Easy Moist 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. Leave some small lumps for added texture if desired.

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

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

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

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Do not overmix.

If using, fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans.

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

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

Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.