Are you on the lookout for a snack or breakfast option that balances nutrition and flavour oh-so-well? Look no further than these Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins—a fusion of delectable taste and nourishing goodness that’ll have you hooked from the first bite. These delightful muffins are not only scrumptious but also feature whole grains and just the right amount of sugar, making them an ideal option for a quick brekkie or snack during hectic weeks. Plus, they’re the perfect solution to repurpose those overripe bananas!
Why not make this recipe better by adding some of my delicious creamy vanilla ice cream to the side. Just to indulge a bit! It’s creamy and delicious and sure to leave you wanting more!!! Overall it is a match made in heaven!!
Table of contents
Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins: A Perfect Blend of Taste and Health
In the heart of every kitchen, these muffins come together with a dash of fun and a sprinkle of healthiness. A blend of pantry essentials with ripe bananas forms the base of this delightful concoction, with a hint of peanut butter adding that charming twist. And let’s not forget the chocolate—because what’s a treat without a bit of cocoa indulgence?
But what sets these muffins apart is their balance. The main sweetness comes from those perfectly ripe bananas, with just a tad of added sweetener to round out the flavours. And yes, a generous sprinkle of dark chocolate chips for that extra delightful touch!
Ingredients: Wholesome and Flavourful
To create these mouthwatering muffins, here’s what you’ll need:
1. Very Ripe Mashed Banana (1 cup, about 2 medium): Firstly, The star of the show, very ripe mashed bananas, brings natural sweetness and a moist, tender crumb to our muffins. With their rich banana flavour, they set the stage for a delicious treat.
2. Large Eggs (2): Eggs play a vital role in binding our ingredients together, creating a delicate and rich texture that defines the perfect muffin. They provide structure and moisture, ensuring a delightful consistency.
3. Milk (3/4 cup): Milk introduces a creamy element to the mix, enhancing the overall flavour and moistness of the muffins. Its subtle sweetness and richness elevate the taste.
4. Peanut Butter (3 tablespoons): Peanut butter lends a creamy, nutty essence to our muffins. Beyond its smooth texture, it adds depth with a hint of savoury notes, making it a key player in the flavour profile.
5. Pure Vanilla Bean Paste (1 teaspoon): Vanilla bean paste imparts a fragrant and rich vanilla essence to our muffins. Its presence not only enhances the overall aroma but also adds a layer of sophistication to the taste.
6. Plain Flour (1 cup): Plain flour serves as the foundation, providing structure and a tender crumb. It forms the base for our muffins, ensuring a consistent and satisfying texture.
7. Brown Sugar (1/4 cup): Brown sugar contributes sweetness with a warm, caramel undertone. Its unique flavour enhances the overall taste, making each bite more delightful.
8. Ground Flaxseed (2 tablespoons): Ground flaxseed is the wholesome addition, offering a nutty undertone and a boost of texture. It introduces a subtle element of healthfulness to our muffins.
9. Cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Cinnamon brings warmth and a touch of spice to our muffins. Its aromatic presence adds depth to the flavor, providing a cosy and comforting element.
10. Baking Powder (1 teaspoon): Baking powder acts as the muffins’ leavening agent, ensuring a light and airy texture. It’s the secret behind those perfectly risen muffin tops.
11. Baking Soda (1/2 teaspoon): Baking soda complements the baking powder, assisting in the rise of our muffins. Together, they create the ideal texture we crave.
12. Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Salt enhances and balances the flavours in our muffins, adding a subtle savoury note that ties everything together harmoniously.
13. Dark Chocolate Chips (1/4 cup): Dark chocolate chips bring a decadent dimension to our muffins. With their rich, bittersweet flavour, they provide moments of indulgence in each bite.
How to Achieve Muffin Nirvana: A Guide
Now, let’s dive into the joy of creating these muffins! It’s as simple as a wink and a smile:
Banana Smash: Begin by smashing those bananas till they’re smooth and creamy.
The Blend: In a mixing bowl, blend the flour, sugar, flaxseed (for that health kick), cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and a pinch of salt.
Banana Hug: Introduce your ripe banana mash to the blend, adding eggs, milk, peanut butter (or butter), and that essence of vanilla.
Chocolate Chip Tango: Now, let the chocolate chips join the dance, swirling into the mix with a delightful twist.
Into the Oven: Spoon this muffin love into your prepared tin, ready to be baked to golden perfection.
Enjoy the Bite: Once baked, grab a muffin, close your eyes, and take a bite—it’s a culinary adventure!
Serving Up Delight
Enjoy these muffins slightly warm or cold. Pair them with a generous spread of nut butter and a glass of milk, or perhaps a cuppa!
And if you’re a planner, these muffins freeze like a dream, making them the ideal make-ahead option for busy days.
Step by Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Firstly, Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it well to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mash the Bananas
In a mixing bowl, mash very ripe bananas with a fork or potato masher until smooth. The riper the bananas, the sweeter your muffins will be.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
To the mashed bananas, add the large eggs, milk, peanut butter, and pure vanilla bean paste. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined. The peanut butter should be melted and cooled, but still warm enough to easily blend.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the plain flour, brown sugar, ground flaxseed, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir these dry ingredients together. Once stirred move on to the next step.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the muffins dense.
Step 6: Add Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the dark chocolate chips into the muffin batter. The chocolate chips will add a delightful touch of sweetness and richness.
Step 7: Fill the Muffin Tin
Finally, Using a spoon or a scoop, divide the batter evenly into the muffin cups. Fill each cup about half to two-thirds full to allow room for the muffins to rise.
Step 8: Bake
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. The exact cooking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep a close eye on them.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Once your muffins are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once they’ve cooled, enjoy your homemade banana chocolate chip muffins – a delightful and nutritious treat!
These muffins are not only delicious but also a wonderful way to enjoy the flavours of ripe bananas, peanut butter, and chocolate chips all in one bite. Whether you have them for breakfast or as a snack, these muffins are sure to become a household favourite.
In a Nutshell: Tips and Substitutions
Banana Brilliance: The riper the bananas, the merrier the muffin! Aim for those brown-speckled beauties for the best flavour.
Gluten-Free Twist: Embrace buckwheat flour for a gluten-free version instead of normal flour.
Dairy-Free Twist: For the lactose intolerant, non-dairy milk instead of full cream is the go-to choice!
Chocolate Chip Your Way: Customisation is key! Whether you want to go all in with chocolate chips or give them a miss, it’s your call!
Final Word
Lastly, baking your own banana chocolate chip muffins is a rewarding and scrumptious experience. With just a little effort and about 15-20 minutes of active time, you can create a delightful treat that combines the wholesome goodness of ripe bananas, the richness of peanut butter, and the indulgence of dark chocolate chips. These muffins not only satisfy your taste buds but also provide a dose of essential nutrients to fuel your day.
So, don your apron, gather your ingredients, and embark on the journey of creating these delectable muffins. Your kitchen will indeed be filled with the inviting aroma of baking as you work your magic. Once they’re out of the oven and cooled, be sure to savour every bite of your homemade banana chocolate chip muffins. Share them with family and friends, and let them in on the joy of homemade goodness. Happy baking and happy eating! Cook these and surely you won’t be disappointed!!
Darrin x
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