Banana Bread with Chocolate or Nuts (Printable)

Soft, moist banana bread customizable with chocolate chips or crunchy walnuts. Ideal for breakfast or snacking.

# What You'll Need:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 teaspoon baking soda
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

→ Wet Ingredients

04 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
05 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
06 - 2 large eggs
07 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Fruit

08 - 3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 1/4 cups)

→ Optional Add-Ins

09 - 3/4 cup chocolate chips OR 3/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
03 - In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
04 - Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
05 - Mix in the mashed bananas until well combined.
06 - Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gently until just combined.
07 - Fold in chocolate chips or nuts, if using.
08 - Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
09 - Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10 - Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The texture is impossibly moist without being dense or heavy
  • It uses up those overripe bananas you have been eyeing guiltily
  • The batter comes together in one bowl with zero fancy techniques
02 -
  • Overmixing once you add the flour makes bread tough and rubbery
  • Most ovens run hot, so check at 50 minutes to avoid burning
  • The bread continues cooking while cooling in the pan
03 -
  • Mash your bananas in a separate bowl to avoid overworking the batter
  • Use the lightest touch when folding in the flour and mix-ins
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