Easy Banana Bread

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

In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. There should be no large chunks remaining.

Add the melted butter to the mashed bananas and mix well.

Stir in the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until thoroughly combined.

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

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

If desired, fold in chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavor.

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

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

Remove the banana bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.