Preheat oven to 350º.

Begin with room temperature butter or shortening. I used butter this time.

Cream together the butter and sugar. This should be really creamy, not crumbly.

Add in eggs and continue to mix. Set aside.

Sift together flour, baking soda, and salt.

Combine dry ingredients with wet ingredients and mix well.

Break up very ripe bananas and add to the batter along with vanilla. Mix lightly until just combined.

Add walnut pieces.

Prepare a loaf pan with non-stick spray.

Add batter to pan.

Bake for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Set for 50 minutes and keep checking until done.

Let cool.

Serve warm or room temperature.