Step 1: Preheat the Oven
1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the Pan: Grease a 4×8-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
1. Mash Bananas: In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth.
2. Add Butter: Stir in the melted butter until well combined.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: Mix in the baking soda and salt.
4. Add Sugar and Egg: Stir in the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
5. Add Flour: Gently fold in the flour until just combined. Don’t overmix.
6. Optional Add-ins: Fold in chopped nuts or chocolate chips if using.

Step 3: Bake the Bread
1. Pour into Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
2. Bake: Bake for 55–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
3. Cool: Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.