WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?
If you love bananas and chocolate, you’re in for a treat! Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Muffins are easy and tasty. These muffins mix ripe bananas with sweet chocolate; they’re perfect for breakfast or a snack. In this post, I’ll share simple steps and handy tips to make your muffins just right every time. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe that will make your kitchen smell amazing!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Moist and Flavorful: The combination of ripe bananas and rich chocolate creates a delightful, moist muffin that’s bursting with flavor.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward, perfect for bakers of all skill levels, and takes only 15 minutes of prep time.
- Customizable: You can easily modify this recipe by adding your favorite nuts, spices, or even swapping in different types of chocolate.
- Great for Meal Prep: These muffins are perfect for breakfast on the go or as a snack, making them a fantastic addition to your weekly meal prep.
Ingredients
To make Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Muffins, you need some simple ingredients. Here is what you will need:
– 3 ripe bananas, mashed
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
– 1/3 cup melted coconut oil
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– 1/2 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped (optional)
These ingredients blend together to create a moist and flavorful muffin. The ripe bananas add natural sweetness and moisture. Coconut oil makes the muffins rich and soft. The chocolate chips bring a delicious, sweet touch. If you like nuts, adding walnuts or pecans gives a nice crunch. This combination is simple yet so satisfying.
Make sure your bananas are ripe for the best flavor. The sugars enhance the sweetness, while cinnamon adds warmth. This list keeps it easy and fun for you. Enjoy gathering these items and getting ready to bake!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
1. Preheat oven and prepare muffin tin: Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it with non-stick spray.
2. Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, mash the 3 ripe bananas. Add 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup brown sugar, and 1/3 cup melted coconut oil. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
3. Combine dry ingredients and mix: In another bowl, whisk together 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour. Slowly add this dry mix to the wet ingredients. Stir gently to combine, but don’t overmix.
4. Fold in chocolate chips and nuts: Add 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips and 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans if you want. Carefully fold them into the batter until they are evenly spread.
Baking Instructions
1. Fill muffin tins and bake: Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tins, filling each cup about 2/3 full. Place the tin in the preheated oven.
2. Test for doneness: Bake for 18-20 minutes. To check if they are ready, insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, they are done.
Enjoy the process! These muffins will fill your kitchen with a wonderful smell!
Tips & Tricks
Baking Tips
– Avoid overmixing the batter: Overmixing can make your muffins tough. Mix just until the dry and wet ingredients blend. This keeps the muffins light and fluffy.
– Tips for perfect texture: Use ripe bananas. They add moisture and sweetness. Measure flour correctly. Too much flour makes muffins dry. Use the spoon and level method.
Serving Suggestions
– Presentation tips with powdered sugar and chocolate: Dust warm muffins with powdered sugar. Or drizzle melted chocolate over the top for a sweet touch. Both make the muffins look great and taste even better.
– Best ways to enjoy warm muffins: Serve muffins warm from the oven. They taste best fresh. You can pair them with butter or your favorite spread. Enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy treat.
Pro Tips
- Use Overripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your muffins will be. Look for bananas with brown spots for the best results.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: To keep your muffins light and fluffy, mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined. A few lumps are perfectly fine!
- Customize Your Mix-ins: Feel free to experiment with different nuts, dried fruits, or even spices like nutmeg to personalize your muffins to your taste.
- Storing Muffins: Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze them for longer storage. Just reheat before serving!
Variations
Ingredient Substitutions
You can change a few ingredients to suit your taste. If you need an alternative for coconut oil, use unsalted butter. It gives a rich flavor. You can also try using applesauce instead of oil. It makes the muffins moist and adds sweetness.
For sugar, you can use honey or maple syrup. Just remember to adjust the liquid in your recipe. If you like nuts, swap walnuts for pecans. You can also use almonds or hazelnuts for a different crunch.
Flavor Enhancements
To make your muffins even better, think about adding spices or extracts. A pinch of nutmeg or a dash of almond extract can really boost the flavor. You could also try adding pumpkin spice for a cozy taste.
Incorporating fruits is another great idea. Chopped strawberries or blueberries can add a burst of freshness. You can even mix in shredded coconut for a tropical vibe. These small tweaks can make your muffins unique and tasty!
Storage Info
Short-term Storage
To keep your muffins fresh for a few days, place them in an airtight container. You can use a plastic or glass container with a tight lid. Make sure the muffins are completely cool before you store them. If you leave them out, they may get dry. You can also wrap them in plastic wrap for extra protection. Store them at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, the fridge is not the best choice. It can make your muffins dry too fast.
Long-term Storage
For long-term storage, freezing is a great option. To freeze, let the muffins cool completely first. Wrap each muffin tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Then, place the wrapped muffins in a freezer-safe bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze them for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, take out a muffin and let it thaw at room temperature. If you want, you can reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This will bring back the warm, fresh taste.
FAQs
Common Questions
How to ripen bananas quickly for baking?
To ripen bananas fast, place them in a paper bag. Add an apple or a tomato. They release ethylene gas, which speeds up ripening. Check every day. Bananas will turn brown and soft in a few days.
Can I make these muffins gluten-free?
Yes, you can. Use a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it has a good binding agent. Almond flour or oat flour are good options. Adjust the baking time if needed.
How do I prevent muffins from sticking to the liners?
To stop muffins from sticking, use high-quality liners. Lightly spray them with non-stick spray. This extra step helps remove muffins easily after baking.
Troubleshooting
Why are my muffins dense?
Dense muffins can happen for a few reasons. Overmixing the batter is a common cause. Make sure to mix just until combined. Using too much flour can also lead to density. Measure flour correctly.
How to fix muffins that have sunk in the middle?
If muffins sink in the middle, it could be due to underbaking. Always test with a toothpick. If the toothpick comes out wet, bake a bit longer. Also, check the oven temperature. An oven that is too hot can cause sinking too.
You now have all the tools to bake delicious muffins using ripe bananas. We covered the key ingredients, preparation steps, and baking tips. Remember to mix your wet and dry ingredients carefully to avoid dense muffins. Explore variations and storage options for the best results. With practice, you’ll master this recipe and enjoy warm muffins anytime. Happy bakin
Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Muffins
Deliciously moist muffins made with ripe bananas and chocolate chips.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 35 minutes mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 150 kcal
- 3 pieces ripe bananas, mashed
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar
- 0.25 cup brown sugar, packed
- 0.33 cup melted coconut oil (or unsalted butter)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 0.5 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped (optional)
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease with non-stick spray.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and melted coconut oil. Mix until well combined.
Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the banana mixture, whisking until smooth.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and flour. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing.
Fold in the chocolate chips and nuts (if using) until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin tins, filling each cup about 2/3 full.
Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few crumbs attached.
Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serve warm with a dusting of powdered sugar or drizzle melted chocolate on top.
Keyword banana bread, chocolate chip, muffins
WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?
