Banana Bread Bliss

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 (3) 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 smooth.

6Gradually add the flour (1½ cups), stirring until just incorporated. Do not overmix.

7If using, fold in the chopped walnuts (½ cup) and ground cinnamon (½ teaspoon) for added flavor.

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 banana (3) bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.