Decadent Banana-Walnut Chocolate Chip Muffins
Indulge in the delightful aroma and taste of these Decadent Banana-Walnut Chocolate Chip Muffins. Easy to make using a French vanilla cake mix, these muffins are packed with ripe, mashed bananas, rich chocolate chips, and crunchy walnuts for a perfect treat any time of day. The addition of sweetened coconut adds a subtle tropical flair that will transport your taste buds. Best of all, they’re incredibly simple to whip up and make your kitchen smell heavenly as they bake. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven, or store for a quick grab-and-go snack!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
French vanilla cake mix
1 (18 1/4 ounce box)
Eggs
3 (large, beaten)
Olive oil
1/3 cup (for baking)
Bananas
3 (mashed)
Chocolate chips
3/4 cup (semi-sweet or dark)
Chopped walnuts
3/4 cup (roughly chopped)
Sweetened coconut
1/4 cup (for topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it lightly.
2
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mashed bananas, olive oil, and eggs until well combined and smooth.
3
Add the French vanilla cake mix to the banana mixture, using a rubber spatula or wooden spoon to gently fold the ingredients together until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the muffins light and fluffy.
4
Fold in the chocolate chips and chopped walnuts, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
5
Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about two-thirds full. Sprinkle the top of each muffin with sweetened coconut to add a deliciously toasted flavor during baking.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
7
Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the base for these Decadent Banana-Walnut Chocolate Chip Muffins?
The base for these muffins is a standard 18 1/4 ounce box of French vanilla cake mix.
How many bananas are required for this recipe?
You will need 3 ripe bananas, mashed, for this recipe.
What type of oil should I use for baking these muffins?
The recipe specifically calls for 1/3 cup of olive oil for baking.
How many eggs are used in the batter?
You will need 3 large eggs, which should be beaten before being added to the mixture.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
How long do the muffins need to bake?
Bake the muffins for 20 to 25 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
What kind of chocolate chips are recommended?
The recipe suggests using 3/4 cup of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips.
How much chopped walnuts should I add?
Include 3/4 cup of roughly chopped walnuts in the batter.
Is there a specific topping for these muffins?
Yes, the tops are sprinkled with 1/4 cup of sweetened coconut before baking.
How do I prepare the muffin tin?
You should line the muffin tin with paper liners or grease it lightly.
What is the first step in mixing the ingredients?
The first step is to whisk together the mashed bananas, olive oil, and beaten eggs in a large mixing bowl.
Why should I avoid overmixing the batter?
Avoid overmixing when adding the cake mix to keep the muffins light and fluffy rather than dense.
How full should I fill each muffin cup?
Fill each muffin cup about two-thirds full with the prepared batter.
How long should the muffins cool in the tin?
Allow them to cool in the tin for approximately 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack.
What tool is best for folding in the cake mix?
A rubber spatula or a wooden spoon is ideal for gently folding the ingredients together.
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
While French vanilla is recommended for flavor, a yellow or white cake mix could serve as a substitute.
What does the coconut add to the recipe?
The sweetened coconut adds a toasted flavor and a subtle tropical flair to the muffins.
Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Yes, frozen bananas can be used if they are thawed and the excess liquid is drained before mashing.
Are these muffins suitable for a quick snack?
Yes, they are described as a perfect grab-and-go snack once cooled.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 main ingredients: cake mix, eggs, olive oil, bananas, chocolate chips, walnuts, and coconut.
What is the texture of the walnuts?
The walnuts should be roughly chopped to provide a crunchy texture throughout the muffin.
Does the recipe require a stand mixer?
No, a large mixing bowl and a whisk or spatula are sufficient for this easy recipe.
What is the best way to store these muffins?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator to keep them fresh.
Can I substitute the walnuts?
Yes, you can substitute them with pecans or omit them entirely if you have a nut allergy.
Is the coconut mixed into the batter?
No, the coconut is sprinkled on top of the batter in the tin before it goes into the oven.
What makes these muffins 'decadent'?
The combination of rich chocolate chips, crunchy walnuts, and the sweetness of French vanilla and coconut makes them decadent.
Is olive oil taste noticeable in the muffins?
When used for baking, olive oil generally provides moisture without a strong savory flavor, especially paired with banana and vanilla.
How do I know when the muffins are finished baking?
They are finished when they are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Are these muffins appropriate for breakfast?
They are a sweet treat that works well for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
Can I use mini chocolate chips?
Yes, mini chocolate chips would work well and distribute evenly throughout the muffin batter.