Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, mash the bananas until smooth. Stir in the melted butter.
Add sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and orange zest, mixing until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and spices (cinnamon and/or cardamom).
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined—don’t overmix!
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
