Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease your loaf pan lightly with butter or non-stick spray.
In a large mixing bowl, mash the peeled ripe bananas until smooth.
Add the melted butter to the mashed bananas and mix until well combined. Then add the eggs, light brown sugar, and vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt, then whisk together.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, stirring gently with a rubber spatula.
If using, fold in the walnuts gently.
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and sprinkle with granulated sugar if desired.
Bake for 60-65 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick.
Let the loaf cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
