Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Muffins Deliciously Simple

January 4, 2026May 14, 2025 by Chef Elliot

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

– 3 ripe bananas

– 1/3 cup melted coconut oil

– 1/2 cup brown sugar

– 1/4 cup granulated sugar

– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Optional Ingredients

– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts

– 1 tablespoon chia seeds

Spices and Other Essentials

– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

– 1 teaspoon baking soda

– A pinch of salt

– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Ripe bananas are key to this recipe. They add natural sweetness and moisture. I like to mash them well for even mixing. Melted coconut oil gives the muffins a rich taste. This oil is a great choice for baking, and it helps keep the muffins moist.

Brown sugar and granulated sugar work together to create the perfect sweetness. The brown sugar adds a slight caramel flavor, while the granulated sugar balances it out. Don’t forget the chocolate chips! They melt slightly and create warm pockets of chocolate in each bite.

You can add a touch of crunch with walnuts or boost nutrition with chia seeds. Both are optional but delightful.

Spices like vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt elevate the flavor. Baking soda helps the muffins rise and become fluffy. Lastly, all-purpose flour brings it all together to create a great texture.

Choose quality ingredients for the best results. With these simple yet essential items, you can create deliciously simple chocolate chip banana bread muffins that everyone will love!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepping the Oven and Muffin Tin

– Preheat to 350°F (175°C)

– Prepare muffin tin with liners or non-stick spray

Start by heating your oven. Set it to 350°F, which helps the muffins rise perfectly. While it warms, grab your muffin tin. Line it with paper liners or spray it with non-stick spray. This step keeps the muffins from sticking and makes cleanup easy.

Mixing Wet Ingredients

– Combine mashed bananas and melted coconut oil

– Incorporate sugars, egg, and vanilla extract

In a big bowl, mash your ripe bananas. They should be soft and easy to mix. Add melted coconut oil to the bananas, blending them well. Then, stir in the brown sugar and granulated sugar. Mix until smooth. Next, crack in one large egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Stir everything together until it’s all combined.

Combining Dry Ingredients

– Whisk together baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and flour

– Gradually add dry mix to wet ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and all-purpose flour. This mix adds flavor and helps the muffins rise. Gradually add this dry mix into your wet ingredients. Use a spatula to fold them together gently. Be careful not to over-mix; a few lumps are fine!

Adding Extras

– Fold in chocolate chips, walnuts, and chia seeds

Now it’s time for the fun part! Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips. If you like, add chopped walnuts and chia seeds for extra texture and nutrition. Mix gently until the extras are evenly spread through the batter.

Baking the Muffins

– Spoon batter into muffin tins

– Bake for 18-20 minutes

Use a spoon to fill each muffin liner with batter. Fill them about 3/4 full to allow room for rising. Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven. Bake for 18-20 minutes. You can check if they’re done by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, they’re ready!

Cooling and Serving

– Cool in muffin tin then on wire rack

– Presentation suggestions

Let the muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes. Then, gently transfer them to a wire rack. This prevents sogginess and helps them cool down. For a lovely presentation, serve them warm. You can sprinkle powdered sugar on top or drizzle melted chocolate. Arrange them on a rustic wooden board for a charming look!

Tips & Tricks

Perfecting Texture and Flavor

– Use very ripe bananas for best results. They should be soft and brown.

– Don’t over-mix the batter. This keeps muffins light and fluffy.

When you use ripe bananas, they add natural sweetness and moisture. I love how they blend perfectly into the batter. If you mash them well, you avoid lumps. Remember, mixing too much creates dense muffins. Just stir until you don’t see dry flour.

Baking Tips

– Check doneness with a toothpick. Insert it into the center of a muffin.

– Adjust baking time for different ovens. Every oven heats differently.

When you check with a toothpick, it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs. If it’s wet, give the muffins a few more minutes. If your oven runs hot or cold, keep an eye on the time. It may take a few tries to find the perfect bake.

Serving Suggestions

– Serve warm with powdered sugar or melted chocolate drizzle. This adds a sweet touch.

– Pair with beverages like coffee or milk for a delightful treat.

Serving these muffins warm makes them even better. The chocolate melts just right. I often sprinkle them with powdered sugar for a nice look. They taste great with a cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk. Enjoying them fresh out of the oven is one of life’s simple joys!

Variations

Different Add-ins

You can customize these muffins with fun add-ins. Nuts add a nice crunch. Try using:

– Pecans

– Almonds

Dried fruit also works great. It brings sweetness and texture. Consider adding:

– Raisins

– Cranberries

These choices can change the flavor and feel of your muffins. Feel free to mix and match!

Health-Conscious Alterations

If you want a healthier treat, I have some great swaps. Substitute coconut oil with unsweetened applesauce. This keeps moisture while cutting fat.

You can also use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose. This gives more fiber and a nutty taste. Your muffins will still be fluffy and delicious!

Flavor Enhancements

To elevate the taste, consider some flavor boosts. A splash of coffee or espresso can deepen the chocolate flavor.

You might also mix in spices. Nutmeg or allspice adds warmth and a cozy twist. These enhancements can make your muffins unique and exciting!

Storage Info

Short-term Storage

To keep your muffins fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place them at room temperature. This method keeps them moist for about three days. If you want to enjoy them longer, consider freezing.

Long-term Storage

You can freeze your muffins for up to three months. Wrap each muffin in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. This helps prevent freezer burn. To enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature. You can also warm them in the oven. Heat them at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes for a fresh-baked taste.

Signs of Spoilage

Check your muffins for signs of spoilage. If you see mold or smell a sour odor, it’s time to throw them away. Also, if the texture feels dry or crumbly, they may not be good anymore. Always trust your senses to decide if they are still tasty.

FAQs

How do you make muffins moist?

To make muffins moist, use ripe bananas. They add natural sweetness and moisture. Fat content also matters. Coconut oil helps keep the muffins tender. This mix of ripe bananas and oil gives the muffins a soft texture.

Can I substitute coconut oil?

Yes, you can substitute coconut oil. Use unsalted butter or vegetable oil instead. Each option will change the taste slightly. You can also use applesauce for a lighter option. This keeps the muffins moist while reducing fat.

What happens if you over-mix muffin batter?

Over-mixing muffin batter leads to tough muffins. When you mix too much, it develops gluten. This makes the texture dense and chewy. Just mix until ingredients are combined to avoid this.

How do I know when muffins are done baking?

To check if muffins are done, use a toothpick. Insert it into the center of a muffin. If it comes out clean, the muffins are ready. If there’s batter on the toothpick, bake a bit longer.

Can I double the recipe?

You can double the recipe easily. Just make sure to measure ingredients carefully. Keep an eye on baking time. Larger batches may need a few extra minutes in the oven. Check doneness with the toothpick test.

In this post, we explored making delicious banana muffins. You learned about key ingredients, simple steps, and helpful tips. Remember to use ripe bananas for the best taste. Adjust baking times as needed for your oven. You can add nuts or spices to make them unique. Baking can be fun and rewarding. Whether enjoying them warm or freezing for later, these muffins bring joy. Now, it’s your turn to bake and share them with friends and famil