If you love classic banana bread but crave something extra special, you’ve got to try this Chocolate Chip Banana Bread with Candied Bacon Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of sweet, salty, and peanut buttery goodness that feels like a little celebration in every bite.

The image shows a loaf cake placed on a metal tray. The cake has two visible layers: the bottom layer is dense and moist with a speckled texture of dark chips inside, light brown in color. The top layer is a smooth, thick, shiny orange frosting that drips slightly down the sides. Small dark chocolate chips and thin pieces of dried fruit decorate the frosting unevenly. In the background, there is a white bowl and a white small dish filled with more dark chocolate chips, all set on a white marbled surface. 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 can’t get enough of this banana bread — every time I make it, the combination of gooey chocolate chips and that irresistible candied bacon glaze wins over all my friends and family. It’s a true crowd-pleaser and perfect for brunch or dessert.

Sweet & Savory Magic: The candied bacon adds a crunchy, salty contrast to the rich banana bread and peanut butter layers.
Peanut Butter Perfection: Creamy peanut butter infused into the batter plus a luscious glaze makes this banana bread extra moist and flavorful.
Chocolate Chip Bliss: Coating the chocolate chips in flour keeps them evenly dispersed so you get chocolate in every bite.
Make Ahead Friendly: Bake it the day before and add the glaze and bacon topping just before serving for maximum freshness.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you start gathering ingredients, here’s a little insider tip: ripe bananas are your best friend for this bread—the riper, the better! Also, don’t skimp on the candied bacon; it’s the star that takes this bread to the next level.

Flat lay of a bunch of three large ripe bananas, a small mound of light brown sugar, two whole uncracked brown eggs, a small pile of glossy raw bacon slices, a heaping handful of dark chocolate chips, a small white ceramic bowl of creamy peanut butter, a small white ceramic bowl of golden honey, a small white ceramic bowl of powdered sugar, a small white ceramic bowl of vegetable oil, a small white ceramic bowl of full-fat sour cream, a small white ceramic bowl of granulated sugar, a small white ceramic bowl of all-purpose flour, a small white ceramic bowl of baking soda, a small white ceramic bowl of salt, 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: Slow-cooked and caramelized with brown sugar to create that addictive sweet-savory crunch.
Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and depth of flavor, especially crucial for the candied bacon’s caramelization.
Chocolate Chips: I prefer semi-sweet or bittersweet, coated in a little flour so they don’t all sink to the bottom.
All-Purpose Flour: The base for our bread, providing structure without toughness.
Baking Soda: Helps the loaf rise just right, creating a tender crumb.
Salt: Enhances all the sweet and savory flavors.
Mashed Bananas: The ripe bananas bring natural sweetness and moisture.
Granulated Sugar: Balances the banana’s flavor and keeps the bread sweet but not overpowering.
Vegetable Oil: Keeps the bread tender and moist without heaviness.
Sour Cream: Adds richness and tanginess, making the texture extra soft.
Peanut Butter: Creamy and smooth, it enriches both the batter and glaze with nutty goodness.
Eggs: Bind everything together and contribute to the bread’s tender crumb.
Vanilla Extract: Lifts all the flavors with warm aromatic notes.
Honey: Sweetens the glaze naturally and adds a touch of floral depth.
Powdered Sugar: Brings smooth sweetness to the glaze without graininess.

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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

One of the best things about this Chocolate Chip Banana Bread with Candied Bacon Recipe is how easy it is to put your own spin on it. Whether you love it extra gooey, a bit less sweet, or with a fun twist for a special occasion, it’s a truly flexible treat.

Peanut Butter Swap: If you're a fan of nut butters, try swapping creamy peanut butter for almond or cashew butter. The flavor twist is subtle but so delicious—I loved how this added a different nutty depth while keeping the bread moist and rich.
Gluten-Free Option: For anyone needing to avoid gluten, using a well-balanced gluten-free flour blend works beautifully. Just be sure to keep an eye on the batter for texture and adjust slightly if needed. I personally recommend this option for family gatherings when gluten sensitivities pop up.
Seasonal Fruit Boost: Toss in some chopped walnuts or toasted pecans for extra crunch, or even fold in some dried cranberries for a tangy surprise. These small additions gave my version a festive feel, perfect for holidays.
Less Sweet Candied Bacon: If candied bacon feels a little too sweet, try reducing the brown sugar from ½ cup to ¼ cup. I did this once and it balanced the smoky-sweet flavor wonderfully without overpowering the bread.

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

The image shows a loaf of cake placed on a silver tray, topped with a thick layer of smooth orange frosting sprinkled with small dark chocolate chips and small pieces of candied fruit. In front of the tray is a white plate holding one thick slice of the cake, showing a dense texture with bits of chocolate and fruit inside. The slice has a thin layer of the same orange frosting on top, with some chocolate chips along the edge. A silver fork lies beside the slice on the plate. To the left of the tray, there is a whole yellow banana and a white bowl filled with candied fruit. A white cloth with blue stripes is used as the base, which itself is set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Slow-Cook the Candied Bacon for Maximum Flavor

Start on low heat to slowly render the fat out of 9 to 10 slices of bacon, cooking them until they're just crispy but still flexible. Then carefully drain most of the bacon grease from the pan — this helps the sugar caramelize without burning. Sprinkle the bacon evenly with ½ cup packed light brown sugar, tossing to coat each strip well. Continue cooking on low heat, stirring occasionally for 5 to 6 minutes until the sugar melts and forms a glossy caramel coating. Once cooled completely, chop into bite-size pieces. This step creates that perfect crunchy-sweet counterpoint to the rich banana bread.

