Grandma's Classic Moist Banana Bread

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter and flour a 9x5in loaf pan and set aside.

In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is incorporated before adding the next.

Mash bananas in a small bowl and add to the butter mixture, along with the vanilla extract. Mix until combined.

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.

Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.

Fold in the chopped walnuts, if using.

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.

Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.

Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove from the pan and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.