Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan, or line with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas thoroughly with a fork or potato masher until mostly smooth with a few small lumps remaining. Overripe bananas are key for the best banana bread recipe!
Step 3: Add the melted butter to the mashed bananas and stir until well combined.
Step 4: Stir in the granulated sugar and brown sugar until fully incorporated. The sugars will dissolve slightly into the banana mixture.
Step 5: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and evenly colored.
Step 6: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Make sure these dry ingredients are thoroughly combined.
Step 7: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough banana bread. A few streaks of flour are okay.
Step 8: If using, gently fold in any optional mix-ins like chocolate chips or chopped walnuts. This is where you can personalize your banana bread recipe!
Step 9: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pan. You can sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips or nuts on top if desired.
Step 10: Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent it with aluminum foil.
Step 11: Remove the banana bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before carefully inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. Slicing too early can result in a crumbly texture. This classic banana bread recipe tastes even better after it has fully cooled!