Name: Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Muffins Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/4 cup butter, softened (or coconut oil or a dairy-free butter alternative stick); 1/2 cup sugar; 1/3 cup peanut butter*; 1 1/4 cup overripe banana, mashed (about 3 large bananas); 1/4 cup milk of choice (skim, 2%, whole or almond); 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 eggs; 1 1/2 cup gluten-free all purpose flour, regular flour, or oat flour; 1 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 cup cocoa powder; 6 tsp peanut butter*

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 52 reviews

If you are craving a treat that’s both indulgent and comforting, this Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Muffins Recipe is your next must-bake. These muffins bring together the rich, velvety notes of cocoa with the nutty creaminess of peanut butter, all perfectly balanced by the natural sweetness of ripe bananas. Each bite is a delightful harmony of flavors and textures that feels both wholesome and utterly decadent. Whether you want a breakfast boost or a satisfying snack, these muffins promise to brighten your day with their moist crumb and gooey peanut butter swirls.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl filled with smooth, dark brown chocolate batter with a glossy texture and small air bubbles on the surface. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. Inside the batter, a shiny silver whisk with thin wires rests partially submerged, coated with the chocolate mixture. The batter clings slightly to the edges of the bowl in an uneven ring, showing the mixing process. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this recipe is how straightforward and accessible the ingredients are, yet each one plays a crucial role. From the buttery richness that keeps the muffins tender to the ripe bananas that add moisture and sweetness, every element contributes to creating a muffin that’s bursting with flavor and just the right texture.

Butter (1/4 cup): Softened for easy incorporation and moisture, or use coconut oil or a dairy-free alternative to keep it dairy-free.
Sugar (1/2 cup): Provides sweetness and helps with browning to create a beautiful crust.
Peanut Butter (1/3 cup): Adds depth of flavor and richness to the batter; creamy peanut butter works best for smooth texture.
Overripe Bananas (1 1/4 cup mashed): Essential for natural sweetness and moisture, perfectly ripe bananas produce soft, tender muffins.
Milk of choice (1/4 cup): Supports the batter’s moisture; almond milk is great for dairy-free diets.
Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Enhances all the flavors and rounds out the taste.
Eggs (2): Bind ingredients and add structure for a light but sturdy muffin crumb.
Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour or Alternative (1 1/2 cups): The base of the batter, offering structure; oat or regular flour works well too.
Baking Powder (1 1/2 tsp): Helps the muffins rise to fluffy perfection.
Baking Soda (1/2 tsp): Works with the acidic banana to lighten texture.
Salt (1/2 tsp): Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
Cocoa Powder (1/2 cup): Delivers the rich chocolate taste and dark color.
Peanut Butter for Swirl (6 tsp): Creates irresistible pockets of peanut butter on top.

How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Muffins Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Tin

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure a hot and ready environment. Grease your muffin tin thoroughly with non-stick spray so that your muffins come out without a fuss. This prep step sets you up for success right from the beginning.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until smooth and creamy. This step is critical because it incorporates air into the batter, giving your muffins a light and tender crumb. The sugar also helps the crust develop a lovely golden color.

Step 3: Incorporate the Peanut Butter, Banana, Milk, and Vanilla

Next, add your peanut butter, mashed banana, milk, and vanilla extract to the creamy mixture. Mix well so that all these flavors meld perfectly; the bananas bring moisture and sweetness while the peanut butter adds a rich nuttiness that’s simply irresistible.

Step 4: Add the Eggs

Crack in your eggs and blend briefly just until fully combined. The eggs hold everything together and ensure the muffins rise nicely and maintain structure.

Step 5: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Now, add your flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt directly to the wet ingredients. Don’t forget to sift the cocoa powder through a fine mesh strainer for an even distribution and to avoid lumps. Stir everything just until a smooth batter forms — be careful not to overmix to keep your muffins tender.

Step 6: Fill the Muffin Tin and Add Peanut Butter Swirl

Divide the batter evenly among your muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full. Then, place about half a teaspoon of peanut butter on top of each muffin and use a toothpick to swirl it through the batter’s surface. This step adds a fun visual and an extra peanut butter punch with every bite.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Pop your muffins into the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Let them cool slightly before enjoying the warm, gooey goodness.

How to Serve Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Muffins Recipe

The image shows three chocolate muffins with light brown swirls on top. Two whole muffins are placed around a white plate that holds half a broken chocolate muffin in the front. Inside the broken muffin, the texture looks soft and moist with dark chocolate color. Next to the broken muffin, there are several slices of banana with a pale yellow color. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with some chocolate chips scattered nearby and a spoon with peanut butter in the background. The light is soft and natural, highlighting the textures clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Keep it simple with a light dusting of powdered sugar or drizzle some melted dark chocolate on top for an elegant touch. Sprinkling chopped peanuts or a few chocolate chips adds texture and extra bursts of flavor that your guests will love.

Side Dishes

These muffins pair beautifully with a glass of cold almond milk or your favorite coffee. For a filling breakfast, serve alongside fresh berries or a creamy smoothie. Their versatility makes them perfect for any time of day.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, stack the muffins on a rustic wooden board or place them in pretty cupcake liners with colorful liners and toppers. You can also offer small bowls of peanut butter and chocolate spread on the side for guests to create their own signature swirl as they eat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps them moist while preventing them from becoming dry or stale too quickly.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these muffins later, freeze them individually wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe bag. They can last for up to two months this way without losing flavor or texture.

Reheating

To bring frozen muffins back to life, simply thaw at room temperature or gently warm in the microwave for about 20 seconds. You can also pop them in a preheated oven at 325°F for about 10 minutes for a freshly baked feel.

FAQs

Can I make these muffins vegan?

Absolutely! Swap the butter for coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute, and replace the eggs with flax eggs or another egg alternative. Use plant-based milk to keep everything plant-friendly while still delicious.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes. Using a gluten-free all-purpose flour makes the Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Muffins Recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive diets. Make sure your baking powder and other additives are gluten-free as well for best results.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth?

You sure can! Crunchy peanut butter adds an extra textural contrast with little nutty bits, making these muffins even more interesting with delightful surprise crunches.

How ripe should the bananas be?

Overripe bananas with lots of brown spots are perfect. They are sweeter and softer, which lends natural sweetness and moisture essential for the perfect muffin texture.

Can I reduce the sugar?

Yes, you can cut the sugar down slightly, but keep in mind that it also affects moisture and texture. Reducing by a quarter cup is a good starting point without compromising flavor too much.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like making and sharing these Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Muffins Recipe with the people you love. The blend of rich chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and sweet banana creates a muffin that’s not just tasty but deeply satisfying. So grab those ripe bananas, warm up your oven, and dive into making muffins that will quickly become a beloved classic in your kitchen.