1. Set your oven to 325°F/162°C.
2. Grease a loaf pan and line it with wax paper (makes it easy to pull out later).
3. In a small bowl, mash up those bananas and mix in the baking soda.
4. Let it sit, it’ll puff up a little.
5. In a larger bowl, beat the butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla together until smooth.
6. Stir in the banana mixture.
7. Add flour and salt. Mix just until it all comes together.
8. Fold in walnuts if using.
9. Pour it into your prepared pan and bake for ±1 hour.
10. It’s done when a toothpick comes out clean.
11. Let it cool (if you can wait), slice it up, and try not to eat the whole loaf in one go.

It’s the kind of recipe you make once, then never need to look up again. Easy steps, pantry basics, and a soft, moist banana bread that tastes even better the next day. Total keeper.