Chocolate Banana Muffins

If you’re a fan of chocolate and bananas, then get ready to fall in love with our delicious Chocolate Banana Muffins recipe! These moist and flavorful muffins are the perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or anytime you’re craving something sweet. Made with wholesome ingredients like ripe bananas, Greek yogurt, and cocoa powder, these muffins are not only indulgent but also packed with nutrients. In this blog post, we’ll share our mouthwatering recipe along with FAQs, cook notes, variations, and even keto and low-carb versions for those looking to cut back on carbs.

Ingredients

• 190 g of cake flour
• 50 g cocoa powder
• 120 g of sugar
• 1 egg
• 2 large ripe bananas
• 60 ml of oil (e.g., rapeseed or vegetable oil)
• 240 g of Greek yogurt
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract or essence
• 2 teaspoons of baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease the cavities with non-stick cooking spray.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

1. In a mixing bowl, sift together the cake flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
2. Stir the dry ingredients until well combined.

Step 3: Mash the Bananas

1. In a separate bowl, mash the ripe bananas using a fork until smooth.
2. Add the egg, oil, Greek yogurt, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas.
3. Mix the wet ingredients until smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

1. Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients.
2. Gently fold the ingredients together using a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in dense muffins.

Step 5: Fill the Muffin Tin

1. Using a spoon or ice cream scoop, divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full.

Step 6: Bake the Muffins

1. Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
2. Remove the muffins from the oven and allow them to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

1. Once cooled, serve the chocolate banana muffins as is or with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate on top.
2. Enjoy these delicious muffins as a snack, dessert, or breakfast treat!

Cook Notes and Variations

• Add-Ins: Feel free to add chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit to the batter for extra flavor and texture.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the Greek yogurt with dairy-free yogurt or applesauce for a dairy-free version of these muffins.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of cake flour to make these muffins gluten-free.
• Reduced Sugar: If you prefer less sweetness, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe or substitute with a sugar alternative like stevia or erythritol.

Keto and Low-Carb Version

For a keto-friendly or low-carb version of these muffins, you can make the following modifications:

• Flour Substitute: Replace the cake flour with almond flour or coconut flour for a lower-carb option.
• Sugar Substitute: Use a sugar alternative such as erythritol or stevia instead of sugar to reduce the carb content.
• Banana Substitute: Limit the amount of banana used or substitute with mashed avocado or pumpkin puree for a lower-carb option.

FAQs

Q: Can I freeze these muffins? A: Yes, these muffins freeze well. Allow them to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply let them sit at room temperature or reheat them in the microwave or oven.

Q: Can I use cocoa instead of cocoa powder? A: Yes, cocoa and cocoa powder are the same thing, so feel free to use either one in this recipe.

Q: Can I use sour cream instead of Greek yogurt? A: Yes, sour cream can be used as a substitute for Greek yogurt in this recipe. It will yield similar results and add a tangy flavor to the muffins.

In conclusion, our Chocolate Banana Muffins are a delightful combination of rich chocolate flavor and sweet banana goodness. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast, as a snack, or for dessert, these muffins are sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you wanting more. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can whip up a batch of these muffins in no time. Give this recipe a try and indulge in the irresistible taste of chocolate and bananas in every bite!