Add the oats to a food processor and blend until you get a fine flour. It should give you about 2 cups. Set aside.
Adjust the oven rack to the lower third position and preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9 x 5 inch loaf pan.
In a large bowl, stir together the mashed bananas, butter, eggs and vanilla extract until combined. Add the flour, light brown sugar, baking soda, cinnamon and salt and stir until just combined.
Add the batter into the pan, making sure it is even. Top with some oats if desired. Bake for 50-60 minutes, covering with aluminum foil halfway through if bread is browning too quickly. At 50 minutes, start checking to see if bread is done every 5 minutes by inserting a toothpick or cake tester in the center where it comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs.
Let the loaf cool in the pan for 30 minutes before removing and placing on wire rack.
Notes
If you want a slightly sweeter bread, increase the sugar to ¾ cup.
If the bread is browning too quickly, place some aluminum foil loosely on top.
If using nuts, don't skip out on roasting them. By roasting the nuts, they will stay crispy in the batter and bring out the flavor.
Allow your banana bread to cool completely in the pan before slicing it. This helps it set properly and prevents it from crumbling when sliced.
If you want to freeze the banana bread, wrap the loaf in 2-3 layers of plastic wrap or aluminum foil and then place in a freezer-friendly storage bag. Freeze up to 3 months and then thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.