Coconut Banana Muffins with Chocolate Chips

There’s something incredibly comforting about the aroma of freshly baked Coconut Banana Muffins with Chocolate Chips wafting through your kitchen. These muffins are not just a treat for your taste buds but also a delightful way to use up those very ripe bananas sitting on your countertop. With a perfect blend of sweet, tropical coconut and rich chocolate, each bite is a little piece of heaven. Whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast, as a snack, or dessert, these muffins are bound to become a favorite in your household.

Why It’s Crowd-Pleasing

Coconut Banana Muffins with Chocolate Chips are the ultimate crowd-pleaser for several reasons. First, they blend familiar flavors—banana and chocolate—with the exotic touch of coconut, creating a unique taste experience. The muffins are moist, thanks to the bananas and Greek yogurt, and the chocolate chips add a decadent sweetness that makes them irresistible. Plus, they’re easy to make, requiring no special equipment or techniques, making them perfect for bakers of all skill levels. Whether served at a brunch, as an after-school snack, or at a cozy gathering, these muffins are sure to disappear quickly.

What We’re Using

To create these delightful Coconut Banana Muffins with Chocolate Chips, gather the following ingredients:

• 3 very ripe bananas – The riper, the better! They add natural sweetness and moisture.
• 1 cup flour – All-purpose flour works perfectly for this recipe.
• ½ cup sugar – A little sweetness to complement the bananas.
• 1 egg – For binding the ingredients together.
• ¼ cup oil – Vegetable or coconut oil adds moisture.
• ½ cup Greek yogurt, plain – This keeps the muffins tender and moist.
• 1 tsp baking soda – To help the muffins rise.
• 1 tsp vanilla – For a hint of flavor depth.
• ½ tsp sea salt – Enhances the sweetness of the muffins.
• 1 cup shredded coconut, unsweetened – Adds a chewy texture and tropical flavor.
• 1 cup dark chocolate chips – Plus more for topping if desired.

Kitchen Gear Checklist

Before you start baking, make sure you have the following equipment on hand:

• Mixing bowls – For combining wet and dry ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons – Precision is key in baking.
• Fork or potato masher – For mashing the bananas.
• Rubber spatula – To fold in the ingredients gently.
• Muffin tin – A standard 12-cup muffin tin will do.
• Parchment paper liners – Optional, but they make cleanup a breeze.
• Oven mitts – Safety first when handling hot items!

Coconut Banana Muffins with Chocolate Chips — Do This Next

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your muffins bake evenly and rise beautifully.

Step 2: Prepare Your Muffin Tin

If you’re using muffin liners, place them in each cup of your muffin tin. If not, lightly grease the tin with oil or cooking spray.

Step 3: Mash the Bananas

In a large mixing bowl, mash the 3 very ripe bananas until smooth. You can leave some chunks for added texture if you like.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

Add the ½ cup sugar, 1 egg, ¼ cup oil, ½ cup Greek yogurt, and 1 tsp vanilla to the mashed bananas. Mix until everything is well combined and smooth.

Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the 1 cup flour, 1 tsp baking soda, and ½ tsp sea salt. This helps to distribute the baking soda evenly.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a rubber spatula. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if there are a few lumps.

Step 7: Add Coconut and Chocolate Chips

Fold in the 1 cup shredded coconut and 1 cup dark chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 8: Fill the Muffin Tin

Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about ¾ full. If desired, sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips on top of each muffin for that extra touch.

Step 9: Bake

Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 10: Cool and Enjoy

Remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your Coconut Banana Muffins with Chocolate Chips warm or at room temperature!

Flavor-Forward Alternatives

You can customize your Coconut Banana Muffins with Chocolate Chips in various ways to suit your taste. Consider these alternatives:

• Nutty Twist: Add ½ cup of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for a crunchy texture.
• Spice It Up: Incorporate 1 tsp of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm spice flavor.
• Fruit Fusion: Mix in ½ cup of chopped pineapple or mango for a tropical burst.
• Different Chocolates: Use milk chocolate or white chocolate chips for a sweeter twist.

Missteps & Fixes

Baking can sometimes lead to unexpected challenges. Here are some common missteps and how to fix them:

• Overmixing the batter: This can lead to dense muffins. Mix just until combined.
• Muffins sinking in the middle: Ensure your baking soda is fresh and properly measured. Also, do not skip the step of preheating your oven.
• Muffins sticking to the pan: Grease the muffin tin well or use liners for easier removal.
• Too dry muffins: Make sure not to overbake them. Check for doneness a few minutes early.

Store, Freeze & Reheat

To keep your Coconut Banana Muffins with Chocolate Chips fresh, consider these storage tips:

Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw at room temperature and warm in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5 minutes.

Reader Q&A

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but the muffins may be denser. You might want to use a mix of all-purpose and whole wheat for a lighter texture.

How can I make these muffins vegan?

To make these muffins vegan, substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) and use a non-dairy yogurt and oil.

Can I use other fruits in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can incorporate other fruits like applesauce, blueberries, or even shredded zucchini for added moisture and flavor.

What can I do if my muffins are too sweet?

If you find the muffins too sweet, you can reduce the sugar to ⅓ cup or omit the extra chocolate chips on top. Adjusting the sugar in the recipe will help balance the flavors.

Next Up in Your Queue

If you loved these Coconut Banana Muffins with Chocolate Chips, here are some delicious recipes to try next:

• Blueberry Muffins – A classic breakfast treat bursting with juicy blueberries.
• Healthy Chocolate Banana Bread – A moist and indulgent bread with rich chocolate flavor.
• Vegan Pumpkin Muffins – Perfectly spiced muffins that celebrate the flavors of fall.
• Lemon Blueberry Bread – A zesty loaf that’s perfect for breakfast or as a snack.

Save & Share

If you enjoyed these Coconut Banana Muffins with Chocolate Chips, don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family! Whether on social media, through email, or right from your kitchen, sharing good food is what it’s all about. Happy baking!