Creating the perfect Classic Banana Bread is straightforward when you follow these steps:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 4×8 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

1. Mash Bananas: In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth.

1. Mix Butter and Bananas: Stir the melted butter into the mashed bananas until well combined.

1. Add Baking Soda and Salt: Mix in the baking soda and salt.

1. Incorporate Sugar: Add the granulated sugar and mix until fully incorporated.

1. Add Egg and Vanilla: Stir in the beaten egg and vanilla extract.

1. Add Flour: Finally, mix in the flour until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.

1. Optional Ingredients: If using, fold in the chopped nuts.

1. Pour Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.

1. Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

1. Cool: Once baked, remove from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

These simple steps will guide you to achieve a wonderfully moist banana bread that everyone will love!