Preheat the oven: Set to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan.
Mash bananas: Use a fork until smooth.
Mix wet ingredients: Combine bananas, applesauce, maple syrup, eggs, and vanilla. Whisk until blended.
Prepare dry ingredients: In another bowl, mix flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
Combine everything: Stir dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just mixed.
Add extras: Fold in nuts or dark chocolate if using.
Bake: Pour batter into the pan. Bake for 50 minutes.
Cool and serve: Let it sit for 10 minutes before slicing.