I absolutely love making these Mini Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins recipe whenever I have a couple of overripe bananas sitting on the counter. There’s something so comforting about the sweet banana flavor paired with melty mini chocolate chips in a perfectly bite-sized muffin. Whether you’re packing snacks for the kids’ lunchboxes or just craving something quick and homemade, this recipe works beautifully.

When I first tried this Mini Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins recipe, I was surprised at how fast they came together and how moist they stayed even the next day. You’ll find that these little muffins are not only adorable but also super portable and crave-worthy, making them my go-to for breakfast on busy mornings or an after-school treat.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and Easy: From start to finish, these mini muffins take less than 30 minutes to bake and cool.
  • Perfectly Bite-Sized: The mini muffin shape means you can enjoy just one or a few without feeling guilty.
  • Great Use of Overripe Bananas: This recipe is a delicious way to prevent food waste with bananas that are past their prime.
  • Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing: My family goes crazy for these, and they’re perfect for parties or lunchboxes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients in this Mini Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins recipe are simple pantry staples that combine perfectly to create that classic banana bread flavor with a chocolaty twist. Here’s a handy guide to pick the best ingredients for your muffins.

  • Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness; melting it helps keep the batter moist.
  • Granulated Sugar: Either golden or white sugar works well; golden sugar adds a subtle caramel note.
  • Large Egg: Acts as a binder and helps the muffins rise just right.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the sweetness and rounds out the flavors beautifully.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure—don’t swap it for whole wheat here unless you want denser muffins.
  • Baking Soda: Your rising agent; ensures the muffins are fluffy and light.
  • Overripe Bananas: The star of the show! Riper bananas mean more sweetness and flavor.
  • Mini Chocolate Chips: These melt just enough to create pockets of chocolate without overwhelming the banana flavor.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how versatile this Mini Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins recipe is. You can tweak it to suit whatever’s in your pantry or your dietary needs, and I encourage you to make it your own. Here are a few of my favorite ways to personalize it.

  • Add Nuts: I sometimes toss in chopped walnuts or pecans for a little crunch, and it adds a lovely texture contrast I really enjoy.
  • Use Whole Wheat Flour: For a healthier twist, swapping half the flour with whole wheat works well, but expect a denser muffin.
  • Dairy-Free Version: You can replace butter with coconut oil and use a flax egg to make these dairy and egg-free—perfect for allergy-friendly baking.
  • Swap Chocolate Chips: Feel free to use white chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, or even raisins if you want to mix things up.

How to Make Mini Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Go ahead and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, generously spray your mini muffin pan with non-stick cooking spray—because these little guys can stick if you skip this step. Getting the pan ready first means you’ll move smoothly through the next steps.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, melt the unsalted butter and let it cool just a bit so it doesn’t cook the eggs later on. Then whisk in the sugar until it’s mostly dissolved. Next, crack your egg into the bowl and add the vanilla extract. Whisk it all together until it’s smooth and inviting. I like using a whisk here to get a little air into the mixture, which helps the muffins rise nicely.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients and Bananas

Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and baking soda directly into the wet mixture, then gently stir them together—don’t overmix! Over-mixing can make the muffins tough, so just fold it until you don’t see any more dry flour. Next, fold in your mashed overripe bananas; this is where the batter truly comes alive with that sweet banana flavor.

Step 4: Fold in the Chocolate Chips and Fill Muffin Cups

Gently stir in the mini chocolate chips last so they’re evenly spread out but don’t get smashed into the batter. Then, using a small spoon or cookie scoop, fill each of the 24 mini muffin cups almost full. This helps the muffins rise up nicely without spilling over. If you want, sprinkle a few extra mini chocolate chips on top of each muffin—they bake into a pretty chocolatey crown that I love!

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Bake your muffins for 12 to 15 minutes at 350°F, or until they turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. I usually check at 12 minutes because mini muffins bake quickly. Once out of the oven, let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes—this helps them set. Then, transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before you dig in or store them.

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Pro Tips for Making Mini Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins Recipe

  • Ripe Bananas Matter: The riper, the better—brown-spotted bananas have the sweetest flavor and make the muffins ultra moist.
  • Don’t Overmix Your Batter: A few lumps of flour are okay; overworking the batter leads to dense muffins.
  • Mini Muffin Size is Key: Using a 24-cup mini muffin pan means these bake faster and freeze well.
  • Cool Before Removing: Let muffins cool slightly in the pan to avoid sticking or breaking when you remove them.

