Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas and melted butter.
3 ripe bananas, mashed, 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Add the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract to the banana mixture. Mix until well combined.
1 cup granulated sugar, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 2 large eggs
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
1 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp salt
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
1 cup all-purpose flour
If using nuts, fold them into the batter.
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Remove from the oven and allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.