Instructions:

• Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your muffin tin with paper liners or grease it lightly with cooking spray.
• Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the unbleached all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk together until well combined.
• Step 3: In another bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Add the unsweetened apple sauce, softened butter, sugar, egg whites, and vanilla extract. Mix until well blended.
• Step 4: Gradually add the dry mixture to the banana mixture, folding gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay!
• Step 5: Gently fold in the chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
• Step 6: Scoop the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about two-thirds full to allow for rising.
• Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Step 8: Remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. If desired, dust with confectioners' sugar before serving.