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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 4x8 inch (10x20 cm) loaf pan.
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In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until they're smooth. The riper the bananas, the sweeter your banana bread will be.
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Stir the melted butter into the mashed bananas.
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Add the baking soda and a pinch of salt to the banana mixture. Mix well.
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Stir in the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined.
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Gradually add the flour to the banana mixture, stirring until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix; overmixing can lead to tougher banana bread.
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Gently fold in the chocolate chips and chopped nuts (if using).
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Pour the banana bread batter into the greased loaf pan.
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Bake in the preheated oven for about 60-65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking times may vary, so check for doneness around the 55-minute mark.
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Once done, remove the banana bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Once cooled, slice and enjoy your delicious homemade banana bread with chocolate chips!