Chocolate Banana Muffins Recipe

Sweet & Fluffy Chocolate Banana Muffins Recipe for Morning Joy

Whipping up delectable chocolate banana muffins can turn an ordinary morning into a delightful culinary adventure.

Soft, moist crumbs packed with rich cocoa and sweet banana create an irresistible treat.

Ripe bananas bring natural sweetness to these delectable baked goods.

Chocolate chips scattered throughout promise unexpected bursts of decadent flavor.

Home bakers adore how simple ingredients combine to produce such magical results.

Each bite delivers a comforting blend of familiar tastes that dance across your palate.

Dive into this recipe and let your kitchen become a sanctuary of delicious creativity.

Ingredients Needed For Nigella Chocolate Banana Muffins

Wet Ingredients:
  • Bananas: Ripe bananas provide natural sweetness and moisture to the muffins.
  • Vegetable Oil: Adds richness and helps create a tender muffin texture.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the muffins' structure.
  • Sugar: Enhances the sweetness and helps with caramelization.
Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base structure of the muffins.
  • Cocoa Powder: Delivers deep chocolate flavor and dark color.
  • Bicarbonate of Soda: Helps the muffins rise and creates a light, airy texture.
Optional Add-Ins:
  • Chocolate Chips, Nuts: These can add extra flavor and crunch to the muffins if desired.

Simple Steps For Nigella Chocolate Banana Muffins

Simple Steps For Nigella Chocolate Banana Muffins

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to 400°F (200°C) for standard ovens or 360°F (180°C) for convection ovens. Grab a 12-cup muffin tin and line it with colorful paper liners or lightly grease with cooking spray.

Step 2: Crush and Mix Wet Ingredients

Grab ripe bananas and transform them into a smooth, creamy mash using a fork. Toss in vegetable oil, eggs, and granulated sugar. Whisk everything together until the mixture looks smooth and well-blended.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

Grab a sifter or fine-mesh strainer and sift together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Unsweetened cocoa powder
  • Baking soda

Gently fold these dry ingredients into the banana mixture. Mix just until everything is incorporated – don’t overmix!

Step 4: Fill and Bake

Scoop the chocolatey batter into each muffin cup, filling about two-thirds full. Slide the tin into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they’ve risen beautifully and a toothpick comes out mostly clean.

Step 5: Cool and Enjoy

Let the muffins hang out in the tin for a few minutes to set. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. These chocolatey banana treats are perfect for breakfast, snacks, or whenever you need a sweet pick-me-up!

Tips To Help With Nigella Chocolate Banana Muffins

  • Ripe Banana Magic: Use overripe, soft bananas for maximum natural sweetness and deeper flavor in your muffins.
  • Avoid Overmixing: Gently fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients to keep muffins tender and prevent tough, dense texture.
  • Cocoa Powder Tip: Sift cocoa powder to remove lumps and ensure smooth, even chocolate distribution throughout the batter.
  • Moisture Control: Don't overbake – check muffins at 15 minutes to maintain a moist, soft interior and prevent dryness.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular flour with gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version of these delicious chocolate banana muffins.

Tasty Spins On Nigella Chocolate Banana Muffins

  • Gluten-Free Chocolate Banana Muffins: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Vegan Chocolate Banana Muffins: Swap eggs with mashed chia seeds or flax eggs, and use coconut oil instead of regular oil.
  • Low-Sugar Chocolate Banana Muffins: Substitute sugar with stevia, monk fruit sweetener, or mashed dates for a healthier alternative.
  • Nutty Chocolate Banana Muffins: Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the batter for extra crunch and protein.

What To Pair With Nigella Chocolate Banana Muffins

  • Brew Bold Coffee Companion: Rich, dark espresso cuts through the muffins' sweetness, enhancing the deep chocolate and banana flavors.
  • Pair with Creamy Yogurt Topping: Tangy Greek yogurt provides a cool, smooth contrast to the warm, dense muffin texture.
  • Sprinkle Nutty Crunch Accent: Toasted almond or walnut pieces add delightful crunch and complement the chocolate's richness.
  • Drizzle Caramel Elegance: Warm salted caramel sauce creates a luxurious layer that amplifies the banana's natural sweetness.

How To Store Nigella Chocolate Banana Muffins Properly

  • Store cooled muffins in an airtight container lined with paper towel to absorb moisture. Keep refrigerated for up to 4 days.
  • Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for 2-3 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
  • Warm in microwave for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Check temperature to avoid overheating.
  • Remove from freezer, unwrap, and let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Alternatively, microwave on low power for 30-45 seconds until warmed through.

