Chocolate Banana Muffins

These banana muffins are to DIE for. If you love banana bread, these are perfect for you! You wouldn’t believe they’re made with such nutritious ingredients, like oats, almonds and cacao powder. They’re indulgent, chocolatey and so perfectly moist. They only use vegan and gluten free ingredients, and make the best dessert warmed with a dollop of creamy coconut yogurt!

I’m a big fan of Chocolate, I’m a huge fan of Bananas, and I adore Muffins. So naturally I wanted to make some vegan chocolate banana muffins. And here they are! (Images below!). I really think you’re going to love these. Give them a go and let me know what you think x

banana muffins

The Ingredients – How I Make The Perfect Chocolate Banana Muffins..

Dry Bowl:

  1. Oat Flour: Oat flour provides a wholesome base for the muffins. It adds fiber and a mild nutty flavor, contributing to the overall texture and nutritional value.
  2. Ground Almonds: Ground almonds add richness and moisture to the muffins. They also provide a slightly nutty taste that complements the chocolate and banana flavors.
  3. Baking Powder: Baking powder is a leavening agent that helps the muffins rise by creating air pockets in the batter. This results in a light and fluffy texture.
  4. Baking Soda: Baking soda works alongside the baking powder to create additional lift in the muffins. It also helps with browning and enhances the flavor.
  5. Cocoa / Cacao Powder: Cocoa or cacao powder is the source of the chocolate flavor in your muffins. It adds depth and richness to the taste, making the muffins satisfyingly chocolatey.
  6. Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the overall flavor of the muffins, balancing the sweetness and chocolate.
  7. Dark Chocolate Chunks: The dark chocolate chunks melt during baking, creating pockets of gooey, melty chocolate throughout the muffins. They contribute to the indulgent chocolate experience.

Wet Bowl:

  1. Spotty Bananas: The spotty bananas provide natural sweetness, moisture, and a distinct banana flavor. They also act as a binding agent, helping to hold the muffins together.
  2. Flax Egg: The flax egg serves as an egg substitute and helps bind the muffins together. The natural gelling properties of flaxseeds create a cohesive texture while adding a touch of nuttiness.
  3. Maple Syrup: Maple syrup sweetens the muffins and adds a unique depth of flavor. It also contributes to the moistness and helps with browning during baking.
  4. Coconut Oil: Coconut oil adds moisture and tenderness to the muffins, ensuring they stay soft. It also imparts a subtle coconut undertone that pairs well with chocolate and banana.
  5. Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile by adding a warm, aromatic note that complements the other ingredients.
  6. Non-Dairy Milk: The splash of non-dairy milk adjusts the consistency of the batter, ensuring it’s not too thick. It also contributes to the overall moisture content of the muffins.
banana muffins

How Do You Keep Muffins Soft and Fluffy?

Achieving moist and fluffy muffins involves a combination of factors. It starts with careful mixing—blend wet and dry ingredients until just combined to prevent gluten overdevelopment. Incorporate moisture-rich elements like ripe bananas, applesauce, or yogurt, and utilize appropriate fats such as oils or butter to enhance tenderness.

Avoid over-baking by testing for doneness slightly before the suggested time.

Utilizing buttermilk or acidic components like yogurt helps create a desirable rise and soft texture.

Balance the flour choice—opt for all-purpose or a mix rather than heavy flours like whole wheat.

Remember to avoid excessive leavening agents, which can lead to crumbly muffins.

As they cool, allow your banana muffins to rest in the tin to retain moisture. For storage, keep them airtight and consider placing a slice of bread in the container to maintain moisture. If needed, reheat briefly to rejuvenate moisture. With these steps, you can master the art of crafting consistently moist and fluffy muffins.

chocolate banana muffins

Chocolate Banana Muffins (Vegan & Gluten Free)

Georgina Burgess
These muffins are to DIE for. If you love banana bread, these are perfect for you! You wouldn't believe they're made with such nutritious ingredients, like oats, almonds and cacao powder. They're indulgent, chocolatey and perfectly moist. They only use vegan and gluten free ingredients, and make the best dessert warmed with a dollop of creamy coconut yogurt!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Course Dessert, Snack
Servings 12 Muffins

Ingredients
  

Dry Bowl

  • 1.5 Cups Oat Flour (simply grind the oats in your blender)
  • 1/2 Cup Ground Almonds
  • 1 tsp Baking Powder
  • 3/4 tsp Baking Soda
  • 3/4 Cup Cocoa / Cacao Powder
  • 1 Pinch Salt
  • 1/2 Cup Dark Chocolate Chunks

Wet Bowl

  • 3 Medium Spotty Bananas
  • 1 Flax Egg 1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tbsp water + left to thicken for 5-10 mins
  • 1/2 Cup Maple Syrup
  • 1/3 Cup Coconut Oil
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
  • Splash of Non Dairy Milk

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 180c and line a muffin tray with muffin liners
  • Begin by adding all the dry ingredients (apart from the chocolate chunks/chips) to a large mixing bowl, then stir them all together until well combined
  • Next, place the ripe bananas in a medium sized mixing bowl and mash with a fork until most lumps have gone
  • Melt the coconut oil over a low-medium heat in a small sauce pan; then add this to the bowl with the mashed bananas
  • Add all the other wet ingredients
  • Whisk these together thoroughly
  • Pour the contents of this bowl to the dry bowl and mix until a batter forms
  • Fold in the chocolate chips/chunks
  • With a dessert spoon, fill up the muffin cases with the batter until it's evenly distributed
  • Place more chocolate chunks on top of the muffins (the batter should yield approx. 12 muffins)
  • Place in your preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes

Notes

They will rise in the oven and your kitchen will smell SERIOUSLY good
Keyword vegan dessert, vegan snacks

 


banana muffins

Is Oil or Butter Better For Muffins?

Both oil and butter can be used in muffin recipes, and the choice between the two depends on your desired outcome. Here are some considerations for using oil or butter in your next banana muffins recipe:

  1. Texture and Moisture:
    • Oil: Using oil in muffin batter can result in moister and more tender muffins. Oil does not contain water, so it can help maintain the moisture content in the muffins.
    • Butter: Butter adds flavor and richness to muffins. It contains water, which can contribute to a slightly different texture than oil. Muffins made with butter might be slightly denser and have a buttery flavor.
  2. Flavor:
    • Oil: Vegetable oils like canola, safflower, or vegetable oil are neutral in flavor and won’t overpower other ingredients in the muffin batter.
    • Butter: Butter imparts a distinct buttery flavor to the muffins. This can be desirable if you’re looking for a more pronounced flavor.
  3. Health Considerations:
    • Oil: Some vegetable oils, like olive oil, are considered healthier options due to their higher unsaturated fat content. They are lower in saturated fat compared to butter.
    • Butter: Butter contains saturated fat, which, when consumed in excess, can contribute to higher cholesterol levels. However, it’s worth noting that dietary recommendations have evolved, and moderate consumption of saturated fats might not be as heavily demonized as before.
  4. Baking Performance:
    • Oil: Muffins made with oil tend to have a more even crumb structure, which can be beneficial if you’re looking for a uniform texture.
    • Butter: Butter can add some complexity to the crumb structure, resulting in a slightly different texture that some people find desirable.
banana muffins

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