First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan. This ensures your banana bread won’t stick.
Next, in a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. The riper the bananas, the sweeter your bread will be!
Then, add the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract, mixing well. This combination creates a lovely base for your banana bread.
In a separate bowl, combine the flour and baking soda. Mixing these dry ingredients beforehand helps distribute the baking soda evenly.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense loaf.
If desired, fold in the nuts for added texture and flavor. Nuts can enhance the overall taste of your banana bread.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes. Keep an eye on it, and check for doneness with a toothpick inserted in the center.
Finally, allow the banana bread to cool before slicing and serving. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture.