Classic Rich Banana Bread

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

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

In another large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Mix in the mashed bananas until well combined.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, stirring just until combined. Do not overmix.

If desired, fold in the chopped walnuts until evenly distributed.

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

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

Remove from the oven and let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.