Chocolate Banana Walnut Muffins

Name: Chocolate Banana Walnut Muffins
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12 muffins
Ingredients: 3 ripe bananas, mashed; 1/3 cup melted butter; 1 teaspoon baking soda; Pinch of salt; 3/4 cup sugar; 1 large egg, beaten; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup chocolate chips; 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I love making Chocolate Banana Walnut Muffins when I have overripe bananas that need to be used up. The combination of rich chocolate and crunchy walnuts creates a delightful flavor and texture that everyone in my family enjoys. Each bite is moist and indulgent, making them the perfect treat for breakfast or a midday snack. Plus, these muffins are easy to prepare with ingredients I always have on hand, ensuring I can whip up a batch any time the craving strikes!

Created by

Lillian Hayes

Last updated on 2026-01-14T02:19:10.751Z

When experimenting with recipes, I stumbled upon the idea of adding walnuts to my classic banana muffins, and it turned out to be a game-changer. The nutty crunch perfectly complements the soft, sweet banana and smooth chocolate, creating an incredibly satisfying mix. I always recommend mashing the bananas until completely smooth to ensure an even distribution throughout the batter.

Additionally, I’ve found that letting the dough sit for a few minutes before baking helps the flavors meld together beautifully. It’s a simple trick that makes my muffins taste even more delicious and ensures a fluffy texture. You’ll be amazed at how quickly they disappear!

        Why You Will Love These Muffins
        Rich chocolate flavor perfectly balanced with sweet bananas
Crunchy walnuts that add a lovely texture
Quick and simple to whip up for any occasion

      

Perfecting Your Muffin Texture

Achieving the ideal texture in your Chocolate Banana Walnut Muffins is about balancing wet and dry ingredients carefully. The ripe bananas not only add sweetness but also moisture, ensuring the muffins remain soft and fluffy. When mixing, avoid over-mixing the batter after adding the flour; this can cause gluten to develop, resulting in tough muffins. Instead, mix until just combined for a tender crumb.

Another key factor is the ratio of chocolate to flour. If you prefer a richer chocolate flavor, you might increase the amount of chocolate chips slightly, but be careful not to alter the flour too much. A common issue is ending up with overly dense muffins; keeping the ratios in check ensures a delightful lift during baking.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

While this recipe calls for all-purpose flour, you can experiment with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and added fiber. However, make sure to use a lighter hand with whole wheat, as it can absorb more liquid. If you're looking for a gluten-free option, a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend can work well as a substitute in this recipe.

For a dairy-free version, swap out the butter with coconut oil or a neutral oil like vegetable or canola. This will retain the moisture while also treating it to dairy-free chocolate chips. You can also add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra layer of flavor, or mix in dried fruit for a fruity twist.

Storing and Enjoying Your Muffins

Storage is simple: keep your Chocolate Banana Walnut Muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, these muffins freeze beautifully. Just wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer bag for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature or gently warm them in a microwave for a few seconds before enjoying.

When it comes to serving, these muffins are delightful as a breakfast treat or an afternoon snack. You can elevate their appeal by serving them warm with a smear of cream cheese or a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top. Pairing them with a cup of coffee or tea enhances the experience, making these muffins a cozy indulgence at any time of the day.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your muffins:

Muffin Ingredients

3 ripe bananas, mashed
1/3 cup melted butter
1 teaspoon baking soda
Pinch of salt
3/4 cup sugar
1 large egg, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Make sure everything is well-prepared before you start mixing!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create delicious muffins:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a muffin tin or line it with muffin liners.

Mix the Batter

In a large bowl, mix the mashed bananas with melted butter. Stir in the baking soda and salt. Add the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.

Gradually fold in the flour, chocolate chips, and walnuts.

Fill the Muffin Tin

Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about two-thirds full. Make sure to evenly distribute the walnuts and chocolate chips for the best texture.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let them cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Enjoy your freshly baked muffins!

Pro Tips

For a healthier twist, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour. If you'd like an extra touch of flavor, add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the batter.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your muffins come out too dense, check your mixing technique. Over-mixing can cause the gluten in the flour to toughen, leading to less tender muffins. Aim for a gentle incorporation of the ingredients, especially once the flour is added, to ensure a light texture.

Another common issue is muffin domes not rising properly. Ensure your baking soda is fresh; old leavening agents can lead to insufficient rise. Also, make sure you’re preheating your oven correctly, as starting with a hot oven helps establish a good rise early in the baking process.

Scaling the Recipe

This recipe can easily be doubled or halved, making it flexible depending on your needs. When doubling, ensure that you have a sufficiently large mixing bowl to accommodate the extra ingredients, and consider using multiple muffin tins to bake them efficiently. If the batch is smaller, the baking time may reduce slightly, so keep an eye on them after the 15-minute mark.

If you want to create bite-sized mini muffins, reduce the baking time to about 12-15 minutes. They’re perfect for gatherings or lunchboxes, and the kids love them! Just be sure to check with a toothpick for doneness a few minutes earlier to prevent overbaking.

Serving Suggestions

For a gourmet touch, consider adding a layer of chocolate ganache on top once the muffins have cooled. Simply melt chocolate with cream in a bowl and drizzle over the muffins for an elegant finish. Chopped nuts sprinkled on top can also add a lovely crunch that complements the walnut flavor.

These muffins are also delicious alongside a fruit salad or yogurt for a well-rounded breakfast. You can even serve them toasted with a pat of butter for an indulgent morning treat. The versatility of this recipe makes it suitable for various occasions, from breakfast on-the-go to a cozy dessert.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes, frozen bananas work well; just make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before mashing.

→ How can I make these muffins gluten-free?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a delicious gluten-free version.

→ Can I add other nuts or ingredients?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize with pecans, hazelnuts, or even dried fruit for variety.

→ How should I store the muffins?

Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week.