Introduction
These Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Muffins are a delightful treat that balances wholesome ingredients with a touch of indulgence. Perfectly moist and rich in flavor, they are gluten-free and can easily be made dairy-free, making them a fantastic option for everyone in the family.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/3 cup natural peanut butter (or nut butter of choice)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
- 2 large eggs (or flax eggs for vegan option)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup gluten-free flour blend
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup dairy-free chocolate chips (optional)
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 12 muffins
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it well.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas with peanut butter, maple syrup, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fold in the dairy-free chocolate chips if using.
- Divide the batter evenly among the muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 full.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes or Tips
- For a vegan option, replace eggs with flax eggs by mixing 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water for each egg.
- Feel free to customize by adding nuts or dried fruit for extra texture.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
Cooking Techniques
Baking is an art form that requires precise measurements and a bit of patience. Ensure your oven is properly preheated for even baking, and remember to mix your ingredients gently to maintain the muffins’ fluffy texture.
FAQ
- Can I use regular flour instead of gluten-free flour?
- Yes, but you may need to adjust the quantities slightly for the best texture.
- How do I store leftover muffins?
- Store them in an airtight container or freeze them for later enjoyment!
- Can I make these muffins nut-free?
- Substitute the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or a seed-based spread for a nut-free option.
Conclusion
These Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Muffins are a delicious blend of nutrition and indulgence, making them a perfect snack for any time of day. Whether enjoyed at breakfast or as a midday treat, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone.