Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth, leaving some small chunks if desired for added texture.
Add the eggs, oil, and sugar to the bananas, and whisk together until well combined.
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, being careful not to overmix.
Stir in vanilla extract and any optional add-ins like walnuts or chocolate chips.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.