Ingredients:

  • 2 ripe bananas (about 200g peeled, mashed)
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
  • 1/2 cup (60g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
  • 1/3 cup (60g) chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease the loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth but slightly chunky.
  3. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
  5. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
  6. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
  7. Fold in the mashed bananas and any optional nuts or chocolate chips.
  8. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes. Test doneness with a toothpick inserted in the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  10. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely before slicing.