Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins Recipe

Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins Recipe

Cook Time: 25 minutes

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

  1. Preheat the oven to 350F (175C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line the cups with paper liners.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In a separate bowl, mix the oil, yogurt, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
  4. Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until smooth.
  5. Gently fold in the mashed bananas and chocolate chips.
  6. Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for about 22-25 minutes, or until the muffin tops spring back when lightly pressed.
  8. 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

Store these muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to three months. Wrap each muffin in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag or container to prevent freezer burn. When ready to eat, reheat in the microwave or let them thaw at room temperature.

Yes! Overripe bananas are perfect for this recipe. The more ripe the bananas, the sweeter and moister the muffins will be. Use bananas with brown spots or that are nearly black for the best results.

Yes, you can make substitutions based on your preferences or what you have available. For example, you can substitute plain yogurt with sour cream or buttermilk. If you don't have all-purpose flour, you could try whole wheat flour, but this may change the texture. Similarly, you can swap the vegetable oil for another neutral oil like canola oil.

Bake the muffins in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 22 to 25 minutes. The muffins are done when the tops spring back when lightly pressed, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs.

Absolutely! You can add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans, dried fruits, or even coconut flakes to customize your muffins. Just be sure to fold them in gently with the mashed bananas and chocolate chips.

If you don't have chocolate chips, you can chop up a chocolate bar into small pieces or use chocolate chunks instead. You could also substitute with other additions like dried fruit or seeds if you prefer.

If your muffins turn out dry, it's possible that you over-mixed the batter or baked them for too long. To avoid this, mix the wet and dry ingredients just until they are combined, and check the muffins around the 22-minute mark to ensure they don't overbake.

Yes, you can make mini muffins using this recipe. If you choose to do so, reduce the baking time to about 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them, and test for doneness by gently pressing on the tops to see if they spring back.

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.