How to Serve Mini Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins Recipe

The image shows two chocolate chip muffins placed closely on a white, slightly textured surface. Each muffin has a golden-brown base with dark chocolate chips embedded throughout the lower part, and the upper part is lighter with a soft, moist texture topped with scattered chocolate chips. Around the muffins, a few loose chocolate chips lie on the white marbled background, adding depth to the scene. The background is softly blurred, keeping the focus on the muffins in the front. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple and just add extra mini chocolate chips on top before baking—they melt into a pretty little garnish that makes the muffins look even more inviting. For a little extra flair, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a quick drizzle of honey can add a lovely touch that’s perfect for breakfast or tea time.

Side Dishes

These muffins pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk for the kids. I also love serving them alongside fresh fruit or yogurt for a balanced snack or breakfast. They’re great with a smear of nut butter too if you want a protein boost.

Creative Ways to Present

For fun occasions like birthday parties, I like arranging these Mini Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins recipe on a tiered stand with colorful cupcake liners. You can even sneak in some festive sprinkles on top before baking to match the theme. They also make adorable edible favors when wrapped in little cellophane bags tied with a pretty ribbon.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, and they stay moist and flavorful during that time. If I plan to eat them longer, I move them to the fridge to prevent spoilage, but I let them come back to room temp before enjoying for the best texture.

Freezing

This Mini Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins recipe freezes beautifully. I wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They keep well for up to 3 months, making them a convenient grab-and-go snack whenever you need a quick pick-me-up.

Reheating

To reheat frozen or refrigerated muffins, I pop them in the microwave for about 20 seconds, which revives their softness and chocolatey melty goodness perfectly. Alternatively, a quick 5-minute warm-up in a toaster oven works nicely and keeps the edges a little crisp.

FAQs

  1. Can I use regular-sized chocolate chips instead of mini ones?

    Yes, you can! But mini chocolate chips distribute more evenly throughout the muffin and melt nicely without overpowering the banana flavor. If you use regular chips, just be mindful they may create larger pockets of chocolate.

  2. What if I don’t have overripe bananas?

    While less ripe bananas can work, they won’t impart as much sweetness or moisture. If you only have yellow bananas, consider adding a tablespoon of honey or a bit more sugar to keep the muffins moist and flavorful.

  3. Can these muffins be made gluten-free?

    Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend that includes xanthan gum for best results. Keep an eye on the texture, as gluten-free flours can vary.

  4. How do I prevent my muffins from sticking to the pan?

    Generously spray your mini muffin pan with non-stick cooking spray or brush it with melted butter, especially focusing on the edges. Letting the muffins cool a bit in the pan before removing also helps prevent sticking.

Final Thoughts

All in all, this Mini Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins recipe has become one of my little kitchen joys because it’s fast, forgiving, and tasty every single time. I love sharing these with my family and hearing those happy “yum” sounds with each bite. Give it a try—you’ll find yourself reaching for it whenever those bananas start to turn, and I promise it’ll become a favorite in your baking rotation too.

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Mini Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 61 reviews
  • Author: Lauren
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 24 mini muffins
  • Category: Dessert, Snack
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These Mini Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins are perfectly bite-sized treats bursting with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and rich mini chocolate chips. Soft, moist, and easy to make, they’re an ideal snack or breakfast option for all ages.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Wet Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup golden or granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 overripe bananas, mashed (about 3/4 cup)

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Add-ins

  • 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips, plus more for garnishing

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously spray a 24-cup mini muffin pan with non-stick cooking spray to ensure easy removal of the muffins.
  2. Melt butter and combine wet ingredients: In a large bowl, melt the unsalted butter and allow it to cool slightly. Whisk in the sugar until combined, then add the egg and vanilla extract, whisking until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
  3. Mix dry ingredients and combine: Stir in the all-purpose flour and baking soda into the wet mixture. Carefully fold in the mashed overripe bananas until the batter is just combined, taking care not to overmix.
  4. Add chocolate chips: Gently fold the mini chocolate chips into the batter to evenly distribute them throughout.
  5. Portion and garnish batter: Using a spoon or scoop, fill each muffin cup almost full with batter. Optionally, sprinkle a few extra mini chocolate chips on top of each muffin for a decorative touch.
  6. Bake muffins: Place the muffin pan in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the muffins turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Cool muffins: Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

Notes

  • Use overripe bananas for the best natural sweetness and moisture.
  • If mini chocolate chips are unavailable, regular-sized chips can be chopped into smaller pieces.
  • Make sure not to overmix the batter to keep muffins tender and fluffy.
  • These muffins can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month.
  • For a healthier variation, substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 mini muffin
  • Calories: 90
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Sodium: 70mg
  • Fat: 5g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 11g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg

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