Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins (easy recipe!)

Whip up our Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins in just 30 minutes for a no-fuss, delicious treat. These dairy-free muffins combine the sweetness of ripe bananas with rich chocolate chips, making them the perfect choice for a quick breakfast or an enjoyable afternoon snack. Simple ingredients, easy steps, and ready in a flash—start your day right or satisfy those midday cravings effortlessly!

Baking has always been a cherished activity in our kitchen, and these Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins are no exception. Picture this: a quiet morning, the aroma of strong, freshly brewed coffee mingling with the sweet scent of muffins right out of the oven. It's a scene straight out of a cozy bakery, yet so effortlessly recreated in your own home. 

This great recipe is specially created for beginner bakers, emphasizing that you don't need fancy kitchen equipment to achieve bakery-style muffins. With basic ingredients and a ripe banana to cleverly replace milk, these muffins turn into a delightful dairy-free treat, perfect for everyone to enjoy.

Our love for simple, yet perfect baked treats doesn't stop here. If these muffins have you hooked, why not try our blueberry muffins or our easy banana bread recipe. Both of these recipes promise the same fuss-free experience with the same satisfying taste. 

Jump to:

• Why You Will Love This Recipe
• Ingredients
• Easy Chocolate Chip Muffins Recipe
• Expert Tips
• Substitutions
• Variations
• What to Serve with Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins
• Storage Instructions
• Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins (easy recipe!)

Why You Will Love This Recipe

• No Special Ingredients: Just your everyday panty staples and a (over) ripe banana are all you need to whip up these muffins. It's a great recipe that's both accessible and delicious.
• No Special Equipment: Forget the hand mixer or standing mixer. A simple large bowl and spatula are all you need for this baking adventure.
• Effortless Mixing: This recipe's straightforward process is perfect for beginners, ensuring a perfect, moist muffin every time. It's foolproof baking at its best.
• Easily Customizable: Craving some nuts or a hint of spice? This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to add your personal touch and customize your muffins to your liking. 

Ingredients

Gather these simple, everyday ingredients to create your batch of delicious Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins:

• All-purpose flour (cake flour): Forms the base of your muffins, ensuring a tender crumb.
• Castor sugar: Adds the perfect amount of sweetness to balance the flavors.
• Baking soda (bicarbonate of soda): Gives your muffins a lovely rise and airy texture.
• Salt: A pinch to enhance and bring out the flavors of the other ingredients.
• Ripe bananas: The star ingredient, adding natural sweetness and moisture.
• Egg at room temperature: Binds the ingredients together, contributing to the structure.
• Sunflower oil: Keeps your muffins moist and tender.
• Vanilla extract: Infuses the muffins with a warm, aromatic flavor.
• Dark chocolate chips: Add a rich, indulgent twist; feel free to use dairy-free chocolate chips to keep the recipe dairy-free.

See the recipe card for quantities.

Easy Chocolate Chip Muffins Recipe

1. Prep

• Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F)
• Grease or line a muffin tin with paper liners.
• Weigh out all ingredients.
• Mash bananas

2. Make the muffin batter

• Combine the dry ingredients: Mix the flour, castor sugar, bicarbonate of soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
• Combine the wet ingredients: Whisk the egg, vanilla extract, oil, and mashed banana in a large mixing bowl. 
• Add the wet ingredients to the flour mixture and gently fold in until just combined. 
• Gently fold the chocolate chips into the batter.

Chef’s tip: Don’t overmix the batter! The more you mix your muffin batter, the more gluten is developing —which is great for a yeast-risen, chewy bread loaf, but not so great when you're aiming for soft and fluffy muffins. An overmixed muffin batter will result in a dense, rubbery, and dry muffin. 

3. Bake

• Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin.
• Bake muffins for 18 - 20 minutes or until a long skewer inserted in the center comes out clean and they are perfectly golden brown. 

Chef’s Tip: Baking times may vary depending on your oven. Start testing your muffins with a long skewer after being in the oven for 18 minutes. Add 2 - 3 minutes to the clock if it’s not quite done. 

4. Cool

• Set aside in the pan for 10 minutes to cool slightly before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. 
• Serve warm or at room temperature.

