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 whole wheat flour; 1/2 cup cocoa powder; 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely love baking, and there's something about the smell of chocolate and bananas that instantly elevates my mood. These Chocolate Banana Walnut Muffins quickly became a family favorite, filling the kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma every time I bake them. The combination of ripe bananas and rich cocoa creates a moist texture that's hard to resist. Moreover, the crunchy walnuts give each bite a delightful contrast. Join me in bringing these decadent muffins into your home; they're perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack!

Created by

Heidi Lawson

Last updated on 2026-01-14T02:34:07.620Z

Baking these Chocolate Banana Walnut Muffins was such a delightful experience! I love watching as the ingredients come together, and the best part is using ripe bananas that are just perfect for mashing. They add natural sweetness which helps reduce the amount of sugar needed. I found that using a mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour also gives these muffins a lovely texture.

One memorable time, I decided to experiment by adding a sprinkle of cinnamon. It complemented the chocolate perfectly, and now it’s a must-have ingredient whenever I make these muffins. Trust me, the little tweaks you make to the recipes can lead to delightful surprises!

        Why You'll Love These Muffins
        Rich chocolate flavor perfectly balanced by sweet, ripe bananas
Crunchy walnuts add a delightful texture to each bite
Great for breakfast or as a sweet treat any time of the day

      

The Role of Ripe Bananas

Using ripe bananas is crucial for achieving the perfect texture and flavor in these muffins. As bananas ripen, their starches convert to sugars, resulting in a natural sweetness that enhances both taste and moisture levels in the muffins. Aim for bananas that are heavily speckled or even brown; this indicates they're at their peak sweetness. If you find you have overripe bananas, you can freeze them until you're ready to use them. Simply thaw and mash them before including them in your batter.

Ripe bananas also bring a soft, tender crumb to the muffins, which is essential when balancing the rich chocolate flavor. I recommend mashing them with a fork or a potato masher until you achieve a smooth consistency, making it easier to integrate them with the other wet ingredients. If you find you're short on bananas, you can substitute with unsweetened applesauce, though this may slightly alter the flavor profile.

Baking and Storing Tips

When baking these muffins, keep a close eye on the time. Every oven is different, so while the baking time is generally around 20 minutes, you may want to start checking around 18 minutes. Insert a toothpick in the center of a muffin; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, they’re ready. Overbaking can lead to a dry texture, so it's better to under-bake slightly than over-bake.

For storage, these muffins are best enjoyed fresh but can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you'd like to make them ahead of time, consider freezing them. Allow the muffins to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They will stay fresh for up to three months. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or reheat in the microwave for about 15-30 seconds.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create your delicious muffins:

For the Muffins

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 whole wheat flour
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Make sure to have everything ready before you start mixing!

Instructions

Follow these steps to bake your muffins:

Preheat the Oven

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

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix the mashed bananas with melted butter. Stir in baking soda and salt.

Add Sugar and Egg

Mix in the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, and cocoa powder.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the banana mixture until just combined. Avoid overmixing.

Add Walnuts

Fold in the chopped walnuts gently into the batter.

Bake the Muffins

Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin and bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Enjoy your homemade muffins warm or at room temperature!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, try adding some chocolate chips to the batter before baking. It enhances the chocolate flavor and makes them even more indulgent!

Flavor Variations

While the original recipe is a delight on its own, you can easily customize the flavors to suit your taste. For an added layer of flavor, consider folding in a teaspoon of espresso powder to intensify the chocolate notes. Additionally, you could swap out walnuts for pecans or hazelnuts for a different nutty twist, or even omit nuts entirely if you prefer a nut-free muffin.

Another great variation is to incorporate chocolate chips into the batter. This can be an excellent way to satisfy the biggest chocolate lovers in your house. Try using semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips and include about 1/2 cup folded in at the same time as the walnuts. This will add bursts of melty chocolate throughout the muffin, complementing the flavors beautifully.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your muffins are turning out dense, it's usually a sign of overmixing the batter. When combining the wet and dry ingredients, stir until just combined; some lumps are okay. This will ensure your muffins rise nicely while remaining tender and fluffy. Also, check your leavening agent; if your baking soda is expired, the muffins may not rise properly.

Should you find that your muffins are doming too much or not enough, this could be linked to the oven temperature or the amount of batter used per muffin cup. To achieve the right dome, ensure your oven is fully preheated before baking and fill the muffin liners about 2/3 to 3/4 full. This encourages a nice rise while allowing space for expansion.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes! Just thaw and mash them well before using.

→ Can I replace the sugar?

Absolutely, you can use honey or maple syrup, but adjust the liquid ingredients accordingly.

→ How should I store the muffins?

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

→ Can I make these muffins gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the flours with a gluten-free all-purpose mix.