Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C)
Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper
Mash 3 ripe bananas in a large bowl
Melt 1/2 cup unsalted butter and add it to the bananas
Stir in 3/4 cup sugar
Add 2 beaten eggs
Mix in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Add 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Add 1 teaspoon baking soda
Add 1/2 teaspoon salt
Stir until just combined
Fold in optional add-ins like chopped walnuts or chocolate chips
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan
Bake for 50 to 60 minutes
Check doneness with a toothpick inserted in the center
Remove from the oven and cool in the pan for 10 minutes
Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely
Slice and serve