Step 1: Preheat the Oven : Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9x5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Prepare the Bananas : In a large bowl, mash ripe bananas with a fork until smooth but slightly chunky.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients : Add melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Whisk until smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients : In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures : Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula. Do not overmix—mix just until no dry flour remains.

Step 6: Add Chocolate Chips : Fold in the chocolate chips (and nuts if using). Reserve a few chocolate chips to sprinkle on top before baking.

Step 7: Pour and Bake : Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top. Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean (a few melted chocolate streaks are fine).

Step 8: Cool : Let the bread cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and cool completely before slicing.