Baking Steps

• Preheat the oven to 350°F. Prepare a 9x5-inch loaf pan by greasing it thoroughly or lining it with parchment paper.
• In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas thoroughly with a fork or potato masher.
• Add melted butter to the mashed bananas, then incorporate sugar, mixing until smooth.
• Crack in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
• Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the banana mixture, mixing gently just until combined.
• If using, fold in the chopped nuts.
• Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly.
• Bake for 55 to 65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.