These Small Batch Banana Muffins are my solution to the problem of always having just 1 ripe banana left in the bunch. Take that last ripe banana and make 5 perfectly fluffy and moist chocolate chip banana muffins.
If you enjoy small batch baking, try these small batch chocolate chip cookies next! Perfect for when you want just a few cookies
Just 1 banana
Easy Baked Good
Quick Look: Small Batch Banana Muffins
- ⏱️ Prep Time: 10 minutes
- 👩🍳 Cook Time: 20 minutes
- 🕖 Total Time: 30 minutes
- 🍌 Servings: 5 muffins
- ⚡️ Calories: 240 calories per serving (based on nutrition panel)
- 🔥 Cooking Method: Bake in oven at 350F
- 🛒 Main Ingredients: 1 ripe banana, egg, oil, brown sugar, all purpose flour
- ⭐️ Difficulty: Very easy! I have even made these with my toddler
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Polly left this 5 star review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“I love this recipe and make it often with my grandchildren. I always have 1 over ripe banana! ❤️❤️”
What to make with just 1 ripe banana
I seemed to always have just one ripe banana left over from the bunch and I couldn’t make a loaf of banana bread with just one. So, I worked out how to cut down my favorite banana bread recipe so it works with 1 banana instead of 2 or 3.
They are the perfect quick snack. These banana bread muffins come together in just 30 minutes and since this recipe only makes five, it is ideal for when I am craving just a little bit of something sweet.
The recipe is so easy that it is one I make regularly make with my toddler. He loves to help me mash the banana and mix the ingredients together. He just gets a bit impatient waiting for them to bake up!
Small Batch Banana Muffins Ingredients
- Banana – It only takes one ripe mashed banana to make this small batch banana muffin recipe!
- Large egg – One room temperature egg will bind the ingredients together in the batter. Many people use just an egg yolk for a small batch recipe, but I find it is best to use the full egg.
- Light Brown Sugar – The brown sugar adds just a slight touch of sweetness to these small batch banana muffins.
- Vegetable Oil – Oil helps keep your muffins from drying out. I like to use avocado oil, but you can also use melted coconut oil if you prefer.
- Vanilla Extract and Cinnamon- The pure vanilla extract and cinnamon will help bring out the natural sweetness of the ripe banana.
- All Purpose Flour – The flour brings the batter together. If you want to make this recipe gluten-free, you can swap gluten-free flour here. Use whole wheat flour in place of standard to up the fiber content.
- Baking Soda– The baking soda will help the muffins rise; making them perfectly fluffy.
- Salt – Just a pinch of salt brings out the depth of flavor in these banana chocolate chip muffins.
- Chocolate Chips – This recipe uses chocolate chips in both the batter and on top. I love the combination of chocolate chips and bananas; it just takes the sweetness up a notch.
To make this recipe dairy-free, use dairy free chocolate chips. For a gluten-free banana chocolate chip muffin recipe, sub in your favorite gluten-free flour blend.
You can use mix-ins to make many banana muffin variations. These muffins would also be delicious with chopped nuts added in. Walnuts or pecans would add a little crunch and the nutty flavor would pair nicely with the banana.
For a fun twist on banana muffins, try these peanut butter and jelly muffins.
How to make A small Batch of Banana muffins 🍌
Step 1: Mash one overripe banana in a mixing bowl with the back of a fork or a potato masher. I like to leave a few large lumps of banana.
Step 2: Pour the brown sugar, egg, oil, and vanilla extract into the bowl with the mashed banana. Whisk to combine.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, stir the all purpose flour, baking soda, salt and ground cinnamon together.
Step 4: Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture with a flat spatula until no lumps of flour remain. Then, stir in the chocolate chips. Prep a muffin pan with muffin liners.
Step 5: Scoop the muffin batter into 5 lined muffin cups of a muffin tin. I like to add a few more chocolate chips on top before baking. Bake at 350F until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the muffins comes out clean.
Storage, reheating and Freezing
To store, allow the muffins to cool completely. Then, place them in an airtight container and store on the counter for 3 days or in the fridge for up to one week.
To reheat, I recommend warming one at a time in the toaster oven or slice in half and toast in a skillet in some melted butter.
These muffins are a great make-ahead option since you can freeze them for up to 3 months. You can thaw all together or one muffin at a time.
Check out These other sweet treats
You can find the full recipe below. If you make this recipe, please rate and review it in the comments, or share it with me on Instagram!
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Recipe
Small Batch Banana Muffins
Ingredients
- 1 ripe banana
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tbsp neutral vegetable oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup all purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 3 tbsp chocolate chips + more for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F and line 5 cups of a muffin tin with liners – if you skip spaces between each liner the muffins will rise more.
- Mash the banana in a mixing bowl. Add the egg, brown sugar, vanilla extract and oil to the bowl and whisk together
- In a separate bowl, mix together the all purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Fold the dry ingredients into wet with a flat spatula and mix in the chocolate chips.
- Scoop about ¼ of batter into each of the lined muffin cups and top with more chocolate chips
- Place in the oven and bake at 350F for 18-20 minutes.
Recipe Notes
- To make these muffins gluten free use a 1:1 ratio gluten-free flour blend
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days
- Freezer instructions: Store an an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months
Nutrition Information
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
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