Mix the first five (dry) ingredients together in a large mixing bowl.
In a separate bowl, mash the bananas well.
Stir the butter or margarine, vanilla extract and apple sauce into the bananas.
Add the banana mixture into the mixing bowl with the dry ingredients.
Mix gently by hand, just enough to form a thick, clumpy batter. If the mixture seems too dry, add more mashed banana or apple sauce to adjust the consistency.
Fold in chocolate chips and/or walnuts, if using.
Pour batter into greased loaf pan and bake for 45 minutes or until the bread is a deep golden brown and a knife inserted in the centre comes out clean. Creates 8 servings.