3–4 medium ripe bananas
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
1 large egg
½ cup unsalted butter or vegetable oil (melted)
Optional mix-ins: walnuts, chocolate chips, etc.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth.
Stir in the melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. If using nuts or chocolate chips, add them to the dry ingredients now.
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet banana mixture. Mix until just combined to keep the bread light and fluffy.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
Bake in your preheated oven for about 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 before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.