Preheat oven to 180°C.

Cut bananas into small pieces and place in a medium bowl.

Mash the bananas with a fork until smooth.

In a separate bowl, beat the egg with a fork.

Add the beaten egg to the mashed bananas and mix well.

Add baking soda, caster sugar, melted butter, vanilla essence, and cinnamon (if using) to the banana mixture and mix thoroughly.

Gradually add the flour to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Use a hand mixer for a smoother batter if desired.

Line a loaf tin with baking paper.

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf tin.

Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

Let the banana bread cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Serve with jam, honey, or butter, if desired.