Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas.

Add the granulated sugar, egg, and melted butter to the mashed bananas and mix well.

In another bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Fold in the vanilla extract, walnuts or pecans, and chocolate chips if using.

Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan.

Bake in the preheated oven for about 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Let the banana bread cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.