Moist and Flavorful Banana Bread

1Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 4x8 inch loaf pan.

2In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas (3) with a fork until smooth.

3Stir the melted butter (⅓ cup) into the mashed bananas until well combined.

4Mix in the baking soda (1 teaspoon) and salt (Pinch).

5Add the sugar (¾ cup), beaten egg (1 large), and vanilla extract (1 teaspoon), and mix until combined.

6Gradually add the flour, stirring until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix.

7If using, fold in the chopped walnuts gently.

8Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

9Bake in the preheated oven for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

10Remove from the oven and let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.