Expert Tips

Follow these Chef's Tips to ensure your Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins turn out perfectly every time:

• Use A Room Temperature Egg: Ensure your egg is at room temperature before mixing. This helps it blend better with the batter, resulting in a more uniform texture.
• Banana Ripeness: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your muffins will be. Look for bananas with lots of brown spots.
• Chocolate Chip Distribution: To avoid the chocolate chips from sinking to the bottom, toss them with a little flour before folding into the batter. This helps distribute them evenly throughout the muffins.
• Avoid Overmixing: Mix your batter just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing leads to the development of gluten, suitable for chewy bread but not for soft, fluffy muffins. An overmixed batter can result in dense, rubbery, and dry muffins.
• Baking Time May Vary: Oven temperature can vary, so start checking your muffins at the 18-minute mark. If they're not done, add 2-3 minutes to the baking time, but keep a close eye to avoid overbaking.

Substitutions

Tailor these Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins to your dietary preferences or pantry availability with these simple swaps:

• Make it Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free flour blend to cater to gluten sensitivities without compromising on taste or texture.
• Use a Different Oil: While sunflower oil is used for its neutral taste, you can easily substitute it with vegetable oil, canola oil, olive oil, or even melted coconut oil. Each brings a slightly different nuance to your muffins.
• Make it Vegan: To veganize this recipe, replace the egg with a flax egg and ensure your chocolate chips are dairy-free. 
• Peanut Butter Swirl: Add a peanut butter swirl to your muffins. Simply dollop a teaspoon of smooth peanut butter atop the batter before baking and use a toothpick to create a marbled effect. This adds a rich, creamy taste that pairs wonderfully with the banana and chocolate flavors.

Variations

Customize your Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins with these creative twists:

• Nutty Crunch: Stir in chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch that complements the soft texture of the muffins.
• Berry Blast: Swap out half of the chocolate chips for fresh or frozen blueberries for a burst of tartness and a pop of color.
• Spice It Up: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to the batter for a warm, spicy note that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the bananas.
• Double Chocolate Muffins: Mix in some cocoa powder with the dry ingredients to transform your muffins into double chocolate delights.
• Coconut Dream: Replace half of the chocolate chips with shredded coconut and use coconut oil instead of sunflower oil for a tropical twist.
• Sugar Sprinkle: For that final touch of sweetness and a hint of crunch, sprinkle a bit of turbinado sugar or brown sugar on top before baking. It will give your muffins that coveted bakery-style finish.

What to Serve with Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins

Complement your muffins with these ideal accompaniments:

• Nut Butter: Elevate your muffin by spreading a generous layer of almond or peanut butter on top. The creamy, nutty flavor adds a rich dimension and pairs wonderfully with the banana and chocolate chips.
• Coffee: Brew a fresh pot of coffee to enjoy with your muffins. The robust, slightly bitter notes of the coffee balance the sweetness of the muffins, creating a harmonious taste experience. Whether you prefer a dark roast for intensity or a light roast for a milder flavor, coffee is the perfect wake-up call for your taste buds.
• Tea: Enjoy your muffins with a comforting cup of tea. Choose from the robustness of black tea, the smooth, sweet notes of rooibos, or the fragrant, citrusy accent of Earl Grey. Each variety offers a unique taste that perfectly complements the cozy, home-baked feel of your muffins.

Storage Instructions

Keep your Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins fresh and delicious with these storage tips:

Room Temperature

Preserve the muffins' softness by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They'll stay fresh and delightful for 2-3 days.

Freezer-Friendly

For long-term storage, muffins can be frozen for up to 3 months. Place them in an airtight container or individually wrap each muffin in plastic wrap, then put them in a freezer-safe bag. Make sure to seal well to ward off freezer burn. Don't forget to label and date your goodies—your future self will appreciate the reminder!

Dive into the delightful world of baking with our Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins! Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is sure to become a cherished addition to your collection. 

The perfect blend of ripe bananas and rich chocolate chips makes these Dairy Free Chocolate Chip Muffins an irresistible treat any time of the day. Remember, they pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or your favorite tea, making your snack time a truly special moment. Don't forget to share your baking adventures with us and tag us in your delicious creations. Happy baking, and here's to many more delightful moments in the kitchen!

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The nutrition is an estimate only. It was calculated using Nutrifox, an online nutrition calculator.