Decadent Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Muffins

$Here’s what you need to make these tasty muffins. Gather these items before you start cooking: - 3 ripe bananas, mashed - 1/3 cup melted coconut oil (or vegetable oil) - 1/2 cup brown sugar - 1 large egg, beaten - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon baking soda - Pinch of salt - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark) - Optional: 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans Ripe bananas are key. They should have brown spots. They add natural sweetness and moisture. You can use coconut oil or vegetable oil; both work well. The brown sugar adds a rich flavor. The egg helps bind everything, while vanilla adds warmth. Baking soda makes the muffins rise. Salt balances the sweetness, and cinnamon brings a warm spice. Use all-purpose flour for the best texture. Chocolate chips are a must; they melt and create gooey pockets. If you like nuts, add walnuts or pecans for crunch. Once you have all the ingredients, you're ready to bake. This recipe is simple and fun. Enjoy the process! {{ingredient_image_1}} Preheating the oven is key. It helps the muffins rise and bake evenly. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Start by mashing your bananas in a large bowl. Add 1/3 cup of melted coconut oil. Mix them well until smooth. Then, add 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1 beaten egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Whisk it all together until combined. Next, sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of baking soda and a pinch of salt. Add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon for flavor. Slowly fold in 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour until just mixed. Do not overmix! Now, gently fold in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips. If you want, add 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy twist. Spoon the batter into your muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 full. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes. To check if they are done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, they are ready! Do not overmix the batter. When you mix too much, the muffins can turn out tough. Just stir until the flour is combined. Check your oven's baking time. Each oven is different. Start checking on your muffins at 18 minutes. Use a toothpick to see if they are done. If it comes out clean, your muffins are ready! Spices can boost flavor. Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cloves. These spices work well with bananas. You can also change the chocolate chips. Semi-sweet chips are great, but dark chocolate adds a rich taste. You can even mix in white chocolate or peanut butter chips for fun flavors. Make your muffins look great! Arrange them on a wooden board. Dust with powdered sugar for a sweet touch. You can add banana slices or a few chocolate chips on top. This adds color and makes them look fancy. Enjoy your delicious, easy-to-make muffins! Pro Tips Use Overripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your muffins will be. Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots for the best results. Don’t Overmix the Batter: When combining the flour, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense muffins instead of light and fluffy ones. Experiment with Mix-ins: Feel free to customize your muffins by adding different mix-ins such as dried fruits, coconut flakes, or various nuts to enhance texture and flavor. Check for Doneness: Since oven temperatures can vary, start checking your muffins a couple of minutes before the suggested baking time to avoid overbaking. {{image_2}} You can make small swaps for a healthier muffin. First, replace the coconut oil with applesauce. This change cuts fat but keeps moisture. Second, try using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. Whole wheat adds fiber and nutrients. The muffins will taste great and feel lighter. Get creative with mix-ins! You can add seasonal fruits like blueberries or diced apples. These fruits bring fresh flavor and extra moisture. For chocolate lovers, try different chocolate options. White chocolate, milk chocolate, or dark chocolate chips add unique tastes. Mix and match to find your favorite! If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour. Choices like almond flour or oat flour work well. You may need to adjust the liquid in the batter. Gluten-free flours absorb more moisture. Start with slightly less flour and add more if needed. The muffins will still be soft and tasty. To keep your muffins fresh, store them in an airtight container. This prevents air from drying them out. You can also use a zip-top bag. Place a paper towel inside to absorb moisture. This helps keep them soft. Store at room temperature for up to three days. Freezing muffins is easy. First, let the muffins cool completely. Wrap each muffin in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. Make sure to label the bag with the date. You can freeze them for up to three months. To reheat, take a muffin out and let it thaw at room temperature. You can heat it in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. For a crispy top, pop it in the oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes. To keep your muffins moist, use ripe bananas. They add natural sweetness and moisture. Avoid overmixing the batter; this makes muffins tough. If you notice them getting stale, try adding a slice of bread in the container. The bread will absorb the air and keep the muffins fresh longer. Store them away from direct sunlight and heat. Yes, you can use frozen bananas. First, thaw the bananas in the fridge or at room temperature. Once thawed, drain any excess liquid. Mash the bananas well before adding them to the mix. This helps keep the muffins moist and adds great banana flavor. To check if the muffins are done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, they are ready. You can also look for a golden color on top and a slight spring when you touch them. Absolutely! To make mini muffins, fill each mini cup about halfway. Bake them for about 10-12 minutes. Always check with a toothpick to ensure they are cooked through. To make these muffins vegan, replace the egg with a flax egg. Mix one tablespoon of flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water, then let it sit for a few minutes. You can also swap the coconut oil for applesauce or a plant-based oil. You learned how to make delicious banana muffins using simple ingredients and easy steps. We discussed tips for perfecting your muffins, variations to suit your taste, and ways to store them. Remember, baking is about creativity and enjoyment. Feel free to experiment with flavors and ingredients. With these guidelines, you can bake muffins that everyone will love. Enjoy the tasty results!$

Decadent Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Muffins

Delicious muffins made with ripe bananas and chocolate chips, perfect for breakfast or a snack.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

3 pieces ripe bananas, mashed
1 third cup melted coconut oil (or vegetable oil)
1 half cup brown sugar
1 large egg, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 pinch salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1.5 cups all-purpose flour
0.5 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark)
0.25 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas and melted coconut oil. Stir until well mixed.
Add the brown sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract to the banana mixture. Whisk until everything is incorporated.
Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the mixture, then add the ground cinnamon. Mix again to combine.
Gradually fold in the all-purpose flour until just combined; be careful not to overmix.
Gently fold in the chocolate chips, and if using, the chopped walnuts or pecans.
Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 full.
Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Arrange the muffins on a wooden board, dust with a little powdered sugar, and place a few banana slices and chocolate chips on top for a decorative touch.

Keyword banana bread, chocolate chip, muffins