Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins
on Jun 19, 2024, Updated May 14, 2025
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These easy chocolate chip banana muffins for toddlers are a go-to in our house — soft, naturally sweet, and dotted with just enough chocolate to feel like a treat. Whether you need a healthy snack for kids or a no sugar breakfast muffin, these check every box.. Made with just a handful of pantry staples, they’re quick to mix together in one bowl (no blender required!) and come out moist and fluffy every time.
They’re perfect for toddlers who are still getting used to chunkier textures, but just as loved by older kids and grown-ups. The best part? There’s no added sugar — the sweetness comes entirely from ripe bananas and a small handful of chocolate chips. Whether you’re looking for an easy breakfast, lunchbox filler, or snack-time favorite, these muffins check all the boxes: simple, satisfying, and freezer-friendly.
Why Healthy Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins are Great for Toddlers
- Fruit-Packed: With three mashed bananas, these muffins are rich in essential vitamins and fiber, supporting your toddler’s growth and development.
- Simple Ingredients: The recipe is incredibly straightforward, using ingredients commonly found in most kitchens. It’s a convenient and budget-friendly option.
- Kid-Approved Taste: The combination of sweet bananas and chocolate chips is sure to be a hit with your toddler’s taste buds.
Ingredients
- 3 mashed bananas
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups self-raising flour
Note: If you don’t have self-raising flour, you can create your own by using 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour and adding 2 1/4 tsp of baking powder and 1/4 tsp salt.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Muffins
- Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a standard muffin pan or line it with liners for easy removal.
- Prepare the Wet Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, mash the three ripe bananas until they become smooth and free of lumps. Then add the two eggs and a teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix these wet ingredients well until they are fully combined.
- Incorporate the Dry Ingredients: Add the 1 1/2 cups of self-raising flour (or the equivalent with added baking soda) to the wet mixture. Stir until all the ingredients are incorporated and you have a consistent batter.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the 1/2 cup of chocolate chips into the batter.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the muffin tins. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking times may vary, so keep an eye on your muffins in the last few minutes.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins to cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice and serve to your hungry toddler.
Substitutions
Self-Raising Flour: If you don’t have self-raising flour, substitute with 1½ cups of all-purpose flour combined with 2¼ teaspoons of baking powder and ¼ teaspoon of salt.
Chocolate Chips: Feel free to use dark chocolate chips, mini chocolate chips, or even chopped nuts for a different flavor and texture.
Eggs: For an egg-free version, replace each egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) or ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce.
Vanilla Extract: If you’re out of vanilla extract, almond extract or maple syrup can provide a different but pleasant flavor.
Storing Leftover Chocolate Banana Muffins
- Room temperature: Wrap in plastic wrap, and leave on the counter for 2-3 days.
- Refrigeration: Place the muffins in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: If you’d like to save some for later, wrap muffins in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container or a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature or in the refrigerator before serving.
Common Questions
Can I make these healthy muffins gluten-free?
- Yes! Use a gluten-free self-raising flour blend. If using a gluten-free all-purpose flour, remember to add the right amount of baking powder and salt.
Can I add other mix-ins?
- Absolutely! You could add blueberries, diced strawberries, nuts, or a swirl of peanut butter for variety.
Are these chocolate chip muffins good for baby-led weaning?
- These muffins contain chocolate chips and are best suited for toddlers. For younger babies, take out the chocolate chips to avoid a choking hazard.
More Healthy Toddler-Friendly Recipes
Banana Bars – Soft, chewy, and naturally sweetened with ripe bananas, these no-added-sugar banana bars are a simple and nutritious snack toddlers love. Made with oats and just a few pantry ingredients, they’re great for breakfast or a quick on-the-go bite — and perfect for little mouths still learning to chew.
Breakfast Cups – These toddler-friendly breakfast cups are made with eggs and cheese, a great handheld morning option. Soft, savory, and easy to prep ahead, they’re a smart way to serve eggs and healthy fats — and they fit perfectly into lunchboxes, too!
Chocolate Veggie Muffins – These rich, cocoa-packed muffins sneak in a generous serving of spinach without your kids even noticing. Soft, chocolatey, and naturally sweetened, they’re a fun way to add more greens into your toddler’s diet. A great freezer-friendly snack or breakfast with hidden nutrition!
Flour-Free Peanut Butter Chocolate Muffins – These gluten-free, blender muffins are made with peanut butter, banana, and cocoa powder — no flour needed! The result is a fudgy, protein-packed muffin that’s perfect for toddlers, especially those needing a little extra fuel. Naturally sweetened and ready in minutes!
Sweet Potato Pancakes – Made with mashed sweet potato, flour, and eggs, these soft pancakes are a nutrient-dense option for babies and toddlers alike. They’re easy to pick up, naturally sweet, and freezer-friendly — great for baby-led weaning or a cozy family breakfast.
If you loved these easy chocolate chip banana muffins let me know! Tag me @reallittlemeals so I can hear about all of your delicious creations!
Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins
Ingredients
- 3 bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 1/2 cups self raising flour, if you don't have self raising flour, you can do 1 1/2 cup all purpose flour and 2 1/4 tsp baking powder, 1/4 tsp salt.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a standard muffin pan or line it with liners for easy removal.
- In a mixing bowl, add all the ingredients and stir together until you have your batter. You can use an electric mixer for a smoother batter.
- Pour the batter into the muffin tins. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking times may vary, so keep an eye on your muffins in the last few minutes.
- Cool and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Love these muffins! I made the following subs for the allergies we manage and they still turned out awesome! I used 1.5cups gf flour (+baking pow and salt) and 1/2cup applesauce in place of the eggs. We put them in a mini muffin silicone mold and baked for 13mins at 350. Will be making again!
Amazing recipe for my two year old. He loves them and so do I. 🙂
Oh my god! So easy and delicious, I’ve been snacking on these too. You never know with the toddler meals since you’re usually trying to sneak in the goodness, these are amazing. Did I mention so easy?! Even my 2 1/2 year old ate them and he’s not one for trying my tricks. 100/10 🙌🏽 thank you for another great and EASY! Snack.