Flat lay of ripe yellow bananas, two whole brown eggs with clean shells, a small white bowl of glossy chocolate chips, a small white bowl of light brown sugar, a small white bowl of granulated sugar, a small white bowl of all-purpose flour, a small white bowl of baking soda, a small white bowl of fine salt, a small white bowl of golden vegetable oil, a small white bowl of creamy full-fat sour cream, a small white bowl of smooth creamy peanut butter, a small white bowl of amber honey, a small white bowl of white powdered sugar, uncooked raw bacon strips arranged neatly on a simple white ceramic plate, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Bacon slices: Using nicely sliced bacon renders fat slowly for perfect caramelization with the sugar.
Light brown sugar: Adds moisture and deep caramel notes both for the bacon and the bread.
Chocolate chips or chopped chocolate: Coated in flour to keep them suspended in the batter and to avoid sinking.
All-purpose flour: Provides structure without weighing down the bread.
Baking soda: Helps the bread rise perfectly and gives it that classic banana bread crumb.
Salt: Just a pinch to balance sweetness and enhance flavor complexity.
Mashed bananas: The star of the show for moistness and natural sweetness.
Granulated sugar: Adds light sweetness and helps with browning.
Vegetable oil: Keeps the bread tender and soft.
Full-fat sour cream: Brings moisture and a subtle tang, making the bread extra rich.
Creamy peanut butter: Splashed into the batter and glaze for that luscious nutty flavor.
Eggs: Bind everything together and add richness.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall aroma and rounds out the sweetness.
Honey: Sweetens the peanut butter glaze naturally with a lovely floral note.
Powdered sugar: Adds smooth sweetness and helps thicken the glaze perfectly.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

The beauty of this Chocolate Chip Banana Bread with Candied Bacon Recipe is how easy it is to put your personal spin on it. Whether you're tweaking ingredients for dietary needs or adding your favorite add-ins, this recipe welcomes your creativity with open arms.

Gluten-Free Variation: I swapped the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend once, and the bread still turned out wonderfully moist and flavorful—just be sure your blend contains xanthan gum to keep the texture just right.
Dairy-Free Option: Replacing sour cream with coconut yogurt and using dairy-free chocolate chips made this bread suitable for my dairy-sensitive friends without losing that indulgent creaminess.
Seasonal Twist: In the fall, I like to sprinkle a teaspoon of cinnamon and a touch of nutmeg into the dry ingredients for a warm, cozy feel that pairs beautifully with the peanut butter glaze.
Extra Crunch: Sometimes I toss in chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture and a nutty contrast to the sweet and salty combo of chocolate and candied bacon.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Chocolate Chip Banana Bread with Candied Bacon Recipe

The image shows a loaf of banana bread placed on a metal tray, with a smooth layer of orange frosting spread on top. On the frosting, small chocolate chips and bits of what looks like candied fruit are scattered evenly. A thick slice of the banana bread is on a white plate in the front, showing a soft inside filled with dark chocolate chips. The slice has the same orange frosting on the top layer, with some chocolate chips peeking out at the edges. A silver fork rests beside the slice on the plate. Around the tray and plate are a peeled yellow banana, a small white bowl with more chocolate chips, and another white bowl partially visible with more candied fruit pieces. Everything is on a white marbled surface with a blue-striped white cloth beneath the tray and plates. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Candy Your Bacon to Perfection

Start by gently cooking 9 to 10 bacon slices over low heat in a fry pan. The key here is patience—slow cooking allows the fat to render out beautifully without burning the bacon. Once the bacon is fully cooked, carefully drain the excess grease. Return the bacon to the pan and sprinkle it evenly with ½ cup packed light brown sugar. Toss to coat each slice and keep cooking on low heat for about 5 to 6 minutes. You’ll notice the sugar gradually melting and turning into a shiny, sticky caramel glaze that coats every bacon slice. Transfer the candied bacon onto a plate and let it cool completely before chopping into bite-sized pieces. This step adds that perfect sweet-crispy contrast that sets this bread apart!

Step 2: Prep Your Pan and Chocolate Chips

Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare a 9x5 inch loaf pan by greasing it with baking spray. For easy removal and a flawless bottom crust, line the pan’s bottom with parchment paper. Meanwhile, toss 1 cup of chocolate chips with 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour to help prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the loaf—such a handy trick I always use. Set this aside for now.

Step 3: Mix Together the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and ⅛ teaspoon salt until everything is evenly combined. This ensures your leavening is evenly distributed, which means your bread will rise beautifully.

Step 4: Combine the Wet Ingredients into a Smooth Base

Grab a large bowl and whisk together 1 cup mashed bananas (about 3 large, very ripe bananas), ½ cup granulated sugar, ½ cup packed light brown sugar, ½ cup vegetable oil, ½ cup room temperature full-fat sour cream, ½ cup creamy peanut butter, 2 lightly beaten large eggs, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Keep whisking until everything is smooth and beautifully combined—this rich mix will be the heart of your banana bread’s moist texture and decadent flavor.

