Name: Pumpkin Banana Muffins with Chocolate Chips Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves; 1 cup mashed overripe bananas (about 3 medium bananas); 1 cup canned pumpkin puree; 1/2 cup pure maple syrup; 1/3 cup avocado oil; 2 large eggs, at room temperature; 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional); 3 tablespoons turbinado sugar; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 57 reviews

If you’re craving a cozy, comforting treat that feels like a warm hug on a chilly morning, you have to try this Pumpkin Banana Muffins with Chocolate Chips Recipe. Combining the best of two classic flavors, these muffins are wonderfully moist, tender, and naturally sweetened with ripe bananas and pumpkin puree. The burst of cinnamon and fall spices paired with gooey chocolate chips makes them an irresistible snack or breakfast companion. Whether you’re baking for family or treating yourself, these muffins deliver pure joy in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A top-down view of various baking ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. At the center is a medium white bowl filled with white flour. To its right is a white bowl containing mashed orange sweet potato and two brown eggs beside a small white cup with dark vanilla extract on a round white plate. Around these are small white bowls with cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and brown sugar, and a white bowl with black chocolate chips. Below the flour bowl are two small wooden bowls with baking soda and flour, a small glass bowl with clear golden liquid, and a white bowl with mashed banana. A woman's hand is partially visible at the bottom left holding a bowl of brown sugar. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is key here. Each component brings something special: pumpkins add vibrant color and moisture, bananas naturally sweeten and tenderize, and warm spices tie it all together for that perfect autumn vibe.

2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives structure and softness to the muffins.
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Brings warmth and classic spice flavor.
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the muffins rise beautifully and stay fluffy.
1/4 teaspoon baking soda: Works with baking powder for perfect texture and lift.
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger: Adds a subtle spicy zing that complements the pumpkin.
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Gives that unmistakable autumn aroma and deepens flavor.
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves: A little goes a long way—a pinch of this adds wonderful complexity.
1 cup mashed overripe bananas (about 3 medium bananas): Natural sweetness and moisture for tender crumb.
1 cup canned pumpkin puree: A creamy ingredient that lends moisture and that iconic pumpkin taste.
1/2 cup pure maple syrup: A natural sweetener with a rich, caramel-like flavor.
1/3 cup avocado oil: Keeps the muffins moist with a mild, neutral taste.
2 large eggs (room temperature): Helps bind the batter and adds richness.
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with a sweet, fragrant finish.
1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional): For those moments when melty chocolate feels like the perfect indulgence.
3 tablespoons turbinado sugar: Used in the topping to add crunch and sparkle.
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping): Sprinkled on top for extra flavor and visual appeal.

How to Make Pumpkin Banana Muffins with Chocolate Chips Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Muffin Tin

Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners and give them a quick spray with nonstick cooking spray to ensure easy removal later. Setting up this way means your muffins will bake evenly and never stick, making your baking experience smooth from start to finish.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. This step ensures the spices are evenly distributed and the leavening agents are well combined, which is crucial for the muffins’ rise and consistent flavor.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk the mashed bananas, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, avocado oil, eggs, and vanilla extract together until smooth and well blended. These rich, flavorful ingredients create the moist base that makes these muffins so tender and delicious.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few small lumps are perfectly fine and help keep the muffins light and fluffy. Then, gently fold in the chocolate chips if you’re using them—this adds sweet pockets of melty chocolate that everyone loves.

Step 5: Add the Cinnamon Sugar Topping and Bake

In a small bowl, combine the turbinado sugar and ground cinnamon for a sparkling, flavorful topping. Divide the batter evenly into the muffin cups and sprinkle a bit of the cinnamon sugar on top of each one. Bake for 18 to 23 minutes or until the muffins are golden brown and spring back lightly when pressed, or a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Let your muffins cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack for an additional 15 minutes. This resting period allows the muffins to firm up just right, so you can enjoy a perfect texture with every bite.

How to Serve Pumpkin Banana Muffins with Chocolate Chips Recipe

Twelve golden brown muffins are shown in a metal muffin pan with visible round cups. Each muffin has a rough, crumbly texture on top with a crunchy sugar layer. Some muffins are topped with dark chocolate chips scattered unevenly on their surface, while others have a plain crumb topping. The muffins rise slightly above the edges of the pan cups. The pan sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of maple glaze adds a lovely touch of elegance and sweetness to these cozy muffins. You could also add a sprinkle of chopped nuts for a little crunch if that suits your fancy.

Side Dishes

These muffins pair beautifully with a cup of hot coffee, chai tea, or a creamy latte for your morning ritual. For a heartier breakfast, serve alongside scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, arrange these muffins on a pretty platter lined with autumn leaves or a rustic cloth to enhance the seasonal vibe. Wrap individually in parchment paper tied with twine for gift-giving or take-along treats—your friends will be delighted!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Keeping them sealed preserves their moist texture and keeps the chocolate chips from drying out.

Freezing

These muffins freeze wonderfully. Wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you want a treat, just thaw them overnight in the fridge or at room temperature.

Reheating

Warm muffins gently in the microwave for about 20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300 degrees F for 5 to 7 minutes. This brings back their fresh-from-the-oven softness and helps the chocolate chips melt just right.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?

Absolutely! Just make sure to cook and puree the fresh pumpkin until smooth. Use the same quantity as canned pumpkin puree to keep the moisture balance just right.

What if I don’t have avocado oil? Can I substitute another oil?

You can substitute avocado oil with mild-tasting oils like canola, vegetable, or melted coconut oil. Each will keep the muffins moist while maintaining a neutral flavor.

Are these muffins gluten-free?

As written, this recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it is not gluten-free. However, you can experiment with a gluten-free flour blend made for baking to make a gluten-free version.

How ripe should the bananas be for this recipe?

Ripe bananas with lots of brown spots are perfect! The riper they are, the sweeter and more flavorful your muffins will be.

Can I omit the chocolate chips for a dairy-free or vegan option?

Yes, you can leave out the chocolate chips or use dairy-free chocolate chips to accommodate dietary needs without losing any of the delicious flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

There is something so comforting about a batch of warm Pumpkin Banana Muffins with Chocolate Chips Recipe fresh from the oven. They fill your kitchen with the scent of cinnamon and spice and promise a delicious bite that’s tender, naturally sweet, and perfectly balanced. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a little slice of cozy happiness any time you want to brighten your day.

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