“Can you smell that warm, nutty aroma wafting through the kitchen? It’s exactly what you’ll experience when whipping up these Jumbo Brown Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins with Ganache! Combining the classic flavors of ripe bananas and rich chocolate, this recipe elevates your favorite muffin experience into something truly special. The best part? They’re incredibly easy to make, coming together in under an hour, making them perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack. Plus, the unique addition of brown butter brings an irresistible, nutty richness that will have everyone reaching for seconds. So, are you ready to indulge in this delightful twist on a timeless favorite?”
Why Are These Muffins So Special?
Decadence defines these muffins, as the addition of ganache makes each bite a chocolate lover’s dream! Simplicity reigns supreme—whip these up in under an hour, perfect for busy mornings. Versatile in nature, they are delightful on their own or can be dressed up with nuts or dried fruit for a fun twist. Rich, nutty flavor from brown butter adds an unexpected depth that elevates the classic banana chocolate chip experience. Indulge yourself and serve them warm with a drizzle of honey or a pat of butter, and you’ll understand why they are truly a fan favorite! For another delicious banana treat, check out this Moist Banana Bread.
The Best Banana Chocolate Chip Muffin Ingredients
For the Muffins
• Brown Butter (½ cup / 113g) – This ingredient adds a rich, nutty flavor that’s essential for making the best banana chocolate chip muffins.
• Brown Sugar (¾ cup / 150g) – Brings the perfect sweetness and moisture; feel free to swap it for white sugar if desired.
• Eggs (2) – Vital for binding and moisture; ensure they are at room temperature for optimal mixing.
• Vanilla Extract (1 tsp) – Enhances the overall flavor, making your muffins extra delicious.
• Brewed Coffee (1 tsp) – Intensifies the chocolate flavor; you can leave it out if you prefer.
• Mashed Bananas (3 ripe, 400g) – The star of the recipe; use very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness.
• Sour Cream (½ cup / 120g) – Adds creaminess and tang; substitute with Greek yogurt if desired.
• All-Purpose Flour (1 ¾ cups / 227g) – Provides structure; be careful not to overmix for light, fluffy muffins.
• Baking Powder (1 tsp), Baking Soda (½ tsp), Salt (½ tsp) – Essential for leavening and flavor balance.
• Chocolate Chips (1 cup / 200g) – The main chocolate ingredient; get creative and use chopped chocolate for a gourmet touch.
For the Ganache (optional)
• Chocolate Ganache (⅓ cup / 80g) – This rich filling adds an indulgent touch; feel free to skip if you want a simpler muffin.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for The Best Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins
Step 1: Brown the Butter
Begin by melting ½ cup of butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. As it melts, continue to stir until the butter turns a rich golden brown and gives off a nutty aroma, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Keep a close eye to avoid burning. Once browned, remove from heat and let it cool slightly while you prepare the other ingredients.
Step 2: Whisk Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled brown butter with ¾ cup of brown sugar, stirring until smooth and creamy. Next, add in two room-temperature eggs, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of brewed coffee, mixing well until fully incorporated and creamy. This luscious mixture will form the base of your Jumbo Brown Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins.
Step 3: Incorporate Bananas & Sour Cream
Add 400 grams of mashed ripe bananas and ½ cup of sour cream to your wet ingredient mixture. Whisk everything together until blended and smooth. The bananas will provide both sweetness and moisture, while the sour cream adds a delightful tang, creating a rich and flavorful batter that’s perfect for your muffins.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 1¾ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, taking care not to overmix. Stop as soon as there are no dry flour spots; this will keep The Best Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins tender and fluffy.
Step 5: Mix in Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed. This step adds that crucial chocolaty goodness to the banana muffins. If you love chocolate, feel free to add a handful more for extra melty delight in every bite, ensuring they are well combined into the batter.
Step 6: Prepare Muffin Pan
Line a jumbo muffin pan with paper liners or grease it lightly. Pour the muffin batter evenly into each of the six cups, filling them about three-quarters full. For an extra treat, sprinkle some additional chocolate chips on top of each muffin before baking, allowing for those irresistible, gooey chocolate bursts.
Step 7: Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the oven reaches the desired temperature, place the muffin pan inside and bake for 30 minutes. Keep an eye on them; the muffins should turn golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. If they look moist, bake for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Step 8: Add Ganache Filling (optional)
Remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Carefully create a small cavity in the center of each muffin using a spoon, then fill it with about ⅓ cup of chocolate ganache if desired. Allow the muffins to cool completely before transferring them to a wire rack to finish cooling.
Expert Tips for the Best Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins
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Ripe Bananas Only: Ensure your bananas are very ripe, as this maximizes their natural sweetness and flavor. If needed, place them in a paper bag to speed up ripening.
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Brown the Butter Wisely: Watch closely while browning the butter to avoid burning it. The nutty aroma is key for achieving the best banana chocolate chip muffins.
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Room Temperature Eggs: Use eggs at room temperature for better blending and a smoother batter. This ensures a light and fluffy muffin texture.
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Do Not Overmix: When combining dry and wet ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to dense muffins instead of the desired fluffiness.
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Cooling Before Filling: Allow muffins to cool for a few minutes before adding ganache. This prevents it from melting completely and ensures a rich filling.
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Experiment with Add-ins: Feel free to swap chocolate chips for nuts or dried fruits to create your unique twist on the best banana chocolate chip muffins.
What to Serve with Jumbo Brown Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins?
Indulging in these decadent muffins is just the beginning; let’s create the perfect spread for a delightful meal.
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Creamy Yogurt Parfait: Layer with fresh berries and granola for a refreshing contrast that balances the muffin’s sweetness.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits adds a burst of freshness, balancing the rich flavors of the muffins.
