Step 1

Position a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees. Line a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving at least 1 inch of overhang on the long sides.

Step 2

In a large bowl, mix together the bananas, eggs, butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar and vanilla until evenly combined. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves and salt until combined.

Step 3

Add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture and stir just enough to incorporate, scraping down the sides and bottom of the bowl with a rubber spatula and stirring in any streaks. Fold in the chocolate pieces, if using.

Step 4

Scrape the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth out the top. (If you want a split top, run a wet butter knife down the center of the loaf pan 1/2 to 1 inch deep.)

Step 5

Bake for 1 hour to 1 hour 10 minutes, or until a tester inserted into the center comes out mostly clean with a few crumbs (wipe it off and retest if you encounter chocolate) and the top is browned.

Step 6

Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes, then use the parchment overhang to gently lift it out and transfer it to a wire rack or serving tray. Serve the slices warm or at room temperature.