Quick & Easy Banana Bread

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease 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 until smooth. Leave a few small lumps for texture, if desired.

Stir the melted butter into the mashed bananas until combined.

Mix in the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.

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

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

If using, fold in the chopped nuts until evenly distributed.

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.

Let the banana bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.