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Nutty Granola: Serve a scoop of your favorite granola on the side for a crunchy texture that pairs perfectly with the soft muffins.
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Whipped Butter or Honey: A dollop of whipped butter or a drizzle of honey enhances the warmth and richness of your muffins, making them irresistible.
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Chocolate Milkshake: An indulgent drink that echoes the chocolate flavor, transforming your snack into a delightful treat for all ages.
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Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream: Add a scoop for a comforting dessert option, pairing beautifully with the muffin’s warmth and gooey chocolate.
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Coffee or Espresso: A strong cup of coffee complements the rich chocolate and nutty undertones of the muffins, perfect for a cozy breakfast.
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Mint Tea: The refreshing notes of mint tea serve as an excellent palate cleanser, balancing out the sweetness of your muffins beautifully.
Make Ahead Options
These Jumbo Brown Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins are a fantastic choice for meal prep! You can prepare the muffin batter up to 24 hours in advance—just mix your wet and dry ingredients together, but leave out the chocolate chips until you’re ready to bake. Store the batter in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply fold in the chocolate chips, spoon the batter into your muffin pan, and bake as directed. This way, you’ll have warm, fresh muffins ready in no time, making this recipe perfect for busy mornings or unexpected guests!
How to Store and Freeze The Best Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain freshness and softness.
Fridge: Refrigerate for up to a week; ensure they are tightly wrapped to prevent drying out. Enjoy cold or reheat gently!
Freezer: Freeze muffins individually wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying or microwave for a quick warm treat.
Reheating: For best results, reheat muffins in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes to restore their delightful texture.
The Best Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins Variations
Feel free to get creative and tailor these muffins to your taste! Each idea will add a unique twist to your baking experience.
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Nutty Delight: Replace chocolate chips with walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch. The combination of nuts and chocolate adds delicious texture and flavor contrast.
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Fruity Twist: Substitute chocolate chips with dried cranberries or blueberries for a fruity adventure. The tartness of the berries pairs perfectly with the sweet banana.
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Healthier Option: Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose for a nutritious boost. This simple swap offers a hearty flavor and extra fiber.
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Greek Yogurt Substitute: Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt to reduce calories while keeping moisture. The tangy flavor works beautifully with bananas.
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Mini Muffin Variation: Bake the batter in mini muffin tins for bite-sized treats. Adjust baking time to 12-15 minutes for the perfect mini version, making them ideal for snacking.
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Ganache Infusion: For an over-the-top treat, add ganache filling to the muffin base. Create a small well in each muffin and fill it with rich ganache for a decadent surprise.
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Spicy Kick: Mix in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, cozy fall flavor profile. These spices complement the bananas beautifully and enhance the overall aroma.
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Sugar-Free Option: Try using a banana-based sweetener like ripe mashed bananas and a touch of maple syrup for a healthier, sugar-free muffin. You can also explore a Sugar Free Banana variation!
Enhancing your muffin experience is simple! Whether you’re looking to lighten up the recipe or pack in more flavor, the variations are vast. For more delicious inspiration, consider baking these Luscious Banana Chocolate muffins next!
Jumbo Brown Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins Recipe FAQs
What type of bananas are best for this recipe?
Absolutely! The best bananas for your Jumbo Brown Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins are very ripe ones. Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots and a soft texture, as they yield more sweetness. If you need to ripen them quickly, simply place them in a paper bag to speed up the process.
How should I store these muffins?
You can store your muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them fresh for a week, refrigerate them in a tightly sealed container. They’re still delicious cold, or you can pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to warm them up.
Can I freeze the muffins?
Yes, you can freeze your Jumbo Brown Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins! Individually wrap each muffin in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw overnight in the fridge or microwave them for a quick warm-up treat!
What should I do if my muffins are too dense?
Very! If your muffins turn out dense, it’s likely due to overmixing the batter. Make sure to fold the wet and dry ingredients together gently and just until incorporated. Also, using eggs that are at room temperature can aid in achieving a lighter texture. Lastly, ensure you’re not compacting the flour while measuring.
Are there any allergy considerations for this recipe?
Sure thing! This recipe uses common allergens like eggs and gluten (flour). For a gluten-free version, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. If you’re concerned about dairy, substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative and use non-dairy yogurt in place of sour cream.
Can I change the add-ins for this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap the chocolate chips with nuts, dried fruit, or even a combination of both for a unique twist. For a gourmet touch, consider adding caramel bits or peanut butter chips. The more the merrier when it comes to personalizing these delightful muffins!
The Best Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins You’ll Ever Bake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Brown the Butter: Melt ½ cup of butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring until it turns golden brown and nutty, about 5-7 minutes. Allow to cool slightly.
- Whisk Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine cooled brown butter and ¾ cup brown sugar; stir until smooth. Add room temperature eggs, vanilla extract, and brewed coffee; mix well.
- Incorporate Bananas & Sour Cream: Add 400g mashed bananas and ½ cup sour cream to the mixture; whisk until blended and smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1¾ cups flour, 1 tsp baking powder, ½ tsp baking soda, and ½ tsp salt. Fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients gently.
- Mix in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips, ensuring even distribution.
- Prepare Muffin Pan: Line a jumbo muffin pan with paper liners; pour batter into cups filling three-quarters full. Sprinkle additional chocolate chips on top if desired.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C); bake muffins for 30 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean. If moist, bake for an extra 2-3 minutes.
- Add Ganache Filling (optional): Allow muffins to cool for 5 minutes, create a cavity in each muffin, and fill with ganache before cooling completely.
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