Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper. Slightly oil paper with oil spray. Set aside.
In a large bowl, mash the bananas with a potato masher or forks until smooth, with only a few bits and pieces of banana left. Measure the exact amount required by the recipe, packing the mashed bananas in measuring cups or using a kitchen scale.
Return to the mixing bowl and beat in egg and vanilla if used.
Use a silicone spatula to stir in flour, sugar, cinnamon, and salt, if used. The batter should be quite thick, and that's normal.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake the bread on the center rack for 40-50 minutes or until golden brown on top and a pick inserted in the center of the bread comes out clean.
Cool down for 5 minutes in the loaf pan, then transfer to a cooling rack to completely cool down.