Preheat oven to 350°F.
Spray 8x8 inch pan with nonstick baking spread or line it with parchment paper.
In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat together the butter, brown sugar, eggs and vanilla until well blended.
Add the bananas and mix until combined.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and beat just until combined. Add the pecans or chocolate chips (if using) and mix until combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
Sprinkle the sugar over the top of the whole surface.
Bake until tester inserted in the the center comes out clean, 45 to 50 minutes.
Let the bread cool slightly in the pan on a rack. Slice and serve warm with butter.
When completely cooled, cover the pan with foil and store at room temp for up to 2 days.
I tried halving the recipe (I only had 3 bananas) and making them into muffins. This did NOT turn out well. I’m not sure if it was because of the halving, or from the reduction in size, but I suspect it was the latter. I think I will stick to the 8×8 or 9×9 from now on.