Moist & Fluffy Banana Bread

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

In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. It's okay if there are some small lumps.

Add the softened butter and sugar to the mashed bananas. Mix until well combined.

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.

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

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix just until combined; do not overmix.

If using, fold in the chopped nuts or chocolate chips gently into the batter.

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

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

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