1-Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C) and preparing a loaf pan that’s about 9.25 inches long, 5.25 inches wide, and 2.75 inches deep by buttering and flouring it. This sets the stage for even baking and easy removal.

2-Cream together butter and sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until smooth, then add the lightly beaten eggs and mix well. Mash the bananas to a chunky applesauce consistency and combine them with the vanilla extract, blending everything together. In another bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, and salt, then fold this into the wet mixture until just combined to keep the texture light.

3-Fold in chocolate chips and bake: Gently fold in 3/4 cup of the chocolate chips to distribute them evenly. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spread it out, and sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of chocolate chips on top for an extra chocolatey finish. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, then let it rest for 10 minutes before cooling on a wire rack.