Banana Espresso Chocolate Chip Muffins

Chocolate makes the world go 'round. Well, at least it makes my world go 'round. I savor simple chocolates like a good book I've read a thousand times—slowly, reveling in the familiarity, letting the flavors (and words) linger on my tongue. I've always found something sensual about chocolate. The way warmed chocolate falls off a spoon or the glean and glisten on a pot of melted chocolate make my mouth begin to water. I love the way chocolate pairs with a heady glass of red wine, fashioning a rich ending to a heavy meal.

I'm certain if we gave it a chance, chocolate alone could bring about world peace.

Chocolate always finds a way to sneak into my day. In the morning, I love a hint of cocoa in my hot cereal. At lunch, I always sneak a sweet treat for dessert, nibbling on bits of chocolate cake or swiping my finger through a tub of chocolate buttercream. In the evening, I grab a few chocolate chips to preempt my inevitable nighttime cravings.

I'm a monster.

Some days I'm certain chocolate runs through my veins.

Because of my fervent fondness for the cocoa bean, I've been adventurous with my chocolate flavor combinations. Certainly the standard combinations have been done: chocolate and peanut butter, chocolate and raspberry, chocolate and pear. But it's the more unique combinations that bring me greater excitement—chocolate and lemon, chocolate and figs, and chocolate and beets.

Chocolate and pickles, however, is a little too "unique." Let's just say that was never a very good idea.

These Banana Espresso Chocolate Chip Muffins are decadent, addictive muffins that are everything a muffin should be—moist and dense. Imagine a loaf of banana bread in bite-sized form; these are it. The flavors of banana and chocolate blend together easily, but the espresso powder adds a slight twist. Though the espresso flavor is very subtle (in fact, I couldn't find it unless I was really looking), it adds so much flavor depth. The chocolate tones are richer and deeper. The banana flavor is bold and beautiful. Just a hint of something new, creates a different muffin entirely—a muffin you are sure to love.

One Year Ago: Dried Cranberry Cocoa Cinnamon Rolls

Banana Espresso Chocolate Chip Muffins
Adapted from Baked

Yields 12 muffins

4 medium over-ripe bananas (1 1/2 cups), mashed
1 cup granulated sugar
8 tablespoons (1 stick) butter, melted
1/4 cup milk
1 egg, whisked
1 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon espresso powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C). Grease a 12-cup muffin pan.

In a mixer, combine mashed bananas, sugar, and butter. Mix until well blended. Add milk and egg. Slowly add the flour, espresso powder, baking soda and salt and mix until smooth. Add in the chocolate chips.

Fill muffin cups 3/4 of the way full. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow to cool for 15 minutes in the pan before transferring to cooling rack to cool completely.

Serve warm with a small pat of butter. Store in an air-tight container for up to 2 days.

Comments

[Rebecca@A Dusting of Sugar]

What are those wrappers? They're so cute!

[Laura (Blogging Over Thyme)]

Chocolate and banana is such a great combination. Nothing beats it! Add in a few chocolate chips too and you have a very decadent sweet. I always make banana bread in loaf form, and always forget about making muffins. I love the idea, because you get the crust factor and their individually proportioned for on-the-go.

Bookmarking this recipe!

[Kristin Rosenau]

Rebecca-- I actually wrapped a strip of burlap around the muffin and pinned it in the back. Though you have to be careful about the pin, they make adorable little wrappers.

Laura-- Exactly! I have trouble not eating the entire loaf in one sitting (it's hard to tell how much you are eating), but making those loaves into muffins make that job so much easier!

[Nicki]

Banana muffins, bread, pancakes... everything!! I love! I can't wait to try this!

[Miriam @ Overtime Cook]

Bananas and coffee? Did someone say breakfast muffins? Yum!

[Emma @ Poires au Chocolat]

Haha I adore the idea of chocolate running through your veins! I'm absolutely certain that the sugar and butter content of my body has skyrocketed recently with my patisserie course. The muffins look delicious - lovely flavours.

[thelittleloaf]

You sound like a girl after my own heart! I adore chocolate in so many different combinations, and it's so good with banana. Your muffins look beautifully moist and packed with flavour- I like the addition of espresso power for extra oomph too.

[Sharky Oven Gloves]

These muffins sound (and look!) utterly delicious and perfect for breakfast!! I can't wait to try them out…

[Fresh and Foodie]

I love that burlap wrapper! So cute.

Banana bread is one of my favorite things to make, so I really like the idea of adding espresso and chocolate. Nice idea.

[Meg @ Sweet Twist]

These look wonderful!! You have beautiful photos. I have pinned these. http://pinterest.com/pin/149744756329694482/

[Greg]

These muffins look fabulous! Making me hungry!

[joe]

i just made these using applesauce instead of butter, and they turned out great!!

[Jesica @ Pencil Kitchen]

I love chocolate too. But you beat me to it... This muffins look amazingly moist! Espresso, banana and to top it off, a good ol chocolate remedy! yum!

[Brooke]

I am soooo making these today. I had some overripe bananas in the freezer I am thawing now. Can't wait to dig in to one of these!!

[Nikita Gould]

From the looks of that muffin. It seems to be very addictive. Anything with chocolate in it is really mouthwatering! =)

[Teri]

Just made these, my husband swears these are the best banana muffins that he's ever had! Definitely a keeper! Thank you for posting this recipe :)

[Dana]

Just wanted to let you know that these are my favorite muffins ever! I've made them at least 6 times since you've posted this recipe. They are always a hit. I'm making a double batch right now for the hubby to take into work in the morning. Thank you so much for this delicious recipe!

[Helena]

This recipe must be magical, because despite me screwing up at least three times in the making and putting the muffin tray in the oven with panic on my face, these turned out completely divine. I mean, I am almost in tears as I eat this right now.

[Canuck]

I love banana chocolate chip muffins and my search for the perfect recipe is over! Best recipe for this I've ever tried, bar none! Echoing Dana here, but these are always a huge hit! Now that it's fall I can't wait to try substituting pumpkin puree for the mashed bananas.