Fudgy Banana Muffins: A Decadent Twist on Classic Banana Bread
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 18 muffins
Recipe Category: Quick Breads
Calories per serving: 207.7
There’s something magical about the pairing of ripe bananas and rich, melty chocolate, and these Fudgy Banana Muffins are the perfect way to enjoy this heavenly duo. If you’re craving a moist, flavorful muffin that balances the natural sweetness of bananas with a burst of chocolate, then look no further. While traditionally made with chocolate chips, feel free to get creative, just as I did when I swapped them out for chunks of chocolate bars. This slight variation turned out to be an even bigger hit with my husband, who enjoys the larger bites of chocolate in every muffin. Whether you stick to the classic chocolate chip or opt for chocolate bar chunks, this recipe guarantees a muffin that’s both indulgent and comforting.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 1 1/4 cups |
| Whole wheat flour | 1 cup |
| Brown sugar | 3/4 cup |
| Baking soda | 1 1/2 tsp |
| Salt | 1/4 tsp |
| Ripe bananas (mashed) | 3 |
| Milk | 1 1/4 cups |
| Egg | 1 |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp |
| Chocolate bars (or chips) | 2 bars (chopped into chunks) |
Nutritional Information per Serving (1 Muffin)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 207.7 |
| Total Fat | 6.3 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2.7 g |
| Cholesterol | 17.5 mg |
| Sodium | 165.3 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 34.5 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.1 g |
| Sugars | 18.9 g |
| Protein | 4 g |
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it with oil or butter to prevent the muffins from sticking.
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Prepare the dry ingredients: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup whole wheat flour, 3/4 cup brown sugar, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon salt until well combined.
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Mash the bananas: In another bowl, mash the 3 ripe bananas with a fork or potato masher until smooth. You should have about 1 1/2 cups of mashed banana.
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Mix the wet ingredients: Add 1 1/4 cups milk, 1 beaten egg, 1/4 cup vegetable oil, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Stir until the ingredients are well combined and form a smooth mixture.
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Combine wet and dry ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently, being careful not to over-mix. The batter should be just moistened; it’s okay if there are a few lumps.
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Add the chocolate: Break the chocolate bars into 12 pieces each (or use chocolate chips if preferred). Fold the chocolate chunks into the batter, but be sure to keep some pieces for sprinkling on top.
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Fill the muffin cups: Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling them about one-third of the way. Then, place 2 pieces of chopped chocolate into the center of each muffin.
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Top with extra chocolate: For a fudgier, chocolate-packed muffin, sprinkle the remaining chopped chocolate over the tops of each muffin cup.
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Bake the muffins: Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the muffins comes out clean. The muffins should have risen and turned golden brown on top.
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Cool: Let the muffins cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This brief resting time ensures that the muffins hold together and don’t crumble when removed.
Tips for Success
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Bananas: Use ripe bananas for the best flavor. Overripe bananas (those with brown spots) are ideal because they provide natural sweetness and moisture to the muffins.
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Chocolate: Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate. Dark chocolate works wonderfully if you prefer a richer, less sweet muffin. You can also use mini chocolate chips for a more uniform distribution of chocolate throughout the batter.
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Storage: Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 2 months. Simply defrost at room temperature or microwave for 10–15 seconds to enjoy a warm treat.
Why You’ll Love These Fudgy Banana Muffins
These Fudgy Banana Muffins are the ultimate treat for any time of day. Whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast with a cup of coffee or serving them as a sweet snack for an afternoon pick-me-up, these muffins are sure to impress. The combination of wholesome whole wheat flour, ripe bananas, and the richness of chocolate delivers a balance of flavors and textures in every bite. Best of all, they come together quickly and easily, making them a perfect choice for busy mornings or spontaneous baking sessions.
For those who appreciate the depth of flavor that chocolate and banana bring together, these muffins are a must-try. They are a wonderful way to use up overripe bananas while indulging in a chocolatey, moist, and hearty treat that’s loved by everyone, from kids to adults.
Enjoy these Fudgy Banana Muffins as a comforting snack, a breakfast treat, or even a special addition to a brunch spread. Whatever the occasion, their delicious blend of banana sweetness and fudgy chocolate will surely make them a family favorite.
