Caramelized Banana Bread

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter and flour a 9x5 loaf pan. Set aside.
2. 2
   In a medium skillet, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium-high heat. Continue to cook, stirring, until butter begins to brown and smells nutty. Add 1 tablespoon brown sugar and stir until sugar is melted. Add sliced bananas and stir so that the brown sugar/butter mixture coats the bananas. Cook bananas, stirring frequently, until they are soft, brown and caramelized, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and mash with a fork until smooth.
3. 3
   In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat yogurt, remaining butter and brown sugar until smooth and light, about 4 minutes. Add eggs one at a time and beat until incorporated, scraping down the bowl as needed. Add flour, baking soda and salt. Mix to combine.
4. 4
   Add caramelized bananas and mix until just combined. Stir in chocolate chips and walnuts, if using.
5. 5
   Scrape batter into prepared pan. Bake 55-60 minutes, until a tester inserted in the center comes out clean. Let bread cool in pan for 1 hour, then remove a finish cooling on a wire rack.