Step 1: Preheat & Prep

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease or line an 8.5×4.5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.

Step 2: Toast the Walnuts

• In a dry pan over medium heat, toast the walnut pieces for 3-5 minutes until lightly golden and fragrant. Set aside to cool.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

• In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using). Set aside.

Step 4: Combine the Wet Ingredients

• In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas until smooth. Stir in the melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, yogurt, and vanilla extract. Whisk until fully combined.

Step 5: Combine Wet & Dry Mixtures

• Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a rubber spatula. Be gentle—overmixing can make the bread dense!

Step 6: Add Walnuts & Raisins

• Fold in the toasted walnuts and raisins evenly throughout the batter.

Step 7: Bake the Bread

• Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle the top with coarse sugar for extra crunch (optional). Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the top springs back when touched and a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool & Serve

• Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack. Wait 20 minutes before slicing (if you can resist!). Serve warm and enjoy!