Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

Steps

1. 1

   Set the oven to 175°C (350 °F) / 350°F (180 °C). Lightly grease a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper.

2. 2

   In a large bowl, mash 3 very ripe bananas until mostly smooth, leaving a few small chunks if desired.

3. 3

   Add the melted butter, light brown sugar, room-temperature eggs, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Whisk until well blended.

4. 4

   In a separate bowl, mix the plain flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon until evenly combined.

5. 5

   Pour the dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Fold gently until just combined; do not overwork the batter.

6. 6

   Stir most of the chocolate chips into the batter, reserving a handful for the topping.

7. 7

   Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan and smooth it into an even layer as needed.

8. 8

   Slice the remaining banana in half lengthwise and place it on top of the batter. Sprinkle the reserved chocolate chips over the loaf.

9. 9

   Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. A little melted chocolate on the skewer is fine.

   Start 1-hour timer
10. 10

    If the loaf begins browning too quickly, loosely cover the pan with foil halfway through baking.

11. 11

    Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Lift it out and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

    Start 10-minute timer
12. 12

    Cut the cooled banana bread into slices and serve.