Moist Banana Bread

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

In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork or potato masher until smooth. Leave some small chunks for added texture if desired.

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

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

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix. If using, fold in the chopped nuts.

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

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

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