Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper.

In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 mashed ripe bananas, 2 large eggs, 1/2 cup packed brown sugar, and 1/3 cup of either vegetable oil or melted unsalted butter. Add 1/4 cup molasses and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, whisking until smooth.

In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Add 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon cloves.

Gently pour the dry ingredients into the bowl of wet ingredients and stir until just combined.

Fold in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans and/or 1/3 cup of chopped crystallized ginger.

Transfer the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top and tapping gently to release air bubbles.

Bake for 50 to 55 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick.

Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.