Is there anything more frustrating than a bunch of brown bananas on the counter and a chorus of “I don’t like that” from the table? I feel you. We’ve all been there.
That’s why I want to share our family’s secret weapon: Peanut Butter Chocolate Banana Muffins. They’re the perfect way to use up those spotty bananas. Best of all, they turn a potential food fight into a quiet, happy breakfast or snack. If you’re looking for another fantastic way to use ripe bananas, you must try these irresistible peanut butter banana muffins—they’re a huge hit with toddlers!
I promise, this recipe is a game-changer. It’s my go-to when I need a win in the kitchen. Let’s make something everyone will actually eat.
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!
My kids call these “cupcake muffins,” and I don’t correct them. The magic is in the familiar, friendly flavors.
Banana bread is a classic for a reason. Adding peanut butter gives it a protein punch kids recognize. The chocolate chips? Well, that’s the magic trick that gets them to take the first bite. For a truly decadent, bakery-style treat, you should also check out these soft and moist banana chocolate chip muffins.
The texture is moist and soft, never dry. It’s a treat that feels special but is secretly packed with good stuff. It’s a parent win all around.
Our Family-Friendly Ingredient List
I bet you have most of this in your pantry right now. No fancy trips to the store needed!
- 3 very ripe bananas (the spottier, the sweeter!)
- 1/3 cup melted butter or coconut oil
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup chocolate chips (plus a few extra for the tops)
How to Get the Kids Involved in Cooking This
Getting little hands involved is the best way to build excitement. It makes them proud to eat what they helped create.
My kids have two favorite jobs. First, they love mashing the bananas with a fork. It’s a great way to get out some energy!
Peanut Butter Chocolate Banana Muffins Recipe
Our Family-Friendly Ingredient List
The Full Step-by-Step Instructions
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Peanut Butter Chocolate Banana Muffins Recipe!
Nutrition Information
Second, they are in charge of sprinkling the extra chocolate chips on top of the muffin batter. It’s a simple task that makes them feel like master chefs.
The Full Step-by-Step Instructions
Don’t worry, this is super simple. We’re just mixing wet stuff, then dry stuff, and combining them. You’ve got this!
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°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.
- Add the melted butter, brown sugar, egg, peanut butter, and vanilla to the bananas. Stir until everything is just combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet banana mixture. Mix until you no longer see dry flour. A few lumps are totally fine!
- Fold in the 3/4 cup of chocolate chips.
- Divide the batter evenly among the 12 muffin cups. They will be quite full, which is perfect for a nice dome top.
- Sprinkle the reserved chocolate chips on top of each muffin.
- 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 to cool completely (or let them cool just enough to eat warm!).
Fun Twists for Different Tastes
This recipe is like a blank canvas. You can easily change it up to suit your family’s mood.
For a nut-free version, swap the peanut butter for sunflower seed butter. It works just as well!
If you have a mini chocolate chip fan, use those instead of regular ones. They spread the chocolate love in every bite.
Want to make it a banana nut muffin? Replace half the chocolate chips with chopped walnuts or pecans. It’s a delicious crunch.
For a fun dessert, try drizzling a little melted peanut butter on top of a cooled muffin. It feels extra fancy!
Storing & Reheating (Perfect for Busy Nights)
These muffins are lifesavers for busy mornings. Making a batch ahead of time saves my sanity.
Store cooled muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. They also freeze beautifully for up to 3 months.
To reheat, just pop a frozen muffin in the microwave for 30-45 seconds. It tastes fresh-baked and makes a quick, warm breakfast.
Nutrition Notes
While it’s a treat, it’s nice to know what’s inside. Here’s a simple breakdown per muffin (approximate):
- Calories: ~280
- Protein: 5g (thanks, peanut butter!)
- Fiber: 2g
- Natural Sweetness: From ripe bananas, which means you can use less added sugar.
- No Artificial Stuff: You control every ingredient that goes in.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I make this as a loaf of banana bread instead?
Absolutely! Pour the batter into a greased 9×5 loaf pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 55-65 minutes. You’ll have a wonderfully moist banana bread with the same great flavors.
My bananas aren’t ripe yet. What can I do?
No problem! Place unpeeled bananas on a baking sheet. Bake at 300°F for 15-20 minutes, until the skins are black. Let them cool, and they’ll be perfect for mashing.
Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, for a healthy banana bread twist, swap half the all-purpose flour for whole wheat. The texture will be a bit heartier, but still delicious.
I really hope this recipe becomes a favorite in your house like it is in mine. It’s one of those easy, forgiving recipes that just works.
It solves the brown banana problem. It pleases the picky eaters. And it gives you a reliable snack or breakfast option. That’s what I call a kitchen win. And if you’re in the mood for a no-bake treat that combines all these flavors, these Chunky Monkey banana bites are pure chocolate-peanut joy!
I’d love to know if this was a hit with your family! Did your kids gobble them up? Please leave a comment and rating below!
