Whisk together flour(s), baking powder and soda, salt, spices, chia seeds, and nuts. Set aside.
Add butter and both sugars to a medium-size bowl. With a hand or stand mixer, beat on medium for about two minutes. Spatula the sides down a couple times. Add both eggs and almond extract then begin on low this time and mix just until incorporated but smooth.
With your mixer still on low, add the flour in two batches, mixing just until almost incorporated after each. Now switch to a spatula: fold the mashed banana and nuts (if using) into the batter; reach bottom of the bowl to top, making sure flour isn't hiding below.
Taste, is the batter to your liking? If not, it isn't too late for one quick stir of more extract, sugar or spice, but careful, because we don't want to stir too much. Spatula the goodness into the prepared pan. If you want a design, swirl a knife or offset spatula back and forth across the top, then sprinkle with chopped nuts, sugar and spice.
Bake on the center rack for 35-40 minutes.Begin checking five minutes prior to the earliest finish time. Bake until the bread's just set and a toothpick comes out with few crumbs or clean. It's better for the bread to be underdone and continue baking on the counter, then overdone.
Remove pan from the oven and let stand for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Enjoy warm or cooled.