Imagine the rich, sweet taste of chocolate and banana in muffin form, but with a healthier twist. These whole wheat double chocolate banana muffins offer you just that. Made with whole wheat flour and natural sweeteners, they deliver a guilt-free, decadent treat that is perfect for breakfast, snack time, or dessert.
Most ingredients for this recipe are commonly found in home pantries. However, there are a few you may need to pick up from the supermarket. Organic blue agave is a natural sweetener, it has a subtle sweetness that pairs well with the bananas. Coconut oil is used to add moisture to these muffins, and the natural unsweetened cocoa powder gives the rich chocolate flavor. Lastly, the whole wheat flour provides an excellent source of fiber.
Ingredients for Whole Wheat Double Chocolate Banana Muffins
Bananas: Used as the main flavour and provides natural sweetness.
Organic blue agave: Natural sweetener used in place of sugar.
Egg: It helps in binding the ingredients together.
Coconut oil: Adds moisture and richness to the muffins.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavours of other ingredients.
Whole wheat flour: Makes the muffins healthier and adds fiber.
Cocoa powder: Gives the muffins a rich chocolate flavour.
Baking powder and baking soda: Helps the muffins rise in the oven.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavours of the muffins.
Chocolate chips: Adds extra chocolatey goodness and texture.
One reader, Adi Banks says:
These whole wheat double chocolate banana muffins are a game-changer! The combination of rich cocoa and sweet bananas is heavenly. The whole wheat flour adds a nice nuttiness, and the chocolate chips are the perfect finishing touch. They're a guilt-free indulgence that I can't get enough of!
Techniques Required for Making Double Chocolate Banana Muffins
How to mash bananas: Use a fork to mash the bananas in a medium bowl until smooth, removing any lumps.
How to fold in chocolate chips: Gently incorporate the chocolate chips into the batter using a spatula or spoon, ensuring they are evenly distributed without overmixing.
How to test for doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin; if it comes out clean, the muffins are done. If not, continue baking and retest after a few minutes.
How to cool muffins: Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How To Make Whole Wheat Double Chocolate Banana Muffins
Double the fun with these double chocolate banana muffins! Filled and topped with chocolate chips, these treats are made with whole wheat flour and agave.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 3large bananas,very ripe
- ⅓cuporganic blue agave,80ml
- 1large egg,at room temperature
- ¼cupcoconut oil,melted or use canola oil, vegetable oil, or melted butter
- 1tsppure vanilla extract
- 1cupwhole wheat flour,spoon and leveled
- ½cupnatural unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1tspbaking powder
- 1tspbaking soda
- ½tspsalt
- 1cupchocolate chips,semi-sweet or dark, save a few for topping
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Spray a 12-count muffin pan with nonstick spray or use cupcake liners.
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In a medium bowl, mash the bananas up using a fork. Try to rid any and all large lumps. Once mashed, whisk in the agave, egg, coconut oil, and vanilla extract until combined. Set aside.
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In a large bowl, mix the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together until combined.
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Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and whisk until everything is combined. Fold in the chocolate chips, reserving some for the tops of the muffins.
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Spoon the batter into liners, filling them all the way to the top. Top each with a couple of chocolate chips.
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Bake the muffins in the preheated oven for 5 minutes then, keeping the muffins in the oven, reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees F. Bake for an additional 13 to 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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Allow the muffins to cool for 10 minutes in the muffin pan, then transfer to a wire rack to cool until ready to eat.
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Serve and enjoy.
Nutrition
- Calories: 238.89kcal
- Fat: 10.15g
- Saturated Fat: 7.13g
- Trans Fat: 0.04g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 0.62g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.32g
- Carbohydrates: 37.00g
- Fiber: 4.25g
- Sugar: 22.56g
- Protein: 3.81g
- Cholesterol: 18.30mg
- Sodium: 198.41mg
- Calcium: 61.97mg
- Potassium: 218.93mg
- Iron: 1.29mg
- Vitamin A: 7.69µg
- Vitamin C: 3.07mg
Crucial Technique Tip for Perfect Whole Wheat Double Chocolate Banana Muffins
When mashing the bananas, ensure they are ripe for the best flavor and texture. Overripe bananas are even better as they are sweeter and easier to mash. Also, when incorporating the chocolate chips into the batter, toss them in a little flour before adding them. This will help to prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the muffins during baking.
