Step 1

Pre-heat your oven to 325 degrees F and spray a 9 x 5 bread loaf pan with cooking spray or thoroughly rub inside all over with a bit of butter. Dust the greased surface evenly with a layer of flour. Turn the bread pan as needed to help the flour coat the interior of the pan. Tap the pan to remove excess flour and set aside.

Step 2

Grab a large bowl and peel and toss in your two overripe bananas. Mash your bananas with a fork until until they form a soft gooey consistency. Set aside.

Step 3

In a separate medium bowl, grab a sifter and set it over your bowl. Add all purpose flour, salt, and baking soda. Shake the sifter to combine dry ingredients and clear any lumps as the dry mixture passes through and into the bowl. Set aside.

Step 4

Returning to the large bowl with the smashed bananas, splash in your vanilla extract, egg, brown sugar, and melted butter. Using a hand mixer or spatula, stir everything until thoroughly mixed and combined.

Step 5

Pour half of the sifted flour mixture into the large mixing bowl with banana mixture and combine using your hand mixer or spatula. Now pour in the second half of the sifted flour mixture and continue to stir until flour is evenly mixed into the batter.

Step 6

Pour the finished batter into your prepared pan and toss in the semi-sweet chocolate chips (if using). Gently swirl the semi-sweet chocolate chips throughout the batter using a spoon or spatula to spread them around inside the loaf pan.

Step 7

Bake the banana bread in your 325 degrees F preheated oven for about an hour or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the loaf comes out clean.

Step 8

Let banana bread loaf cool in the pan for 15 to 20 minutes before tipping over to remove from the pan. Serve warm.