Follow these easy steps to create your own mouthwatering Chocolate Chip Banana Bread:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. Mash Bananas: In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth.
3. Combine Butter and Sugar: Pour in the melted butter and mix with the mashed bananas. Add the granulated sugar and stir until well-combined.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, and then add the vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
5. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the baking soda and salt with the flour.
6. Merge Mixtures: Gradually add the flour mixture to the banana mixture. Stir until just combined; be careful not to overmix.
7. Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the chocolate chips and nuts if using. The mixture should be chunky and thick.
8. Transfer to Pan: Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
9. Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
10. Cool the Bread: Remove the banana bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

By following these straightforward steps, you’ll create a banana bread that is not only easy to make but also incredibly delicious.