Best Easy Banana Bread

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

In a large mixing bowl, mash the peeled overripe bananas with a fork or potato masher until they reach a smooth consistency with only small chunks remaining.

Stir the melted butter into the mashed bananas until fully combined.

Add the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract to the bowl, mixing well until the batter is smooth and consistent.

Sprinkle the baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt over the mixture and stir thoroughly to ensure the leavening agents are evenly distributed.

Gently fold in the all-purpose flour using a spoon or spatula, stirring only until the flour disappears to avoid overmixing.

If using walnuts or chocolate chips, fold them in gently at this stage.

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spoon.

Bake in the center of the oven for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.