Step 1

Heat the oven to 180C/fan160C/gas Mash the bananas in a large mixing bowl, then stir in the melted butter and caster sugar with a wooden spoon until well combined.

Step 2

Stir in the vanilla extract or cinnamon (or use both if you like), then beat in the eggs. Sift in the flour, baking powder and bicarbonate of soda, then gently fold in, along with the chocolate, if using.

Step 3

Pour the mixture into the loaf tin, then bake for 45-60 minutes. The cake should be well risen and feel springy to the touch. Check it’s done by poking a skewer into the centre – if it comes out clean it’s ready. Leave to cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then lift out onto a wire rack to cool.