Craving a decadent treat that combines the irresistible duo of chocolate and peanut butter? Look no further than these double chocolate banana peanut butter muffins. With a rich and fudgy texture, a generous topping of mini chocolate chips, and a luscious swirl of creamy peanut butter inside, these muffins are a delightful indulgence for breakfast, dessert, or snack time.
The inspiration behind this recipe stemmed from a desire to elevate the classic banana muffin by infusing it with the luxurious flavors of chocolate and peanut butter. Perfect for those moments when brown bananas beg to be transformed into something beyond the usual banana bread, these muffins strike the perfect balance between sweetness and richness.
Get ready to treat yourself to a heavenly combination of flavors with these double chocolate banana peanut butter muffins. Whether you’re a chocolate aficionado, a peanut butter lover, or simply in need of a delicious pick-me-up, these muffins are sure to satisfy your cravings in the most delightful way.
Ingredients
In this section, I will detail the main ingredients needed for making these scrumptious double chocolate peanut butter muffins, as well as some optional add-ins to enhance the flavors even more.
Main Ingredients
- 50 grams unsalted butter, melted
- 105 grams all-purpose flour
- 25 grams cocoa powder
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon diamond crystal kosher salt (use half as much of another brand)
- 175 grams brown bananas (approx. 2 large bananas, weighed after peeling)
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 100 grams brown sugar
- 50 grams whole-fat plain Greek yogurt
- ¾ cups mini chocolate chips for topping
- ⅓ cup creamy peanut butter (any brand, as long as it’s not the kind that separates)
Optional Add-Ins
Feel free to customize your double chocolate banana peanut butter muffins with these optional add-ins:
- Chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans)
- Shredded coconut
- Peanut butter chips
- White chocolate chips
- Dried fruit (like cranberries or raisins)
Enhance the flavors and textures of these muffins by adding your favorite optional ingredients to make them uniquely yours.
Required Equipment
For this double chocolate peanut butter muffins recipe, you’ll need some basic kitchen equipment to make the baking process smooth and efficient. Here’s a list of the essential tools you’ll need:
- Muffin Tin: Use a standard 12-cup muffin tin to bake the muffins evenly.
- Muffin Liners: Prepare the muffin tin with paper liners to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the muffins.
- Mixing Bowls: Have a set of mixing bowls ready for combining the wet and dry ingredients.
- Whisk: Use a whisk to beat the wet ingredients together and ensure a smooth batter.
- Spatula: Have a spatula on hand for gently folding the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
- Microwave-Safe Bowl: Use a microwave-safe bowl to melt the butter for the recipe.
- Fork: A fork will come in handy for mashing the bananas and mixing them with other wet ingredients.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurately measure out all the ingredients using measuring cups and spoons.
- Oven: Preheat your oven to the specified temperature for baking the muffins to perfection.
- Cooling Rack: Once the muffins are baked, transfer them to a cooling rack to cool down before serving.
Having these essential tools ready will make the process of preparing these delicious double chocolate peanut butter muffins a breeze.
Preparation Steps
Making Oat Flour
- Place old-fashioned or quick oats in a food processor or small blender jar.
- Pulse the oats until they are ground into a powder-like consistency resembling flour.
- Stir to ensure all oats are finely ground.
- Measure the oat flour for the muffins after grinding, not in the original whole oat form.
- Fill muffin tin with liners for easy removal.
- Divide batter equally into the prepared muffin tin using a spoon or cookie scoop.
- Ensure each muffin cup is filled ⅔ to ¾ full to allow for rising.
- Top each muffin with additional chocolate chips if desired for added sweetness.
- Bake according to the recipe instructions and enjoy delicious double chocolate peanut butter muffins.
Mixing the Batter
To create these delectable double chocolate peanut butter muffins, the key is in the batter. Follow these steps to ensure a perfect mix of flavors and textures.
Combining Dry Ingredients
Start by mixing the dry ingredients to form a harmonious base for your muffins. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 and 3/4 cups of flour, 1/4 cup of cocoa powder, 1 and 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda. Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors. Stir this mixture together thoroughly, ensuring an even distribution of ingredients.
