Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9x5 inch loaf pan by lightly greasing and flouring it, or lining it with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, mash the very ripe bananas with a fork until mostly smooth but still having a few small lumps for texture.

Add eggs, unsweetened applesauce, maple syrup (or honey), and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas and whisk until well combined.

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

Gently fold in the chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly.

Bake for 45-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with moist crumbs attached.

Once baked, remove the loaf pan from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.