Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your baking pan by greasing a 9×5-inch loaf pan.

Mash the ripe bananas in a large bowl until smooth, then mix in melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract.

In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and optional cinnamon.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined.

Fold in the chocolate chips and walnuts if using.

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

Bake for 50–60 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.

Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.