Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a 9” x 5” loaf pan with parchment paper.

Melt ½ cup of unsalted butter over medium heat until it turns deep amber, about 5-8 minutes. Transfer to a mixing bowl.

Add ¾ cup of light brown sugar and 3 mashed ripe bananas to the bowl. Whisk until smooth. Incorporate 2 eggs one at a time, mixing well.

In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and optional cinnamon.

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, gently folding with a spatula until just combined.

Fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips or nuts if desired, saving some for the topping.

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading evenly. Sprinkle reserved coarse sugar on top.

Bake for 55-60 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Tent with foil if the top browns too quickly.

Cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then lift out using the parchment paper and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.