Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins Recipe

Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins Recipe for Fluffiest Results

Whipping up delectable banana chocolate chip muffins can turn an ordinary morning into a delightful culinary adventure.

Sweet aromas will soon dance through your kitchen, promising pure comfort.

Ripe bananas become the secret weapon in these irresistible treats.

Chocolate chips scattered generously create pockets of melty goodness that spark joy with every bite.

Simple ingredients merge into a breakfast delight that feels both nostalgic and exciting.

Mixing bowls and measuring cups stand ready for your delicious mission.

You’ll want to savor these muffins warm, straight from the oven, with a steaming cup of coffee nearby.

Why Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins Are a Morning Favorite

  • Requires basic pantry staples like ripe bananas, flour, and chocolate chips, making this recipe budget-friendly and accessible for home bakers of all skill levels.
  • Easily customize by adding nuts, using whole wheat flour, or reducing sugar for a healthier version that suits different dietary preferences and tastes.
  • Simple mixing technique allows children to help prepare the muffins, creating a fun family cooking activity that teaches basic baking skills and promotes bonding.

Ingredients That Make Banana Muffins Shine

Flour and Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and texture for the muffins.
  • Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Help the muffins rise and become fluffy.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Adds warm, aromatic flavor (optional).
Wet Ingredients:
  • Ripe Bananas: Contribute natural sweetness and moisture to the muffins.
  • Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweeten and help with caramelization.
  • Vegetable Oil: Keeps muffins moist and tender.
  • Large Egg: Binds ingredients and provides structure.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and enhances other flavors.
Chocolate and Topping:
  • Chocolate Chips: Adds rich, sweet bursts of chocolate throughout the muffins.
  • Optional Chocolate Chips for Topping: Creates an attractive, extra chocolatey finish.

How to Bake Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 375°F. Grab a 12-cup muffin tin and prep it with:
  • Paper liners
  • Cooking spray
  • Butter for greasing

Step 2: Create Dry Mixture

In a mixing bowl, whisk together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking soda
  • Baking powder
  • Salt
  • Ground cinnamon

Step 3: Smash and Mix Wet Ingredients

Grab a large bowl and transform those ripe bananas:
  • Mash bananas until smooth
  • Pour in granulated sugar
  • Add brown sugar
  • Drizzle vegetable oil
  • Crack in one egg
  • Splash vanilla extract
  • Whisk everything until well blended

Step 4: Marry the Mixtures

Gently fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients. Stir until just combined. Don’t go crazy mixing- lumps are okay!

Step 5: Chocolate Chip Adventure

Sprinkle in chocolate chips:
  • Fold chocolate chips into batter
  • Save a handful for topping

Step 6: Fill the Muffin Cups

Scoop batter into muffin tin, filling each cup about three-quarters full.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide muffin tin into preheated oven. Bake for 18-22 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick- it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let muffins rest in pan for 5 minutes. Transfer to wire rack and allow to cool completely. Devour and smile!

Smart Tips for Soft and Moist Muffins

  • Optimize Banana Ripeness: Choose overripe bananas with dark brown or black spots for maximum sweetness and deeper banana flavor in your muffins.
  • Prevent Overmixing: Stir batter gently until ingredients are just combined to keep muffins tender and prevent tough, dense texture.
  • Customize Chocolate Chips: Swap regular chocolate chips with dark, milk, or white chocolate varieties, or use mini chips for more even distribution.
  • Freeze for Later: Wrap cooled muffins individually in plastic wrap and store in freezer bags for up to 3 months, perfect for quick breakfasts or snacks.
  • Add Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top before baking for extra texture and a delightful nutty flavor boost.

How to Store Banana Muffins Properly

  • Store leftover muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
  • Pack muffins in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. They'll stay fresh for 2-3 months. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
  • Warm in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes. Avoid overheating to keep the texture soft and tender.
  • Remove from the freezer and let sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes. Alternatively, microwave for 30-45 seconds or warm in the oven at 300F for 8-10 minutes.

Pair Banana Muffins with These Treats

  • Smooth, rich espresso with vanilla syrup complements the sweet banana and chocolate chip flavors, creating a delightful morning breakfast experience.
  • Creamy, protein-packed almond butter adds a rich, earthy dimension that balances the muffin's sweetness and provides a satisfying texture contrast.
  • Chilled whole milk or almond milk brings a refreshing coolness that cuts through the muffin's richness and cleanses the palate with each bite.
  • Tart, slightly tangy mixed berry sauce provides a bright counterpoint to the sweet muffins, adding a vibrant burst of fruity freshness to the plate.