Step 2: Prep Your Pan and Preheat Your Oven

While the bacon cools, preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan generously with baking spray, then line the bottom with parchment paper. This makes removing the banana bread a breeze and helps keep those edges nice and clean.

Step 3: Coat the Chocolate Chips to Prevent Sinking

Toss 1 cup of chocolate chips or chopped chocolate with 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour. This little trick helps keep those melty chocolate bits evenly suspended throughout your bread and stops them from all sinking to the bottom during baking.

Step 4: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients Separately

Whisk together 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and ⅛ teaspoon salt in a medium bowl. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup mashed ripe bananas, ½ cup granulated sugar, ½ cup packed light brown sugar, ½ cup vegetable oil, ½ cup full-fat sour cream (room temp), ½ cup creamy peanut butter, 2 large eggs (lightly beaten and at room temperature), and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Whisk everything until the mixture looks smooth and creamy—no lumps in sight.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Slowly add the dry flour mixture to the wet banana mixture, stirring gently just until no visible flour streaks remain. Be patient and careful here—overmixing can make the bread tough. Next, fold in your floured chocolate chips evenly but gently to keep the batter light and airy.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Perfectly Done

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes. To test doneness, insert a toothpick into the center—the toothpick should come out clean with just a few moist crumbs clinging. If it comes out wet, give it a little more time.

Step 7: Cool Completely Before the Sweet Finale

Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then carefully invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely—this usually takes about 30 minutes. Cooling fully is key so the peanut butter glaze doesn’t melt away.

Step 8: Whip Up the Peanut Butter Glaze and Assemble

In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup creamy peanut butter, 2 tablespoons honey, and ¼ cup powdered sugar until you have a smooth, luscious glaze. Pour this evenly over the cooled banana bread. Finally, generously sprinkle with the chopped candied bacon and extra chocolate chips for a little shimmer and crunch. Slice it up, serve, and get ready for some serious compliments!

Top Tip

Mastering this Chocolate Chip Banana Bread with Candied Bacon Recipe means balancing textures and flavors just right. Here are some insights from my kitchen that make all the difference!

Choose Ripe Bananas: The riper, the better! They add natural sweetness and moisture that really elevate the bread’s richness.
Diligent Bacon Caramelizing: Don’t rush the candied bacon step. Cooking bacon slowly and melting the sugar gently produces those perfect crunchy-sweet bits.
Coat the Chocolate Chips: Tossing your chocolate chips in a little flour before folding them in helps keep them suspended in the batter so they don’t all sink to the bottom.
Cool Before Glazing: Patience pays off here—wait until the bread is completely cool before glazing to prevent the peanut butter glaze from melting and running off.

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Banana Bread with Candied Bacon Recipe

The image shows a single thick layer of light beige dough with small dark spots spread unevenly in a rectangular white baking dish with colorful flecks. The dough has a smooth but slightly lumpy texture with some visible swirls and ridges across the surface. The dish is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Enhance your presentation by adding a few extra chocolate chips or a sprinkle of finely chopped candied bacon right on top after glazing. For a fun twist, you can also add chopped toasted peanuts or a light dusting of powdered sugar to finish it off.

Side Dishes

This banana bread shines perfectly on its own but pairs beautifully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a creamy latte for breakfast. If serving as a dessert, consider a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a side of fresh berries to complement its rich peanut butter and chocolate flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your Chocolate Chip Banana Bread with Candied Bacon wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep it moist and flavorful.

Freezing

This banana bread freezes wonderfully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer bag or airtight container. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

Warm slices gently in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or pop them in a preheated 325°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes for a freshly baked feel. Avoid overheating to keep the bread moist and the glaze from melting away.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular bacon instead of candied bacon?

Yes, you can use regular cooked bacon, but the candied bacon adds a unique sweet and crunchy contrast that really makes this recipe stand out.

What if I don't have sour cream?

You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt or buttermilk to maintain the moisture and tanginess of the bread.

Can I make this bread gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and adjust the amount as needed. Just ensure your baking soda is gluten-free as well.

How do I prevent the chocolate chips from sinking?

Tossing the chocolate chips in a tablespoon of flour before folding into the batter helps keep them suspended evenly throughout the bread.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Chip Banana Bread with Candied Bacon Recipe is truly a celebration of flavors—creamy peanut butter, sweet bananas, melty chocolate, and that irresistible candied bacon crunch. Baking this loaf brings a cozy warmth into your kitchen and the joy of indulging in something both unique and comforting. Whether you're serving it for breakfast, snack time, or dessert, it’s sure to become a beloved treat for your family and friends. Happy baking and even happier eating!