Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins Recipe
These banana chocolate chip muffins are made with simple ingredients like plain yogurt, naturally sweet mashed bananas, and plenty of chocolate chips. The result is a soft muffin with great moisture and flavor. Very ripe bananas work best for this recipe, and its incredibly easy to make.
The steps are straightforward: first, combine your dry ingredients and wet ingredients in separate bowls. Then stir them together until combined. After that, gently fold in the mashed bananas and chocolate chips. Portion the batter into muffin tins and let your oven handle the rest.
Banana chocolate chip muffins are the perfect warm treat for breakfast or a quick snack on the go. If you want to store them, place them in an airtight at room temperature for up to five days. Alternatively, you can freeze them for up to three months. To avoid freezer burn, wrap each muffin in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer bag or . When youre ready for one, reheat in the microwave or allow them to thaw at room temperature.
Ingredients
- 1 cups all-purpose flour
- cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- teaspoon salt
- cup vegetable oil
- cup plain yogurt
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas
- cup semisweet chocolate chips
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350F (175C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line the cups with paper liners.
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, mix the oil, yogurt, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until smooth.
- Gently fold in the mashed bananas and chocolate chips.
- Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 22-25 minutes, or until the muffin tops spring back when lightly pressed.
- Cool briefly in the tin, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooks Note
For an adult variation, consider adding chopped nuts or dried apricots to the batter for extra texture and flavor.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 274 | - |
| Total Fat | 13g | 17% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 18% |
| Cholesterol | 16mg | 5% |
| Sodium | 248mg | 11% |
| Total Carbohydrate | 38g | 14% |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g | 6% |
| Total Sugars | 21g | - |
| Protein | 4g | 7% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 2% |
| Calcium | 49mg | 4% |
| Iron | 1mg | 8% |
| Potassium | 144mg | 3% |
History and Origin of Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins
Banana chocolate chip muffins trace their roots back to the evolution of quick breads in America during the early 20th century. As bananas became more widely available and affordable, bakers sought creative ways to use overripe fruit. The addition of chocolate chips, which gained popularity in the 1930s after Ruth Wakefield invented the chocolate chip cookie, created a natural marriage between sweet, soft bananas and rich chocolate. This combination became a staple in home kitchens and later in bakeries across the United States, symbolizing comfort food that is both easy to prepare and indulgent.
Regional Variations and Features
While the classic American version is made with all-purpose flour, sugar, and vegetable oil, regional variations have emerged. In the southern United States, muffins may include pecans or walnuts for added texture, while in the northern states, sour cream or yogurt is often used to enhance moisture. Some Caribbean recipes integrate coconut or rum-soaked bananas, giving the muffins a tropical flair. Despite these differences, the defining characteristicsripe bananas and chocolate chipsremain consistent.
Differences from Similar Desserts
Banana chocolate chip muffins are often confused with banana bread, banana cupcakes, or chocolate chip muffins. Unlike banana bread, which is typically denser and baked in a loaf pan, muffins are lighter, portioned individually, and often slightly sweeter. Compared to plain chocolate chip muffins, the banana adds natural sweetness, moisture, and a subtle fruity flavor. This makes them uniquely soft and aromatic, appealing to both adults and children alike.
Typical Serving Occasions
These muffins are commonly served for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack. They are popular in cafes and bakeries where customers seek grab-and-go treats. Additionally, they are frequently prepared at home for school lunches, picnics, or holiday gatherings. Their portable nature and soft texture make them ideal for any occasion that calls for a quick, satisfying baked good.
Interesting Facts
- Bananas used in this recipe are typically overripe, which enhances natural sweetness and reduces the need for added sugar.
- Chocolate chips were first mass-produced in the 1930s and have since become a favorite addition to numerous baked goods.
- The muffins popularity soared with the rise of the muffin craze in the 1980s and 1990s in the United States, when specialty cafes began offering gourmet variations.
- Banana chocolate chip muffins can be frozen and reheated without losing their soft texture, making them convenient for meal prep.
- Creative bakers often experiment by adding nuts, coconut, or spices like cinnamon to customize flavor profiles.
With their rich history, regional adaptations, and universal appeal, banana chocolate chip muffins remain a beloved classic in both home kitchens and professional bakeries worldwide. Their combination of fruity sweetness and chocolate indulgence continues to delight generations of muffin lovers.
FAQ about Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins Recipe
Comments
ValeGirl
10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM
These were super easy to make and turned out perfect! I followed the recipe however I added some walnut pieces. I’ll definitely make this again!
Shari
07/28/2025 01:52:42 AM
Substituted whole wheat flour, light brown sugar and 2% yogurt. Bumped up the chips to a heaping cup. I made half the recipe in a mini muffin tin. 24 minis baked perfectly in 15 minutes. I baked the other half in a regular tin and made 6 large muffins. Best banana muffins I've ever made!
TimelessEmily
04/14/2025 07:25:44 AM
These turned out great! I used sour cream because I didn’t have yogurt, and I’ll definitely use the sour cream again. I also mashed up the banana in a liquid measuring cup before doing anything else so I knew what size batch to make ahead of time. If you have bananas on death’s door, this is a great way to use them!!
Southflgal
09/15/2024 10:14:55 PM
Super easy to make, nice that it didn't have odd ingredients I wouldn't normally have in the cabinet. I did add some chopped pecans but everything else was exactly as written. Very moist and flavorful, so this will be my new go to.
Lilac6700
12/05/2024 07:27:17 PM
Super easy and very airy, but maybe lacking a little flavor. Not really a huge issue though, they're still really yummy, although for a 2X serving you may want to cut down the sugar to 1 cup and the chocolate chips to a little under 1 otherwise it can be a little too much.
NewSoda4961
07/23/2025 03:58:36 PM
It's a good and simple recipe, especially when bananas get too ripe.
san
07/22/2025 08:45:51 PM
Substituted plain yogurt with 2% milko
Brian Helgerson
07/21/2025 07:58:44 PM
This is the best recipe by far for ripe bananas! My family prefers that I make these over the store bought variety! Easy to make. Easy on the pocket. What more could anyone ask for? Seriously!
Sumayyah
06/26/2025 12:49:55 AM
I didn't use vanilla essence as i didn't have it. Turned out great nonetheless!
JoyfulAhi7206
06/09/2025 05:34:35 PM
This was a good recipe, very easy to make. I had a couple very ripe bananas to use so I found this recipe to make, that I had the ingredients for, almost. I realized I didn’t have any plain yogurt, so I used strawberry yogurt that my roommate had. Probably not the biggest issue. What was an issue, I didn’t have all purpose flour. And I was already making these muffins so I couldn’t stop now! I had corn flour, so I used that in hopes it would add a unique flavor and maybe not be too strong. It actually wasn’t too bad, the corn flavor was very forward, so I wouldn’t do that again. I always have all purpose flour so I’m not sure why I couldn’t find it this time. Other than the overpowering corn, this came out good and was very tasty!
SaucyPop5299
05/14/2025 10:21:21 PM
I made this recipe a few days ago and shared with my daughter’s household. They were such a hit, and that is saying something for those picky eaters! I have another batch in the oven right now because the double recipe was gone!
kaylynn alder
04/07/2025 02:51:40 AM
I made it for myself who loves bananas and chocolate and he ate 4 of them as soon as they were cool
Alexander Phillips
12/21/2024 09:54:42 AM
Bro, my life is officially upgraded.
Gary Rodriguez
09/18/2024 01:20:06 AM
Even my picky friends couldn’t resist.