Add a Twist to Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins

  • Gluten-Free Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend or almond flour for those with wheat sensitivities, ensuring the same moist texture and delicious flavor.
  • Vegan Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins: Swap egg with a flax egg (ground flaxseed mixed with water) and use dairy-free chocolate chips to create a plant-based version that's equally tasty and satisfying.
  • Low-Sugar Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins: Reduce granulated and brown sugar, using mashed dates or stevia as a natural sweetener alternative for a healthier option with less refined sugar.
  • Nut-Infused Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra crunch and nutritional boost, creating a more complex and textured muffin experience.

Muffin FAQs You Didn’t Know You Needed

  • Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute up to half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. This will add more fiber and a slightly nuttier flavor to your muffins.

  • How ripe should the bananas be for this recipe?

Use very ripe bananas with dark brown or black spots. These bananas are sweeter and will provide more moisture and flavor to the muffins.

  • Can I make these muffins gluten-free?

Absolutely! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to choose a blend that works well for baking to maintain the right texture.

  • Is it necessary to use both baking soda and baking powder?

Yes, both leavening agents help the muffins rise and create a light, fluffy texture. Baking soda helps with browning, while baking powder provides additional lift.

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Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins Recipe

Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins Recipe


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4.6 from 12 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Irresistible banana chocolate chip muffins combine sweet ripe bananas with rich chocolate in a quick morning treat. Perfect for breakfast or snack time, these morsels deliver comfort and flavor in one delightful bite for anyone craving something special.


Ingredients

Scale

Bananas and Chocolate Chips:

  • 3 ripe bananas, mashed
  • ¾ cup (120 grams) semi-sweet chocolate chips

Dry Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ cups (180 grams) all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup (50 grams) brown sugar, packed
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

Wet Ingredients:

  • ⅓ cup (80 milliliters) vegetable oil (or melted butter)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Position the oven rack in the center and heat to 375F (190C). Prepare a 12-cup muffin tin by lining with paper cups or lightly coating with cooking spray.
  2. Create the dry ingredient foundation by combining flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon in a medium mixing bowl. Whisk thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
  3. In a separate large bowl, transform ripe bananas into a smooth puree using a fork or potato masher. Incorporate granulated and brown sugars, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract. Blend until the mixture reaches a uniform consistency.
  4. Gradually introduce the dry ingredient mixture into the banana mixture. Use gentle folding motions to combine, stopping as soon as the ingredients are just incorporated. Overmixing will result in dense, tough muffins.
  5. Delicately fold chocolate chips into the batter, reserving a small handful for decorative topping. Distribute chips evenly to ensure chocolate in every bite.
  6. Carefully portion the batter into prepared muffin cups, filling each approximately three-quarters full to allow proper rising during baking.
  7. Transfer the muffin tin to the preheated oven. Bake for 18-22 minutes, monitoring for a golden-brown exterior and checking doneness with a toothpick inserted into the center – it should emerge clean or with minimal moist crumbs.
  8. Once baked, let muffins rest in the tin for 5 minutes to set. Carefully transfer to a wire cooling rack, allowing them to reach room temperature and develop a perfect texture.

Notes

  • Ensure ripe bananas provide maximum natural sweetness and smooth texture, selecting those with dark brown or black speckled peels.
  • Use room temperature ingredients like egg and oil to help create uniform batter consistency and promote even baking.
  • Minimize mixing to prevent tough muffins, stopping when dry ingredients are just incorporated to maintain tender crumb.
  • Experiment with alternative mix-ins like walnuts, pecans, or dried cranberries for added nutrition and interesting flavor variations.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 26 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg
Daves Miller

Daves Miller

Contributing Chef & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • American Southern cuisine with a modern twist.
  • Instruction in culinary fundamentals and advanced techniques.
  • Development of recipes that highlight seasonal and local produce.​
  • Mastery of artisanal bread and pastry techniques, from laminated doughs to decorative sugar artistry.

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, Kentucky

  • Degree: Associate of Science Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Specialized in cooking techniques and culinary sciences, hands‑on externships, professional kitchen lab training, and career preparation for restaurants, entrepreneurship, and global culinary opportunities.

White Mountains Community College, Berlin, New Hampshire

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Arts degree
  • Focus: Specialized in comprehensive baking and pastry arts, including bread making, artisan breads, cake decorating and design, chocolates, confections, and decorative centerpieces; product development and baking theory; and career preparation for baker and pastry chef roles in many places.

Daves is the friendly face guiding you through flavorful, fuss-free recipes at Picture Perfect Meals. 

He studied culinary arts at Sullivan University and embraced Baking and Pastry Arts at White Mountains Community College. Daves specializes in comforting meals with vibrant flavors, highlighting fresh, seasonal ingredients.

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