Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.

Mash ripe bananas in a large mixing bowl until smooth.

Mix in the melted butter until well combined.

Stir in the sugar, then add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Add vanilla extract if using.

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.

Fold in any optional mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips.

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.

Bake for 55 to 65 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.

Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.