Name: Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Muffins
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 22 min
Total time: 37 min
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 3 medium-sized ripe bananas (peeled and mashed (a scant 1 cup or 240g mashed)); 2 large eggs (at room temperature); 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar; 2 tablespoons whole Greek yogurt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup chocolate chips (plus more for topping); 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (plus more for topping); Turbinado sugar (for topping)

There’s nothing quite like the sweet aroma of freshly baked Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Muffins wafting through your kitchen. These delightful muffins are not only incredibly easy to make, but they also boast a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The combination of ripe bananas, rich chocolate chips, and a sprinkle of nuts creates a mouthwatering treat that everyone will love. Whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or even as a dessert, these muffins are bound to be a hit!

Why It’s Crowd-Pleasing

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Muffins are a crowd-pleaser for many reasons. First and foremost, they are incredibly moist and flavorful, thanks to the natural sweetness of ripe bananas. The addition of chocolate chips adds a delightful richness, while the nuts provide a perfect crunchy contrast. These muffins are also versatile; you can easily customize them to suit your taste preferences. Plus, they are a fantastic way to use up overripe bananas that might otherwise go to waste. Once you take a bite, it’s hard to resist going back for another!

Shopping List

1 cup (220g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 medium-sized ripe bananas, peeled and mashed (a scant 1 cup or 240g mashed)
2 large eggs, at room temperature
3/4 cup (165g) packed light brown sugar
2 tablespoons (30g) whole Greek yogurt
1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup (80g) chocolate chips, plus more for topping
1/2 cup (50g) chopped pecans or walnuts, plus more for topping
Turbinado sugar, for topping

What’s in the Gear List

Mixing bowls: You’ll need these for combining your dry and wet ingredients.
Whisk: A whisk will help you blend the ingredients smoothly.
Rubber spatula: Perfect for folding in the chocolate chips and nuts.
Muffin tin: To bake your muffins to golden perfection.
Parchment paper liners: Optional, but they make for easy cleanup.
Cooling rack: Essential for allowing your muffins to cool evenly.

From Start to Finish: Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Muffins

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your muffins will bake evenly and rise beautifully.

Step 2: Prepare the Muffin Tin

Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it lightly with cooking spray. This will help prevent the muffins from sticking.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.

Step 4: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Add the eggs, brown sugar, Greek yogurt, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk until everything is well combined and smooth.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gently stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients using a rubber spatula. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if there are a few lumps remaining.

Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips and Nuts

Add the chocolate chips and chopped nuts to the batter, folding them in gently to distribute evenly.

Step 7: Fill the Muffin Tin

Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 full. Sprinkle additional chocolate chips and nuts on top, followed by a light dusting of turbinado sugar for a sweet crunch.

Step 8: Bake the Muffins

Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The tops should be golden brown and slightly domed.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Once baked, remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the tin for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely. Enjoy your Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Muffins warm or at room temperature!

Holiday-Friendly Variations

Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spicy flavor.
Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier muffin.
Incorporate dried cranberries or raisins for a festive touch.
Top with a cream cheese frosting for a decadent dessert option.

Notes on Ingredients

Using ripe bananas is crucial for achieving the best flavor and moisture in your muffins. Look for bananas that are heavily speckled with brown spots. The Greek yogurt adds a nice tang and helps keep the muffins moist, but you can substitute it with sour cream if necessary. Choose high-quality chocolate chips for the best taste, and feel free to mix in your favorite nuts or leave them out altogether!

Meal Prep & Storage Notes

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Muffins can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat frozen muffins, simply pop them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or allow them to thaw at room temperature.

Questions People Ask

Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?

Yes! Thaw the frozen bananas and mash them before using. They will add the same moisture and sweetness to your muffins.

Why are my muffins dense?

Dense muffins can result from overmixing the batter or using too much flour. Be careful not to overmix and measure your flour accurately by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off.

Can I make these muffins gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum for the best texture.

What can I use instead of brown sugar?

If you don’t have brown sugar, you can use granulated sugar, though the flavor will be slightly different. Consider adding a tablespoon of molasses to mimic the rich flavor of brown sugar.

Desserts to Finish

Make It Tonight

There’s no better time than now to whip up a batch of Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Muffins. Whether you’re starting your day with a warm muffin or enjoying one as a sweet treat later, these muffins are sure to bring joy to your taste buds. Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and indulge in the delightful flavors of this easy-to-make recipe. You’ll be amazed at how quickly these muffins disappear—trust us, they won’t last long!