Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.

In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt.

Mash 2 overripe bananas in a separate bowl, and beat the remaining 2 bananas with ¾ cup of sugar until fluffy.

Combine ½ cup of melted butter, 2 eggs, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract into the banana-sugar mixture.

Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture gently until no dry flour remains.

Incorporate the mashed bananas and ½ cup of chopped pecans into the batter.

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.

Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.

Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.

Optionally, dust with confectioners' sugar before serving.