Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan.

In a large bowl, combine mashed bananas, softened butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until well blended.

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, mixing just until combined. Fold in chopped walnuts.

Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.