Classic Homemade Banana Bread

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.

In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork or potato masher until smooth. You should have about 1 to 1 1/2 cups of mashed banana.

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

Mix in the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until thoroughly blended.

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture. Stir gently until just combined – do not overmix. If using, fold in the chopped nuts.

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.

Bake in the preheated oven for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.