This is not your ordinary banana bread. The basic ingredients are classic, but chocolate chips, a splash of vanilla, and a bit of bourbon, and a hint of cinnamon make it special.
1 1/2cupsripe bananas, mashed (about 2-3 bananas) see notes below
3tablespoonsbourbon
2teaspoons vanilla extract
1cupsemi-sweet chocolate chips, or chocolate chunks, see notes below
1 cup unsalted chopped nuts, walnuts or pecans
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Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350 F. Prepare your 9 x 5" loaf pan by using a non-stick baking spray with flour, or grease with butter and lightly flour (tap out excess flour over the sink).
Measure the bananas in a bowl, mash and set aside.
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
In another medium bowl (or the bowl of your stand mixer) add the butter, white and brown sugar. Beat with your hand mixer (or stand mixer) for 3-5 minutes until fairly light and fluffy. You want it to be a whipped consistency. (Scrape down the sides as needed)
Add the eggs to the butter/sugar one at a time. Beat in the first egg for about 1 minute. Add the second egg. Stop the mixer and scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add your mashed bananas, bourbon and vanilla extract. Mix well. It will look curdled.
Add the flour mixture and stir just until you don't see anymore flour. Fold in the chopped nuts and chocolate chips with a spatula, just until it is evenly incorporated. Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan (place on a baking sheet to prevent any possible spills just incase). Bake on the middle rack for 45-60 minutes. Check on the bread after about 30 minutes of baking and cover with foil if it is starting to brown. Bake until the internal temperature is 205 F.
Rest in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then release the bread onto a cooling rack and let cool cool completely before slicing. Once cooled you can wrap it well in plastic wrap, or slice and place in an air-tight container. It will keep on the counter for up to 3 days and in the fridge for longer.
Notes
Serving sizes, cooking times, and nutritional values are estimates only. *You can use 1 cup of white sugar if you don't have brown. If your bananas are especially ripe, the sugar can be reduced to 3/4 cup total if you prefer to reduce sweetness. *Be sure to measure exactly 1 1/2 cups. This will vary depending on the size of your bananas. Metric measurements are also available above. *You can use any flavor of chocolate chips or chopped chocolate bars to make chunks.