Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups mashed overripe bananas (about 3-4 medium bananas)
  • 1/2 cup (113g) melted unsalted butter
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 3/4 cup (150g) packed light brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 3/4 cups (210g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
  • 1/2 cup dark or milk chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a standard 9x5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper, ensuring an overhang on the long sides.
  2. In a medium bowl, thoroughly mash the ripe bananas until mostly smooth, leaving some small lumps acceptable.
  3. Add the melted butter, beaten eggs, brown sugar, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Whisk briefly until just combined.
  4. In a separate large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon until uniformly blended.
  5. Pour the wet banana mixture into the dry ingredients. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the mixture together just until no streaks of dry flour remain. Do not overmix.
  6. Gently fold in the optional chopped nuts or chocolate chips.
  7. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
  8. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.
  9. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then use the parchment overhang to lift it onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.