Dark Chocolate Banana Bread Muffins Recipe

Heavenly Dark Chocolate Banana Bread Muffins Recipe

Whipping up a batch of irresistible dark chocolate banana bread muffins always sparks joy in my kitchen.

Soft bananas blend perfectly with rich cocoa, creating a decadent treat that feels like a warm hug.

Sweet ripened fruit mingles with deep chocolate notes for an indulgent experience.

Each bite promises a moist, tender crumb that melts on your tongue.

Pantry staples transform into something magical with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.

Home bakers will find this recipe surprisingly simple yet impressively delectable.

You won’t be able to resist these chocolatey, banana-packed morsels of pure comfort.

Deep Chocolate Meets Banana in Muffin Form

  • Why These Dark Chocolate Banana Bread Muffins Rock
  • Whip up these muffins in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients and minimal kitchen skills required.
  • Packed with bananas and Greek yogurt, these muffins deliver hidden nutrients while tasting like a decadent treat.
  • Perfect for busy mornings, after-school snacks, or weekend brunches that appeal to both kids and adults.
  • Dark chocolate chips transform ordinary banana bread into an indulgent, irresistible morning delight that feels like dessert.

Ingredient List for These Moist Muffins

Main Dry Ingredients:
  • Flour: Provides the base structure and texture for the muffins, whole wheat or all-purpose work well.
  • Cocoa Powder: Delivers rich dark chocolate flavor and deep color to the muffins.
  • Baking Soda: Key leavening agent to help muffins rise and become fluffy.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
Primary Wet Ingredients:
  • Bananas: Ripe, soft bananas add natural sweetness and moisture to the muffins.
  • Brown Sugar: Provides deep caramel-like sweetness and helps keep muffins tender.
  • Coconut Oil: Adds richness and subtle tropical flavor, can be substituted with vegetable oil.
  • Eggs: Bind ingredients together and contribute to muffins' structure.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, complex flavor that complements chocolate and banana.
  • Greek Yogurt: Increases moisture and creates a tender crumb.
  • Dark Chocolate Chips: Provides bursts of intense chocolate flavor throughout muffins, use high-quality chocolate for best results.

How to Prep, Mix, and Bake the Perfect Batch

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius. Prepare a muffin tin by either lining with paper cups or lightly coating with cooking spray.

Step 2: Create Dry Mixture

Grab a mixing bowl and whisk together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Cocoa powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt

Step 3: Blend Wet Ingredients

In a separate large bowl, combine and whisk until smooth:
  • Ripe mashed bananas
  • Brown sugar
  • Melted coconut oil
  • Eggs
  • Vanilla extract
  • Greek yogurt

Step 4: Mix Everything Together

Slowly incorporate dry ingredients into wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Softly fold in dark chocolate chips.

Step 5: Fill Muffin Cups

Distribute batter evenly across 12 muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full. Sprinkle additional chocolate chips on top for extra deliciousness.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place muffin tin in preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out with a few moist crumbs.

Step 7: Cool and Savor

Allow muffins to rest in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling. Enjoy your rich, chocolatey banana treat!

Muffin Baking Tips for Texture and Flavor

  • Boost Banana Moisture: Use overripe, soft bananas with brown spots for maximum natural sweetness and moisture in your muffins.
  • Prevent Chocolate Sinking: Lightly dust chocolate chips with flour before folding into batter to help them distribute evenly and prevent sinking.
  • Customize Texture: Swap Greek yogurt with sour cream or applesauce for different moisture levels and slight flavor variations.
  • Make It Gluten-Free: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to create a celiac-friendly version of these delicious muffins.
  • Control Chocolate Intensity: Mix different chocolate types like milk or semi-sweet chips for a personalized chocolate experience based on preference.

Store and Reheat Without Drying the Muffins

  • Store cooled muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping them fresh and moist.
  • Wrap individual muffins tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months for longer storage.
  • Remove frozen muffins and let them sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours, or microwave briefly for a quick defrost.
  • Warm refrigerated or thawed muffins in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or in a preheated oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes to restore their just-baked warmth and softness.

