Best Ever Classic Banana Bread

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.

In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth.

Mix in the melted butter into the mashed bananas until well combined.

Add the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract to the banana mixture. Stir until fully combined.

In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda, and salt.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Fold in chopped walnuts if using.

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.

Bake for 60-65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Once baked, remove the banana bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.