Prepare the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.Mash the Bananas
In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until mostly smooth. Small lumps are perfectly fine and add texture to the bread.Mix the Wet Ingredients
Add melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and milk or sour cream to the mashed bananas. Whisk until fully combined and creamy.Combine the Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.Make the Batter
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula. Mix gently until no dry flour remains. Avoid overmixing to keep the banana bread soft and moist.Fold in walnuts or chocolate chips if desired.Bake the Banana Bread
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil during the final 15 minutes of baking.Cool and Serve
Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.
