Banana and chocolate muffins a la Violeta's

Delicious Banana and Chocolate Muffins a la Violeta's

Welcome to the world of decadent muffins! Today, I will guide you step by step in making banana and chocolate muffins, a simple yet flavorful recipe that will bring a smile to anyone's face. These muffins are perfect for an energizing breakfast, a sweet snack during the day, or even as dessert for a special dinner. Let’s venture together into this recipe!

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Number of servings: 7-8 muffins

Ingredients

- 30 g soft butter (ideally at room temperature)
- 45 g white sugar
- 45 g brown sugar
- 1 egg (preferably at room temperature)
- 1 very ripe banana (with yellow skin and a few brown spots)
- 60 ml milk (you can use almond or soy milk for a vegan option)
- 10 ml lemon juice (freshly squeezed, for a more vibrant taste)
- 100 g nuts, walnuts, or almonds (coarsely chopped)
- 45 g dark chocolate diced (choose a high-quality chocolate)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 150 g flour (type 000 or whole grain, depending on preference)

Necessary equipment

- Large mixing bowl
- Mixer or spatula
- Muffin tins (ideally with special baking liners)
- Preheated oven

History of muffins

Muffins have a long history, originating from Europe, where they have evolved over time into various shapes and flavors. These small sweet delights are perfect for being customized with ingredients that reflect everyone's preferences. In our recipe, the combination of ripe bananas and dark chocolate brings a perfect balance between sweet and slightly bitter, creating an unforgettable taste experience.

Making the muffins

1. Preparing the base: Start by placing the soft butter and the two types of sugar in a large bowl. Use a mixer or spatula to combine the ingredients until you achieve a smooth and fluffy cream. This step is essential as the sugar will help aerate the butter, giving the muffins a light texture.

2. Adding the banana: Cut the very ripe banana into pieces and add it to the butter and sugar mixture. Use a fork to mash it well so that it integrates completely into the mixture. The banana not only enriches the flavor but also helps with the moisture of the batter.

3. Incorporating wet ingredients: Add the egg, milk, and lemon juice into the bowl with the banana. Mix well until all ingredients are well incorporated. The lemon juice will add a splash of acidity that will highlight the sweet flavors.

4. Dry ingredients: In another bowl, combine the flour with the baking powder. This step is important to prevent lumps from forming in the batter. Then, add the flour mixture to the wet composition. Use a spatula to incorporate the flour, but do not overmix – you want to keep the air in the batter so that the muffins are fluffy.

5. Adding chocolate and nuts: Now it’s time to add the nuts or almonds, as well as the diced chocolate. These ingredients will add a crunchy texture and intense flavor, contrasting with the sweetness of the banana.

6. Filling the tins: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Grease the muffin tins with oil or use baking liners to facilitate the removal of the muffins after baking. Fill each mold with batter, leaving a little space at the top, as the muffins will rise during baking.

7. Baking: Place the muffins in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle of one comes out clean. The delicious aroma will fill the entire kitchen!

Decorating and serving

Once the muffins have cooled slightly, you can decorate them with a chocolate cream. To prepare it, heat the sweet cream (but do not let it boil) and add the diced dark chocolate. Stir until the chocolate melts completely. You can also add coconut flakes, seeds, or any other preferred ingredient to customize the muffins.

Serving suggestions

These muffins are delicious both warm and cold. They can be served alongside a cup of aromatic coffee or a relaxing tea. Additionally, a fruit smoothie would add a fresh note to the dish.

Possible variations

- Vegan muffins: Replace the egg with a “flax egg” (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) and use plant-based milk.
- Cinnamon flavor: Add 1-2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon to the flour mixture for a warmer, comforting taste.
- Fruit muffins: You can add pieces of apples or pears instead of banana to change the flavor.

Nutritional information

These muffins contain a combination of carbohydrates and healthy fats from nuts. Bananas provide potassium and fiber, making them a suitable choice for an energizing snack. Approximately one muffin has around 200 calories, depending on the exact ingredients used.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use frozen bananas? Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain them well before use.
- How can I store the muffins? Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. You can freeze them for up to 3 months.
- What can I do if I don’t have baking powder? You can use baking soda, but you will need to add an acidic ingredient (such as vinegar or yogurt) to activate the reaction.

I hope this recipe for banana and chocolate muffins brings you joy and unforgettable moments with your loved ones! Cooking is an art, and every recipe is an opportunity to create delicious memories. Don’t forget to share the result with friends and family! Enjoy!