Preparation Steps

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
• In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork. Stir in the melted butter and sugar.
• Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
• Fold in the chopped walnuts, if using.
• Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
• Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.