Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth.
Stir the melted butter into the mashed bananas.
Mix in the baking soda and salt.
Stir in the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Mix in the flour until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix.
If desired, fold in chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it out evenly.
Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Remove the banana bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
Transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
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