Step 5: Gently Fold Dry Ingredients and Chocolate Chips

Pour the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and gently stir just until the flour disappears—don’t overmix, as that can make the bread tough. Then fold in those flour-coated chocolate chips evenly throughout the batter. The batter will be thick and full of promise, ready to turn into a stunning loaf.

Step 6: Bake Your Banana Bread to Golden Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated 350°F oven for 60 minutes. Around the 50-minute mark, start checking your bread by inserting a toothpick into the center—it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, but no wet batter. This ensures the bread stays moist yet cooked through, with a tender crumb.

Step 7: Cooling and Glazing Magic

Let your banana bread cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, carefully invert the loaf onto a wire rack to cool completely—this helps the bread set wonderfully so it slices cleanly. While it cools, whisk together ½ cup creamy peanut butter, 2 tablespoons honey, and ¼ cup powdered sugar in a small bowl until silky smooth. Drizzle this luscious glaze over the cooled bread for an extra layer of peanut buttery goodness.

Step 8: The Finishing Touch — Candied Bacon and Chocolate

Finally, sprinkle your candied bacon chunks along with some extra chocolate chips across the glazed top. This final step transforms your loaf into a show-stopping treat bursting with salty-sweet crunch and melty chocolate pockets. Slice into 12 generous pieces, serve, and bask in the ooey-gooey joy of this indulgent Chocolate Chip Banana Bread with Candied Bacon Recipe that’s perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert!

Top Tip

Mastering the balance of sweet, salty, and moistness is key to making the perfect Chocolate Chip Banana Bread with Candied Bacon Recipe. Here are some insider tips from my own kitchen trials that helped me nail this decadent loaf every time.

Low and Slow Candied Bacon: Cooking the bacon on low heat until caramelized avoids burnt sugar and keeps the bacon tender, giving you that addictive sweet-crisp contrast.
Flour-Coated Chocolate Chips: Tossing the chocolate chips with a tablespoon of flour prevents them from sinking to the bottom during baking, keeping every bite chocolaty.
Avoid Overmixing: When combining wet and dry ingredients, stir gently just until no flour streaks remain. This keeps the bread tender and moist without getting tough.
Slice After Cooling: Let the bread cool completely before glazing and slicing. This prevents the glaze from sliding off and the bread from crumbling.

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Banana Bread with Candied Bacon Recipe

A close-up view of a single rectangular white baking pan filled with smooth, thick, light beige batter mixed with small dark purple or black spots, likely berries, evenly spread on the top surface. The batter has a slightly glossy texture with small uneven ridges and swirls. The pan sits on a white marbled surface, and the edges of the pan have a subtle colorful speckled pattern. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Although this bread is beautifully topped with candied bacon and chocolate chips already, you can add a few extra touches for a show-stopping presentation. Consider sprinkling chopped roasted peanuts or a pinch of flaky sea salt over the glaze to enhance the peanut butter and bacon flavors. A drizzle of melted dark chocolate or a light dusting of powdered sugar can also add a pretty finish.

Side Dishes

This luscious bread pairs wonderfully with creamy coffee or a rich hot chocolate for breakfast or brunch. For a savory balance, try serving slices alongside scrambled eggs or a simple mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette. It also makes a decadent dessert when paired with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover slices of your Chocolate Chip Banana Bread with Candied Bacon Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigeration is fine and will extend its life up to a week, just be aware it may dry out slightly.

Freezing

You can freeze the banana bread to enjoy later! Wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then foil to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months. To thaw, leave it overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for a few hours before glazing and serving.

Reheating

For that fresh-baked warmth, reheat individual slices in a toaster oven or microwave. Toast at low heat or microwave for 15–20 seconds until warm but not soggy. This also helps the peanut butter glaze soften, making each bite extra indulgent.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen bananas work great as long as they are thawed and mashed thoroughly before mixing. They actually add moisture, helping keep your banana bread extra tender.

Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, to make the Chocolate Chip Banana Bread with Candied Bacon Recipe dairy-free, substitute full-fat sour cream with coconut yogurt and use dairy-free chocolate chips. This keeps the rich flavor without dairy.

Why do we coat chocolate chips with flour before adding?

Coating chocolate chips in a little flour prevents them from sinking to the bottom of the batter during baking. It ensures even distribution of chocolate in every slice.

How can I tell when the bread is perfectly baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf around 60 minutes into baking. It should come out clean with a few moist crumbs—no wet batter. This ensures the bread is fully cooked but still tender.

Final Thoughts

Baking this Chocolate Chip Banana Bread with Candied Bacon Recipe is a delightful adventure in balancing textures and flavors—from the sweet, melting chocolate to the smoky, crunchy candied bacon and the creamy peanut butter glaze. It’s more than just banana bread; it’s a special treat that’s perfect for sharing, celebrating, or just indulging yourself. I hope these tips and ideas inspire you to bake this delicious loaf and enjoy every rich, flavorful bite.