Time-Saving Tips for This Recipe
Prep ahead: Mash the bananas and mix the wet ingredients the night before. Store in the refrigerator to save time in the morning.
One-bowl wonder: Combine all the dry ingredients in one bowl to minimize cleanup and streamline the process.
Quick cleanup: Line the muffin pan with cupcake liners for easy cleanup and less time spent washing dishes.
Double batch: Make a double batch and freeze the extra muffins for a quick and convenient breakfast or snack option.
Efficient organization: Measure out all the ingredients in advance to ensure a smooth and efficient baking process.
Substitute Ingredients For Whole Wheat Double Chocolate Banana Muffins Recipe
whole wheat flour - Substitute with all-purpose flour: All-purpose flour can be used as a substitute for whole wheat flour to create a lighter texture in the muffins. It will also result in a slightly milder flavor.
coconut oil - Substitute with vegetable oil: Vegetable oil can be used as a substitute for coconut oil, providing a neutral flavor and ensuring the muffins remain moist.
organic blue agave - Substitute with honey: Honey can be used as a substitute for organic blue agave to add sweetness and moisture to the muffins. It also provides a natural flavor enhancement.
chocolate chips - Substitute with cacao nibs: Cacao nibs can be used as a substitute for chocolate chips to provide a more intense chocolate flavor and a satisfying crunch in the muffins.
Presentation Ideas for Double Chocolate Banana Muffins
Elevate the plating: When presenting the whole wheat double chocolate banana muffins, focus on creating an elegant and visually appealing arrangement on the plate. Consider using a minimalist approach to showcase the muffins as the focal point.
Incorporate artistic drizzling: Enhance the visual appeal of the dish by incorporating artistic drizzling of chocolate sauce on the plate. This adds a touch of sophistication and elevates the overall presentation.
Garnish with fresh fruit: Introduce vibrant colors and fresh flavors by garnishing the plate with slices of fresh strawberries or raspberries. This not only adds visual appeal but also complements the flavors of the muffins.
Utilize edible flowers: Incorporate delicate edible flowers such as pansies or violets to add a touch of elegance and a pop of color to the presentation. Ensure that the flowers are organic and safe for consumption.
Create a contrast with powdered sugar: Dust a light layer of powdered sugar over the muffins or the plate to create a beautiful contrast and add a touch of finesse to the overall presentation.
Consider the use of chocolate shavings: Sprinkle chocolate shavings strategically on the plate to add texture and visual interest. This adds a luxurious touch to the presentation and enhances the overall appeal of the dish.
Incorporate a decorative sauce swirl: Use a small amount of caramel sauce or chocolate ganache to create a decorative swirl on the plate, adding an artistic element to the presentation.
Use elegant serving ware: Select elegant serving platters or fine china to elevate the presentation of the muffins, enhancing the overall dining experience for the guests.
Essential Tools for Making Whole Wheat Muffins
- Mixing bowl: A large, deep bowl used for combining ingredients and mixing batters or doughs.
- Muffin pan: A specialized baking pan with individual cup-shaped depressions used to bake muffins or cupcakes.
- Whisk: A kitchen utensil used for whipping and mixing ingredients such as eggs, sauces, and batters.
- Fork: A small, handheld tool with tines used for mashing, stirring, or whisking ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Essential tools for accurately measuring ingredients in cooking and baking.
- Wire rack: A metal rack used for cooling baked goods and allowing air to circulate around the food.
- Oven: A kitchen appliance used for baking, roasting, and heating food.
Storing and Freezing Instructions for These Muffins
- Allow the muffins to cool completely on a wire rack before storing or freezing.
- To store, place the cooled muffins in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. They will keep at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- For longer storage, freeze the muffins:
- Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, making sure they are tightly sealed.
