Best Banana Bread

Ingredients

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup granulated white sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 3 medium ripe bananas )
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter )
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup chocolate chips )

Directions

1. Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Give a 9 x 5 x 3 inch loaf pan a light coating of grease, then fit it with parchment (baking) paper and keep it nearby.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk the flour with the sugars, baking soda, salt and cinnamon until everything looks evenly combined. Put that bowl to the side for the moment.
3. In another medium-sized bowl, mash the bananas thoroughly. Stir in the eggs, the cooled melted butter (or oil), and the vanilla.
4. With a wooden spoon or spatula, bring the banana mixture into the flour mixture with a gentle hand, stopping as soon as the batter comes together. Fold in half of the chocolate chips (or nuts if using). You want the batter thick and a bit lumpy, not smooth.
5. Scrape the batter into the prepared pan, then scatter the remaining chocolate chips or nuts over the top. Bake for 55-60 minutes, until the loaf is golden brown and a toothpick poked into the centre comes back clean.
6. After about a half an hour, remove the loaf from the pan and let it finish cooling on a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.