Incorporating Wet Ingredients
In a separate larger mixing bowl, it’s time to bring the wet ingredients together. Combine 1/2 cup of peanut butter, 1/3 cup of softened butter, 3/4 cup of brown sugar, 1/4 cup of sugar, 2 eggs, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Mix these ingredients until well combined and smooth in texture.
Adding Chocolate and Peanut Butter
Once your wet mixture is silky and well-blended, gradually introduce it to the bowl of dry ingredients. Gently fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, being careful not to overmix. The batter will be thick, creating a luscious and dense texture for your muffins. Finally, incorporate 2/3 cup of milk into the batter, ensuring a moist and flavorful final product.
With the batter mixed to perfection, your double chocolate peanut butter muffins are ready to be transformed in the oven.
Baking the Muffins
To achieve perfect double chocolate peanut butter muffins, we follow a specific baking process that results in moist, tender muffins with a delightful peanut butter swirl.
Initial High Temperature Baking
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a 12-hole regular size muffin tin. Avoid using muffin liners as the batter tends to stick; well-greased cavities ensure easy release post-baking.
- Whisk together eggs and sugar until light and fluffy, incorporating applesauce, milk, and vanilla extract. This step sets the foundation for a flavorful batter.
- Gently fold in the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder until just combined. Overmixing can result in tough muffins, so ensure a light hand.
- Add in the chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the batter for a chocolatey bite in every muffin.
- Divide the batter among the 12 muffin cups using a spoon or cookie scoop. Even distribution ensures uniform baking across all muffins.
- Once the muffin cups are filled, melt peanut butter in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 30-second intervals until smooth and pourable.
- Drizzle the melted peanut butter over the muffin batter, using a toothpick or similar utensil to create a swirled effect. Move quickly as the peanut butter may start to harden.
- Bake the muffins in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, allowing them to cool for 5 minutes before enjoying. This baking time ensures perfectly baked, moist muffins.
- After cooling, store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer shelf life.
By following these precise baking steps, you’ll create delectable double chocolate peanut butter muffins that are perfect for any time of day.
Customization Ideas
Alternative Fillings
For a fun twist on the classic double chocolate peanut butter muffins, consider adding different fillings such as chopped nuts, dried fruit, or even a dollop of marshmallow fluff for a delightful surprise in the center.
Topping Variations
Experiment with various topping options to customize your muffins to your liking. Try sprinkling crushed pretzels for a sweet and salty combination, drizzling caramel sauce for an indulgent touch, or adding a sprinkle of sea salt for a gourmet finish. The possibilities are endless for creating your unique and delicious double chocolate peanut butter muffins.
Storing and Reheating
Ensuring your double chocolate peanut butter muffins stay fresh and delicious is key to enjoying them over time. Here are some tips on storing and reheating your muffins:
Best Practices for Storage
To maintain the texture and flavor of your double chocolate peanut butter muffins, follow these storage tips:
- Allow the muffins to cool completely before storing to prevent condensation.
- Place the muffins in an airtight container or sealable plastic bag to keep them fresh.
- Store the muffins at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- For longer storage, freeze the muffins in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator or at room temperature before enjoying.
How to Reheat Muffins
Revive the warm, gooey goodness of your double chocolate peanut butter muffins with these reheating steps:
- Microwave: Heat a single muffin in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a quick warm-up.
- Oven: Place the muffins on a baking sheet and heat them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes for a crispy exterior.
- Air Fryer: Reheat the muffins in an air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes for a crispy reheat.
- Toaster Oven: Toast the muffins in a toaster oven on low heat for 3-4 minutes for a crunchy texture.
By following these storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your double chocolate peanut butter muffins as if they were freshly baked.
Conclusion
I hope this recipe for double chocolate peanut butter muffins has inspired you to get baking in your kitchen! With the perfect balance of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter, these muffins are sure to satisfy your sweet cravings. Remember to follow the baking instructions closely for the best results. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your fillings and toppings to make these muffins your own. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or reheated later, these muffins are a delightful treat for any time of day. Happy baking!