Drinks and Spreads That Pair with Muffins

  • Brew a rich, velvety latte with a hint of vanilla or caramel syrup to complement the deep chocolate and banana flavors.
  • Serve alongside a small handful of toasted almonds or pecans to add a crunchy texture and enhance the muffins' nutty undertones.
  • Add a small side of fresh raspberry or strawberry compote to provide a tangy, bright counterpoint to the muffins' rich chocolatey sweetness.
  • Top each muffin with a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream or mascarpone cheese to add a luxurious, creamy layer that balances the dense chocolate base.

Banana Bread Muffin Variants That Work

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or a gluten-free blend, ensuring a tender crumb and maintaining moist texture.
  • Vegan Adaptation: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use plant-based yogurt, and select dairy-free dark chocolate chips for a completely animal-product-free recipe.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Swap brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or reduce sugar content, adding mashed dates for natural sweetness and extra moisture.
  • Nut-Enhanced Variation: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for added crunch and nutritional boost, complementing the rich dark chocolate flavor.

Questions on These Muffins? Find Them Here

  • Are these muffins healthy?

These muffins offer some nutritional benefits with bananas providing potassium, Greek yogurt adding protein, and dark chocolate offering antioxidants. While healthier than traditional muffins, they still contain sugar and should be enjoyed in moderation.

  • Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of dark chocolate?

Yes, you can substitute dark chocolate chips with milk or semi-sweet chocolate chips. Dark chocolate provides a richer flavor and more health benefits, but other types will work well in the recipe.

  • What makes the texture of these muffins moist?

The combination of mashed bananas, Greek yogurt, and coconut oil helps create a soft and tender texture. These ingredients add moisture and prevent the muffins from becoming dry or crumbly.

  • How do I know when the muffins are perfectly baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, the muffins are done. Avoid overbaking, as this can make them dry and tough.

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Dark Chocolate Banana Bread Muffins Recipe

Dark Chocolate Banana Bread Muffins Recipe


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4.8 from 38 reviews

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

Description

Chocolate banana bread muffins bring rich comfort and deep satisfaction to dessert lovers. Packed with intense flavor and moist texture, each bite promises a delightful experience you’ll savor from first to last crumb.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 ¼ cups)
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup brown sugar (or coconut sugar)
  • ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (or milk of choice)
  • ½ cup dark chocolate chips (plus extra for topping)

Dry Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or whole wheat flour)
  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Liquid and Fat Ingredients:

  • ⅓ cup melted coconut oil (or vegetable oil)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 350F (175C). Arrange paper liners inside the muffin tin or lightly coat with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Craft the dry mixture by thoroughly combining flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
  3. Create a smooth wet foundation by whisking mashed bananas, brown sugar, melted coconut oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and Greek yogurt until the mixture achieves a uniform consistency.
  4. Merge the dry and wet ingredients gently, stirring until just incorporated. Delicately fold dark chocolate chips into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout.
  5. Portion the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each approximately three-quarters full. Enhance the visual appeal by sprinkling additional chocolate chips across the surface of each muffin.
  6. Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge with a few moist crumbs clinging to it.
  7. Allow the muffins to rest in the pan for 5 minutes, enabling them to set slightly. Transfer to a wire cooling rack to complete the cooling process, helping the muffins achieve the perfect texture.

Notes

  • Swap Greek yogurt with dairy-free alternatives like coconut or almond yogurt for a vegan-friendly version of these muffins.
  • Use gluten-free flour blend to make these muffins suitable for those with gluten sensitivities without compromising texture.
  • Reduce sugar content by using ripe bananas and replacing some brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener for a lower-sugar option.
  • Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer preservation, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 14 g
  • Sodium: 160 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg
Jessica Martinez

Jessica Martinez

Pastry Chef & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Organic Baking Techniques, Gluten-Free Recipe Development, Southwestern Dessert Specialties, Food Styling and Photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College (SFCC)

  • Program: Certificate in Patisserie
  • Focus: Cultivating disciplined kitchen preparation for a safe, organized, and sanitary workstation; mastering the timely production of nutritious, visually appealing pastries; safely operating standard pastry equipment; and honing core patissier techniques for professional pastry work.

Jessica brings the sweet side to Urban Organic with her passion for baking and love for the Southwest. She trained at Santa Fe Community College and has built a career creating beautiful, gluten-free, and organic desserts that feel both nostalgic and new.

She believes baking should be fun, creative, and open to everyone, no matter your diet or skill level. Jessica’s recipes are simple enough to follow, but special enough to remember.

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