Step 1: Preheat and Prepare. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray. You can also line the bottom with parchment paper for even easier removal.
Step 2: Mash the Bananas. In a large mixing bowl, peel the overripe bananas and use a fork or a potato masher to crush them until they are smooth. A few small chunks are fine if you prefer a bit of texture.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients. Stir the melted butter into the mashed bananas. Add the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Mix well until the ingredients are fully combined and the batter looks consistent.
Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients. Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the mixture and stir. Gently fold in the all-purpose flour. Be careful not to overmix the batter; stir just until the flour disappears to keep the bread light and airy.
Step 5: Fold in the Nuts. Gently fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans. If you like a little extra crunch, you can save a handful of nuts to sprinkle over the top of the batter once it is in the pan.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection. Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 60 to 65 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Step 7: Cool and Slice. Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. Carefully remove the bread from the pan and place it on a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This helps the bread set so it doesn’t crumble.