Irresistible Banana Muffins with Optional Chocolate Chips
Description
This delightful banana muffin recipe has been cherished in our family for years, serving as a perfect companion for breakfast or a delicious snack throughout the day. These muffins are wonderfully moist, rich in banana flavor, and can be enjoyed as they are or enhanced with the addition of chocolate chips. While I highly recommend the chocolate chips for an extra touch of sweetness and indulgence, the muffins are just as delightful without them. Get ready to savor these warm treats straight from the oven!
Recipe Overview
| Category | Quick Breads |
|---|---|
| Cook Time | 20 minutes |
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Total Time | 40 minutes |
| Yield | 12 muffins |
| Servings | 12 muffins |
| Rating | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Review Count | 4 reviews |
| Keywords | Breads, Brunch, < 60 Mins, Beginner Cook, Easy, Inexpensive |
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Egg | 1 |
| Sugar | 1 cup |
| Canola Oil | ½ cup |
| Ripe Bananas | 2 (mashed) |
| Milk | 1 cup |
| Vinegar | 1 tablespoon |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Baking Powder | 1 ½ teaspoons |
| Baking Soda | ¾ teaspoon |
| All-Purpose Flour | 1 ½ cups |
| Chocolate Chips (optional) | 1 cup |
Nutritional Information (per muffin)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 229.7 kcal |
| Total Fat | 9.9 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 16.2 mg |
| Sodium | 144.3 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 33.5 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.9 g |
| Sugars | 19.1 g |
| Protein | 2.5 g |
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a muffin pan by greasing it or lining it with muffin liners. I personally prefer using liners, as they simplify cleanup and ensure easy removal of the muffins.
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Combine Wet Ingredients: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the egg, sugar, canola oil, mashed bananas, milk, vinegar, and vanilla extract. Use a whisk or a fork to mix these ingredients together until they are well blended and smooth.
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Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, sift together the dry ingredients, which include the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and baking soda. This step ensures that your muffins will have a light, airy texture.
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Add Chocolate Chips: If you’re opting for chocolate chips, now is the time to mix them into the dry ingredients. This technique helps to coat the chocolate chips in flour, which prevents them from sinking to the bottom of the batter while baking.
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Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gently pour the wet ingredient mixture into the bowl containing the dry ingredients. Stir everything together until just combined, being careful not to overmix. The batter should be moist and slightly lumpy; this is perfectly normal and will yield wonderfully tender muffins.
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Fill Muffin Cups: Using a spoon or an ice cream scoop, fill each muffin cup about two-thirds full with batter. This allows enough space for the muffins to rise without overflowing.
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Bake to Perfection: Place the muffin pan in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll know the muffins are done when they are golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cool and Enjoy: Once baked, remove the muffins from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Afterward, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. These muffins are best enjoyed warm, either on their own or with a pat of butter.
Tips for the Best Banana Muffins
- Banana Selection: For the best flavor, use very ripe bananas. The more speckles they have, the sweeter and more flavorful they will be in your muffins.
- Mix-Ins: Feel free to get creative with mix-ins! Consider adding chopped nuts, dried fruits, or spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg for added depth of flavor.
- Storage: Store any leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or freeze them for longer storage. To reheat, simply microwave for a few seconds or warm them in the oven.
With this recipe, you’re sure to create a batch of delightful banana muffins that will become a staple in your home. Whether you choose to include chocolate chips or not, each muffin is guaranteed to bring smiles and satisfaction to your family and friends. Enjoy the warm, comforting aroma as they bake, and watch them disappear in no time!