- Place the wrapped muffins in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- To thaw frozen muffins:
- Remove the desired number of muffins from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about 2 hours, or microwave individual muffins on high for 30-45 seconds until warmed through.
- If you prefer a crispy top, you can also reheat thawed muffins in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes.
- These whole wheat double chocolate banana muffins are best enjoyed warm, so reheat them before serving if desired.
How To Reheat Leftover Muffins
The best way to reheat leftover whole wheat double chocolate banana muffins is to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the muffins on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and heat them for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are warmed through and the chocolate chips are melted.
Another option is to use a microwave. Place the muffin on a microwave-safe plate and heat it for about 15-20 seconds on high power. Be careful not to overheat the muffin, as it can become rubbery or dry.
If you want to add a little extra moisture to your reheated muffin, try wrapping it in a damp paper towel before microwaving. This will help to steam the muffin and keep it moist.
For a crispy exterior, you can also reheat the muffins in a toaster oven. Cut the muffin in half and place it cut-side up in the toaster oven. Toast for about 2-3 minutes, or until the edges are crispy and the center is warm.
If you have a few muffins to reheat, you can also use a covered skillet on the stovetop. Place the muffins in the skillet, cover with a lid, and heat over low heat for about 5 minutes, or until the muffins are warmed through.
No matter which method you choose, be sure to let the reheated muffins cool for a minute or two before biting into them, as the chocolate chips can be very hot and may burn your mouth.
Interesting Fact About Double Chocolate Banana Muffins
The recipe contains chocolate chips which add a delightful burst of sweetness and texture to the muffins.
Is Making These Muffins at Home Cost-Effective?
This whole wheat double chocolate banana muffins recipe is moderately cost-effective for a household. The use of whole wheat flour and organic blue agave may be slightly more expensive, but the recipe yields a delicious and healthier treat. The addition of bananas and coconut oil adds nutritional value. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10. The overall verdict rating for this recipe is 8/10, considering the balance between cost and the quality of the muffins.
Are These Muffins Healthy or Unhealthy?
This whole wheat double chocolate banana muffin recipe has some healthy elements, but there's definitely room for improvement. On the positive side, it uses whole wheat flour, which provides more fiber and nutrients than refined white flour. Bananas are also a nutritious ingredient, offering potassium, vitamin C, and fiber. However, the recipe still contains a significant amount of sugar from the agave and chocolate chips, as well as saturated fat from the coconut oil.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of agave or replace it with a natural sweetener like dates or applesauce
- Use a smaller quantity of dark chocolate chips (70% cocoa or higher) instead of regular chocolate chips
- Replace half of the coconut oil with Greek yogurt or mashed avocado for a healthier fat source
- Add in some chopped nuts, like walnuts or almonds, for extra protein and healthy fats
- Incorporate grated zucchini or carrots for added moisture and nutrients without increasing calorie content significantly
By making these adjustments, you can create a more balanced and nutritious muffin that still satisfies your chocolate cravings. Remember, moderation is key, and even with healthier ingredients, it's essential to enjoy these muffins as part of a well-rounded diet.
Editor's Opinion on This Delightful Muffin Recipe
This whole wheat double chocolate banana muffin recipe is a delightful balance of wholesome ingredients and indulgent flavors. The use of whole wheat flour and natural sweeteners adds a nutritious touch, while the combination of bananas and chocolate creates a rich, moist texture. The addition of chocolate chips provides bursts of decadence in every bite. The baking process ensures a perfect rise and a tender crumb. Overall, this recipe offers a delightful treat that is both satisfying and guilt-free.
Enhance Your Whole Wheat Double Chocolate Banana Muffins Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Whole Wheat Double Chocolate Banana Muffins Recipe:
This recipe uses organic blue agave as a natural sweetener, coconut oil for a healthier fat option, and whole wheat flour for added fiber. The combination of bananas and cocoa powder provides essential nutrients and a rich, chocolatey flavor. Additionally, the use of chocolate chips adds a delightful touch of indulgence. The careful balance of wholesome ingredients ensures a delicious and nutritious treat that users can trust.
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