Moist Homemade Banana Bread (Print Version)

A moist, flavorful banana bread made with ripe bananas, easily customized with chocolate chips or nuts for the perfect homemade treat.

# Ingredients:

01 - 3 medium ripe bananas (about 1½ cups mashed)
02 - ⅓ cup melted butter
03 - ½ cup granulated sugar
04 - 1 large egg
05 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
06 - 1½ cups all-purpose flour
07 - 1 teaspoon baking soda
08 - ¼ teaspoon salt
09 - 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
10 - ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray. Line with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal. Gather all ingredients and bring to room temperature.
02 - Mash bananas in a large bowl until smooth. Whisk in melted butter until combined. Mix in sugar, egg, and vanilla until well blended. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt. Fold dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined. If using, gently stir in chocolate chips and/or nuts.
03 - Pour batter into prepared pan. Smooth top with a spatula. Bake at 350°F for 55-60 minutes. Test with a toothpick at 50 minutes. Cool in pan for 10 minutes. Remove and cool completely on a wire rack.

# Additional Notes:

01 - Use very ripe, heavily speckled bananas for best flavor.
02 - Do not overmix the batter—stop when ingredients are just combined.
03 - Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting.
04 - This recipe is specifically designed for a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
05 - For high altitudes: Add 2 tablespoons of flour at 3,000-5,000 ft; add 3 tablespoons of flour at 5,000-7,000 ft.