Do you have a bunch of brown bananas on your counter right now? I see you. I also have a kid who will look at a plain banana like it’s a suspicious alien object.
But mash those same bananas into a batch of warm, cozy Peanut Butter Chocolate Banana Muffins? Suddenly, we have a miracle. It’s the one breakfast or snack that gets a unanimous “yes” from my crew. If you’re looking for more toddler-approved healthy bites, you have to try these Irresistible Peanut Butter Banana Muffins.
I know the struggle is real. You want to use up those bananas, but you also need something that will actually get eaten. This recipe is my secret weapon. It’s a guaranteed win that feels like a treat but is secretly pretty wholesome.
Recipe Overview
- Cuisine: American
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 12 muffins
Why Even My Picky Eaters Love This!
Let’s be honest. The words “peanut butter” and “chocolate” are magic. They instantly grab a kid’s attention. The banana adds a natural sweetness and keeps everything incredibly moist.
These muffins are soft, familiar, and not at all scary. They look like a cupcake but eat like a satisfying snack. It’s the perfect way to sneak in some fruit without a single complaint.
Our Family-Friendly Ingredient List
I bet you have most of this in your pantry already! No fancy trips to the store needed.
- 3 ripe bananas (the spottier, the better!)
- 1/3 cup melted butter or coconut oil
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk)
How to Get the Kids Involved in Cooking This
This is a fantastic first baking project. The steps are simple and the payoff is delicious.
My kids love to help with two specific jobs. It makes them so proud to eat the final product.
- Banana Mashing: Give them a fork or a potato masher and let them go to town on those bananas in a big bowl. It’s a great way to get out some energy!
- Chocolate Chip Duty: Hand them the measuring cup and let them pour in the chocolate chips. I sometimes save a few extra for them to sprinkle on top of the muffin batter before baking.
The Full Step-by-Step Instructions
Don’t worry, it’s super straightforward. I’ve made this so many times I could do it in my sleep!
Peanut Butter Chocolate Banana Muffins Recipe
Our Family-Friendly Ingredient List
How to Get the Kids Involved in Cooking This
The Full Step-by-Step Instructions
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Peanut Butter Chocolate Banana Muffins Recipe!
Nutrition Information
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease it well.
- In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until mostly smooth.
- Stir the melted butter, brown sugar, egg, vanilla, and peanut butter into the banana mash until everything is combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Mix just until no big flour streaks remain. A few lumps are okay!
- Fold in the chocolate chips, saving a handful for the tops if you like.
- Divide the batter evenly among the 12 muffin cups. They should be about 3/4 full.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes. They’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
- Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then move them to a wire rack. Try to wait at least 10 minutes before eating—they’re hot!
Fun Twists for Different Tastes
Got a kid who doesn’t like peanut butter? Or maybe you want to mix it up? No problem.
- Allergy-Friendly: Swap the peanut butter for sunflower seed butter. Use dairy-free chocolate chips if needed.
- Extra Crunch: Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter with the chocolate chips.
- Double Chocolate: Replace 1/4 cup of the flour with unsweetened cocoa powder for a super chocolatey version.
- Mini Muffins: Perfect for little hands! Just reduce the baking time to about 12-15 minutes.
Storing & Reheating (Perfect for Busy Nights)
This is my favorite part. These muffins are a lifesaver for busy mornings. For a version that’s packed with extra staying power, check out these soft and satisfying Peanut Butter Banana Protein Muffins.
Store cooled muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. For longer storage, freeze them!
Just pop them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. To reheat, microwave a frozen muffin for 30-45 seconds. It tastes freshly baked.
Nutrition Notes
While it’s a treat, it’s nice to know what’s inside. Here’s a simple breakdown per muffin (approximate):
- Calories: ~250
- Protein: 4g (from the peanut butter and egg)
- Fiber: 2g (thanks to the bananas!)
- Natural Sweetness: The bananas mean we can use less added sugar.
- No Weird Stuff: You can pronounce every single ingredient. That’s a win in my book.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I make this into a loaf of banana bread instead?
Absolutely! Pour the batter into a greased 9×5 loaf pan. Bake at 350°F for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. You’ll have the most amazing peanut butter chocolate banana bread.
My bananas aren’t ripe enough. What can I do?
It happens! Place your yellow bananas on a baking sheet and bake at 300°F for 15-20 minutes, until the skins turn black. Let them cool, then scoop out the soft insides. It’s a total game-changer for instant ripe bananas.
Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, for a healthier twist. I recommend swapping half the all-purpose flour for whole wheat. Using all whole wheat can make the muffins a bit dense, so a mix is perfect.
So there you have it. Our family’s most requested banana recipe. It solves the brown banana problem and the hungry kid problem all at once. And if you’re a chocolate chip purist, you absolutely must try the ultimate Bakery-Style Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins—they’re soft, moist, and totally irresistible.
I really hope this recipe brings a moment of peace and a lot of yummy bites to your table. It’s a little bit of kitchen magic that never lets me down.
I’d love to know if this was a hit with your family! Please leave a comment and rating below!
