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Chocolate Banana Oatmeal Muffins

These Chocolate Banana Oatmeal Muffins are a delicious combination of rich cocoa, ripe bananas, and wholesome oats, creating a perfect balance of sweetness and texture. The addition of walnuts and a drizzle of melted chocolate on top makes these muffins indulgent yet nutritious. They are perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a treat to satisfy your sweet tooth without feeling guilty. With a blend of fiber, protein, and healthy fats, these muffins make for a satisfying and energizing snack. They’re easy to make and store well for later, so you can enjoy them whenever you like.


Ingredients

For the Muffins:

  • 120 grams of oat flakes (3/4 cup + 1 tbsp)
  • 200 ml of hot milk (5/6 cup)
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 ripe bananas
  • 1 teaspoon of vanillin (or 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract)
  • 40 grams of bitter cocoa (1/2 cup)
  • 1 teaspoon of baking powder
  • A handful of walnuts, chopped (optional)
  • Chocolate chips (to taste)

For the Topping:

  • 100 grams of chocolate (1/2 cup + 2 tbsp), for melting
  • 40 ml of boiling milk (3 tbsp), for mixing with melted chocolate

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

  1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). Prepare a muffin tin by greasing it lightly or lining it with muffin liners.
  2. Prepare the Oats: In a mixing bowl, combine the oat flakes with hot milk. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes to allow the oats to soften. This step ensures the oats become tender and are well incorporated into the muffin batter.

Step 2: Make the Muffin Batter

  1. Mash the Bananas: In a separate bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. Bananas bring moisture and sweetness to the muffins. Overripe bananas work best, as they provide more flavor.
  2. Combine the Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs and vanillin (or vanilla extract) to the mashed bananas. Mix well until everything is fully incorporated.
  3. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, mix the soaked oat mixture, cocoa powder, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. If you’re adding walnuts, fold them in at this stage.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the wet banana mixture into the dry oat mixture. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this could result in dense muffins. If desired, fold in chocolate chips for extra chocolatey goodness.

Step 3: Bake the Muffins

  1. Fill the Muffin Tins: Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each cup about 3/4 full. This ensures that the muffins will rise evenly and bake properly.
  2. Bake the Muffins: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly depending on the size of your muffin cups.
  3. Cool the Muffins: Once baked, remove the muffins from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Prepare the Chocolate Topping

  1. Melt the Chocolate: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the chopped chocolate and boiling milk. Stir continuously until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
  2. Drizzle on Muffins: Once the muffins have cooled, drizzle the melted chocolate over the top of each muffin. You can use a spoon or a piping bag for a more decorative effect. Let the chocolate set slightly before serving.
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Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

  1. Garnish (Optional): If desired, sprinkle additional chopped walnuts or chocolate chips on top of the muffins while the chocolate is still warm. This adds a nice touch to the presentation and an extra bit of crunch.
  2. Serve: These muffins can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. Pair them with a cup of coffee or tea for a perfect snack.

Cooking Tips

  • Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your muffins will be. Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots for the best results.
  • Substitutions: You can substitute the cocoa powder with carob powder for a caffeine-free option. If you prefer a non-dairy option, almond milk, oat milk, or any other non-dairy milk can be used in place of cow’s milk.
  • Nut Allergies: If you’re making these muffins for someone with a nut allergy, you can omit the walnuts entirely or replace them with seeds like sunflower seeds for added crunch.
  • Storing Muffins: These muffins can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.

Storage

  • Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days.
  • Refrigerator: For longer freshness, keep in the fridge for up to a week.
  • Freezer: To freeze, wrap muffins individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To thaw, leave them at room temperature or microwave for a few seconds.

Nutritional Facts (Per Muffin)

  • Calories: 170 kcal
  • Protein: 4g
  • Fat: 7g
  • Carbohydrates: 24g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 90mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use non-dairy milk instead of regular milk?

Yes, you can substitute any non-dairy milk such as almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk. This makes the muffins suitable for those who are lactose intolerant or following a vegan diet.

Can I make these muffins gluten-free?

To make these muffins gluten-free, simply use certified gluten-free oats in place of regular oats. Ensure that all other ingredients are also gluten-free.

Can I substitute the cocoa powder?

If you prefer a caffeine-free option, you can use carob powder instead of cocoa powder. The flavor will be a little different, but still delicious.

How do I make these muffins sweeter?

If you want a sweeter muffin, you can add a little more sugar or drizzle some honey or maple syrup over the top before serving. However, the bananas already add plenty of natural sweetness.

How can I prevent the muffins from becoming too dense?

To avoid dense muffins, be sure not to overmix the batter. Stir the ingredients just until they are combined. Overmixing can result in a heavier texture.


Conclusion

Chocolate Banana Oatmeal Muffins are a wonderful treat for breakfast or as a snack throughout the day. These muffins provide the perfect combination of rich chocolate, natural sweetness from ripe bananas, and a wholesome base of oats. They are easy to prepare, customizable, and make for a great snack to share with family and friends. Whether you enjoy them warm or at room temperature, these muffins are sure to be a hit in your kitchen. Indulge in the comforting flavors of chocolate and banana while enjoying the benefits of oats and healthy fats.