Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 4x8 inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray and dust with flour.
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the overripe bananas with a fork until mostly smooth.
- Add melted butter to the mashed bananas and mix well. Stir in sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract until thoroughly combined.
- Sprinkle baking soda and salt over the banana mixture, then add flour. Gently fold ingredients together until flour disappears.
- If using nuts or chocolate chips, fold them in gently.
- Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 55-60 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before turning out onto a wire rack.
Notes
Avoid using underripe bananas; overmixing can create tough bread; verify oven temperature; do not open the oven door repeatedly; test for doneness with a toothpick.