Creating this delicious Banana Bread with Oat Topping is simple when you follow these easy steps:

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
2. Mash Bananas: In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth.
3. Combine Butter and Bananas: Stir the melted butter into the mashed bananas until well incorporated.
4. Add Baking Soda and Salt: Mix in baking soda and a pinch of salt.
5. Incorporate Sugar: Add the sugar (white or brown) to the banana mixture and blend well.
6. Mix in Egg and Vanilla: Stir in the beaten egg and vanilla extract until everything is combined.
7. Sift Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, sift the flour, baking powder, and cinnamon (if using).
8. Combine with Wet Ingredients: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, being careful not to over-mix.
9. Add Oats: Finally, incorporate the rolled oats until evenly distributed.
10. Pour into Pan: Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan and sprinkle extra oats on top if desired.
11. Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
12. Cool the Bread: Once baked, remove from the oven and let the banana bread cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

By following these straightforward steps, you’ll have a wonderfully fragrant banana bread to enjoy!