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

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

In a large bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.

Add the beaten eggs and mix well.

Stir in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract until combined.

Gently fold in the flour mixture until just combined. Don’t overmix, or the bread will be tough.

If using, fold in the nuts and/or chocolate chips.

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

Bake for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, tent it with aluminum foil.

Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.