Southern Banana Bread

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray.

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

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

Mix in the brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth.

Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is fully incorporated.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the banana mixture, stirring gently until just combined.

If using, fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans.

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

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

Once done, remove the banana bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.