Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. Stir in the melted butter.
Add the baking soda and salt to the banana mixture and mix well.
Add in the sugar, egg, and vanilla extract, mixing until just combined.
Gradually fold in the flour using a spatula or wooden spoon.
If you're adding walnuts or chocolate chips, now’s the time!
Transfer the batter to a greased 4x8 inch loaf pan.
Bake in your preheated oven for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely before slicing.
