Preheat the oven to 325℉. Grease and flour one 9x5-inch loaf pan.
In a large bowl, combine the sugar, oil, bananas, eggs, buttermilk and vanilla; whisk together well. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda and nuts (if using). Stir into the wet mixture and pour into the prepared pan.
Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Notes
*Use 1/4 cup applesauce and 1/4 cup oil to cut down on the fat. Still wonderful.
*Nutritional information does not include the optional walnuts.