Ingredients:

  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour (plain flour)
  • 1 teaspoon (5g) baking soda (bicarbonate of soda)
  • 1/2 teaspoon (3g) ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon (1g) ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon (3g) salt
  • 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar (caster sugar)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract
  • 3 very ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 1/2 cups/340g)
  • 1/2 cup (75g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
  • 1/2 cup (85g) chocolate chips (milk, dark, or semi-sweet) (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour the loaf pan (or line with parchment paper).
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
  5. In a separate bowl, mash the bananas until smooth (a few lumps are fine).
  6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix!
  7. Gently fold in the mashed bananas until evenly distributed.
  8. If using, fold in nuts and/or chocolate chips.
  9. Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
  10. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.