Making Maple Banana Bread is straightforward. Just follow these easy steps:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. Mash Bananas: In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: Stir in the maple syrup, vegetable oil, beaten egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Add Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and flour.
5. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined (do not overmix).
6. Incorporate Optional Ingredients: If using, fold in the nuts and/or chocolate chips into the batter.
7. Pour Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
8. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Cool: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 15-20 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

These straightforward steps will guide you in creating this amazing Maple Banana Bread effortlessly!