Chocolate Chip And Walnut Banana Bread

Let's Cook

1. Step 1.

   Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-by-5-by-3-inch loaf pan with butter or nonstick spray and set aside.

2. Step 2.

   In a large mixing bowl, cream ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter until smooth. Gradually add 1 cup sugar and beat until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.

3. Step 3.

   Add 1 cup mashed very ripe bananas (about 2 whole) and 2 large eggs to the butter mixture. Blend thoroughly until combined.

4. Step 4.

   In a separate bowl, sift together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and ½ teaspoon kosher salt. In another small bowl, combine ⅓ cup whole milk with 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice; let sit for 1 minute until it curdles (this sours the milk).

5. Step 5.

   Slowly and alternately fold the flour mixture and the milk mixture into the butter-banana mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Blend well after each addition until just combined; do not overmix.

6. Step 6.

   Stir in 1 cup chocolate chips and ½ cup chopped walnuts until evenly distributed.

7. Step 7.

   Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly. Bake for 1 hour, or until the bread springs back when lightly pressed in the center and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

8. Step 8.

   Let the bread cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.