Answers About Nigella Chocolate Banana Muffins

  • Can I use different types of flour for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat or gluten-free flour. Just ensure you use the same quantity and sift it well to maintain the light texture of the muffins.

  • How ripe should the bananas be?

Use very ripe or overripe bananas with dark brown or black spots. These bananas are sweeter and softer, which helps create moist and flavorful muffins.

  • Is it possible to make these muffins less sweet?

Reduce the sugar amount by 25% or replace some sugar with mashed banana or a natural sweetener like stevia. This will help lower the overall sugar content without compromising taste.

Why Nigella Chocolate Banana Muffins Are A Hit

Why Nigella Chocolate Banana Muffins Are A Hit
  • Bake with Ease: Minimal ingredients and simple mixing steps make these chocolate banana muffins a breeze for bakers of all skill levels.
  • Kid-Friendly Treat: Packed with sweet bananas and rich chocolate, these muffins are perfect for school lunches, after-school snacks, or weekend family breakfasts.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Suitable for casual gatherings, potlucks, or as a comforting homemade dessert that appeals to both children and adults.
  • Nutritious Indulgence: Incorporates ripe bananas for natural sweetness and moisture, adding a healthier twist to a classic chocolate muffin recipe.
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Chocolate Banana Muffins Recipe

Chocolate Banana Muffins Recipe


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4.9 from 40 reviews

  • Total Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Indulgent chocolate banana muffins merge rich cocoa with ripe bananas, creating a divine breakfast treat. Moist crumb and deep chocolate flavor promise a delightful morning experience you’ll savor with each delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 3 medium ripe bananas (about 450 grams/16 ounces with skin on)
  • 225 grams (8 ounces) plain flour
  • 2 large eggs

Wet Ingredients:

  • 125 milliliters (4.2 fluid ounces) vegetable oil
  • 100 grams (3.5 ounces) soft light brown sugar

Leavening and Flavoring:

  • 3 tablespoons cocoa powder (sifted)
  • 1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda

Instructions

  1. Heat oven to 200°C (180°C fan-forced) and prepare a 12-hole muffin tray with paper liners, ensuring even spacing.
  2. Thoroughly crush ripe bananas in a large mixing bowl, creating a smooth, slightly lumpy consistency.
  3. Incorporate vegetable oil, eggs, and sugar into mashed bananas, whisking until ingredients are fully integrated and mixture appears glossy.
  4. Gently sift flour, cocoa powder, and bicarbonate of soda directly over banana mixture, folding carefully to prevent overmixing and maintain a light texture.
  5. Distribute batter evenly among muffin cases, filling each approximately three-quarters full for optimal rising.
  6. Bake in preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, monitoring until muffins have risen and developed a rich, dark chocolate appearance with a slightly springy surface.
  7. Allow muffins to rest in the tin for 3-4 minutes to stabilize their structure, then transfer to a wire cooling rack to prevent soggy bottoms.

Notes

  • Toast nuts like walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch and nutty depth in these muffins, which adds delightful texture and richness.
  • Swap regular sugar with coconut sugar or honey for a lower glycemic index and more complex flavor profile that complements the chocolate and banana.
  • For gluten-free options, replace wheat flour with almond or oat flour, ensuring the muffins remain moist and tender while catering to dietary restrictions.
  • Use overripe, almost black bananas to maximize natural sweetness and create a more intense banana flavor that melds beautifully with the chocolate notes.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 174 kcal
  • Sugar: 9 g
  • Sodium: 140 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 31 mg
Jackson Reid

Jackson Reid

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Single-serving recipe development
  • Global flavor fusion
  • Minimalist cooking techniques
  • Food photography and styling

Education

Holyoke Community College – HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Farm-to-table cuisine, sustainable cooking practices, and hands-on kitchen training


Jackson’s love for cooking began one dish at a time. After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Holyoke Community College’s HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute, he focused on what mattered most: creating recipes that are simple to follow and full of flavor.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Jackson brings together global influences and a less-is-more approach. His recipes reflect his belief that good food doesn’t need to be complicated; it just needs to make sense, taste great, and feel right.
When he’s not testing ingredients or adjusting seasonings, you’ll find him hiking near Asheville, exploring local markets, or chasing the best light for food photos.

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