Preheat oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.

In a mixing bowl, combine mashed bananas, melted butter, sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract.

In a separate bowl, whisk flour + baking soda + salt.

Gently fold the dry mixture into the wet mixture until just combined (don’t overmix). If using walnuts/choc-chips, fold in.

Pour batter into prepared loaf pan. Bake for ~60 minutes (check at ~55 min) or until a toothpick inserted into center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Let bread cool in pan for ~10 min, then transfer to a wire rack to cool fully.

Serve: Slice warm or cooled; optionally spread a little butter.

Tip: Using very ripe bananas (lots of brown speckles) gives more banana flavor and sweetness.