Introduction
Indulge in the delightful combination of flavors with these easy-to-make banana chocolate muffins. Perfect for breakfast or a snack, these muffins are moist, fluffy, and packed with the rich taste of cocoa and the natural sweetness of ripe bananas. Follow these simple instructions to create a batch that will impress your family and friends.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– 2 large ripe bananas
– 2 eggs
– ½ cup milk
– ⅓ cup butter, melted
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1½ cups all-purpose flour
– ½ cup granulated sugar
– ½ cup cocoa powder
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– ½ teaspoon salt
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 12 muffins
To create these delicious treats, start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C) and preparing a muffin tin with liners. In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth, then add the eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, being careful not to overmix. Fill each muffin cup about three-quarters full with the batter and bake for 6 minutes.
Without opening the oven door, reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue to bake for another 9 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow the muffins to cool for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. For an extra touch, sprinkle large sugar crystals on top.
These muffins can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or frozen for up to two months, ensuring you can enjoy them at your leisure. Enjoy your delicious banana chocolate muffins!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a muffin tin with liners and set aside.
Mash the Bananas
In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas until smooth.
Add Wet Ingredients
Add the eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Mix until well combined.
Whisk Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Combine Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing to ensure the muffins remain tender.
Fill Muffin Cups
Fill each muffin cup about ¾ full with the batter.
Bake the Muffins
Bake in the preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 6 minutes.
Reduce Temperature
Without opening the oven door, reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for an additional 9 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
Cool the Muffins
Remove the muffins from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Optional Topping
Optionally, sprinkle large sugar crystals on top for added texture and sweetness.
Notes
Storage Instructions
Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze them for up to 2 months.
Cook techniques
Mashing Bananas
Mash ripe bananas using a fork or potato masher until you achieve a smooth consistency. This process enhances sweetness and moisture in the muffins.
Mixing Wet Ingredients
Combine mashed bananas, eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract in a bowl. Mix thoroughly to ensure a uniform blend, which prevents clumping in the final batter.
Whisking Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This aerates the dry ingredients and helps evenly distribute the leavening agents.
Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually integrate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir until just combined, being cautious not to overmix, which can lead to dense muffins.
Baking Techniques
Bake initially at a high temperature (425°F) to help the muffins rise quickly. Then lower the temperature (350°F) to ensure they bake evenly through the center without burning.
Cooling Muffins
After baking, allow the muffins to cool in the pan briefly before transferring them to a wire rack. This step prevents them from becoming soggy and helps maintain texture.
FAQ
Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen bananas. Thaw them first and make sure to drain any excess moisture before mashing.
What can I substitute for eggs?
You can replace each egg with a quarter cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water).
How can I make these muffins healthier?
Consider using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour and reducing the amount of sugar. You can also add nuts or seeds for extra nutrition.
How long do these muffins stay fresh?
Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Can I add chocolate chips to the muffins?
Yes, chocolate chips can be added for extra flavor. About half a cup should work well alongside the cocoa powder.
Conclusion
These delicious chocolate banana muffins are a perfect treat for breakfast or a snack. With their moist texture and rich flavor, they can easily become a family favorite. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven, or store them for a delightful treat throughout the week.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Peanut Butter Banana Muffins
Substitute some of the butter with creamy peanut butter for a rich, nutty flavor.
Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins
Fold in ½ cup of chocolate chips to the batter before baking for added sweetness and texture.
Coconut Banana Muffins
Add ½ cup of shredded coconut to the mixture for a tropical twist that complements the bananas.
Berry Banana Muffins
Replace some of the cocoa powder with 1 cup of mixed berries for a fruity variation.
Nutty Banana Muffins
Incorporate ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for added crunch and flavor.
Spiced Banana Muffins
Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced flavor.
Gluten-Free Banana Muffins
Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these muffins suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.
