Name: Vanilla Chia and Earl Grey Chocolate Banana Muffins.
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 22 min
Total time: 37 min
Ingredients: 1 cup coconut milk (this adds creaminess and a subtle coconut flavor); 3 tablespoons Earl Grey tea bags (or 2 loose leaf Earl Grey tea); 2 tablespoons coconut oil (a healthier fat that adds moisture); 2 cups old fashioned oats (these provide a hearty base and increase the fiber content); 1.5 cups white whole wheat flour (a nutritious alternative to all-purpose flour); 0.5 cup brown sugar (adds sweetness and depth of flavor); 2 tablespoons chia seeds (for added nutrition and texture); 2 teaspoons baking powder (essential for helping the muffins rise); 0.75 teaspoon baking soda (works with the acids in the recipe for leavening); 0.5 teaspoon salt (enhances the overall flavor); 0.5 teaspoon cinnamon (a warm spice that complements the other flavors); 0.25 teaspoon ground ginger (adds a hint of warmth and spice); 3 medium ripe bananas (mashed (about 1 1/2 cups mashed)); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for that classic vanilla flavor); 1 large egg (helps bind the ingredients together); 4 ounces dark chocolate (melted, the star ingredient)

If you’re on the hunt for a unique muffin recipe that perfectly marries comforting flavors, look no further than these Vanilla Chia and Earl Grey Chocolate Banana Muffins. These delightful treats are not only delicious but also pack a nutritional punch thanks to the wholesome ingredients. Imagine biting into a soft, moist muffin that offers a hint of aromatic Earl Grey tea, the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, and the rich decadence of dark chocolate. The combination is nothing short of heavenly, making these muffins an ideal breakfast or snack choice. Let’s dive into the reasons why you’ll adore these muffins and how to whip them up in your own kitchen.

Reasons to Love Vanilla Chia and Earl Grey Chocolate Banana Muffins.

There are countless reasons to fall in love with these muffins, but here are a few that stand out:

Flavor Fusion: The blend of Earl Grey tea, chocolate, and banana creates a unique flavor profile that is both comforting and sophisticated.
Nutritional Benefits: Packed with fiber from oats, chia seeds, and bananas, these muffins contribute to a balanced diet.
Easy to Make: With simple steps and easily accessible ingredients, baking these muffins is a breeze.
Perfectly Moist: The combination of coconut milk and ripe bananas ensures that each bite is soft and tender.
Versatile: Enjoy them for breakfast, as a snack, or even as a light dessert.

The Essentials

To create these scrumptious Vanilla Chia and Earl Grey Chocolate Banana Muffins, you’ll need the following ingredients:

1 cup coconut milk: This adds creaminess and a subtle coconut flavor.
3 tablespoons Earl Grey tea bags or 2 loose leaf Earl Grey Tea: For that aromatic blend that pairs beautifully with chocolate and banana.
2 tablespoons coconut oil: A healthier fat that adds moisture to the muffins.
2 cups old fashioned oats: These provide a hearty base and increase the fiber content.
1 1/2 cups white whole wheat flour: A nutritious alternative to all-purpose flour, giving a wholesome texture.
1/2 cup brown sugar: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor.
2 tablespoons chia seeds: For added nutrition and a delightful texture.
2 teaspoons baking powder: Essential for helping the muffins rise.
3/4 teaspoon baking soda: Works with the acids in the recipe for leavening.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavor.
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: A warm spice that complements the other flavors.
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger: Adds a hint of warmth and spice.
3 medium size ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 1/2 cups mashed): The natural sweetener that keeps the muffins moist.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: For that classic vanilla flavor.
1 egg: Helps bind the ingredients together.
4 ounces dark chocolate melted: The star ingredient that takes these muffins to the next level.

Toolbox for This Recipe

Before you start, gather these essential tools:

Muffin tin: A standard muffin tin will work perfectly for this recipe.
Mixing bowls: For combining your dry and wet ingredients.
Whisk: Great for blending ingredients smoothly.
Rubber spatula: Ideal for folding in the ingredients.
Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key to a successful bake.
Cooling rack: To allow your muffins to cool properly after baking.

Stepwise Method: Vanilla Chia and Earl Grey Chocolate Banana Muffins.

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by gathering all your ingredients and preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your muffin tin with paper liners or grease it lightly with coconut oil.

Step 2: Infuse the Coconut Milk

In a small saucepan, warm the coconut milk over low heat. Remove from heat and steep the Earl Grey tea bags or loose leaf tea in the warm milk for about 5 minutes. Remove the tea bags or strain out the loose tea and let the milk cool slightly.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the oats, white whole wheat flour, brown sugar, chia seeds, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and ground ginger until well combined.

Step 4: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Add the infused coconut milk, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and egg to the mashed bananas. Mix until smooth and well incorporated.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently using a rubber spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine.

Step 6: Add the Chocolate

Fold in the melted dark chocolate, ensuring it’s evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 7: Fill the Muffin Tin

Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 full.

Step 8: Bake the Muffins

Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Once baked, remove the muffins from the oven and allow them to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your Vanilla Chia and Earl Grey Chocolate Banana Muffins warm or at room temperature!

Swap Guide

If you’re looking to customize this recipe, here are some great swaps:

Coconut milk: Use almond milk or oat milk for a different flavor profile.
Dark chocolate: Substitute with semi-sweet or milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter muffin.
Flour: Gluten-free flour blend can be used for a gluten-free version.
Chia seeds: Flax seeds can be used as a substitute for a similar texture and health benefits.

What I Learned Testing

The infusion of the Earl Grey tea elevates the flavor dramatically, making it a standout muffin.
Using ripe bananas is crucial; they add natural sweetness and moisture to the muffins.
Don’t skip the cooling step; it allows the muffins to set properly and enhances their texture.
These muffins taste even better the next day, thanks to the flavors melding together overnight.

Storing Tips & Timelines

To keep your Vanilla Chia and Earl Grey Chocolate Banana Muffins fresh, consider the following tips:

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Refrigerator: For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to a week.
Freezing: These muffins freeze beautifully! Wrap individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature.

Your Top Questions

Can I use a different type of flour?

Absolutely! You can swap white whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour or a gluten-free flour blend, depending on your dietary needs.

What can I use instead of eggs?

You can replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water and allowed to sit for a few minutes) for a vegan option.

How can I make these muffins sweeter?

If you prefer a sweeter muffin, consider increasing the brown sugar or adding a touch of honey or maple syrup to the wet ingredients.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Yes! Feel free to add walnuts, pecans, or even dried fruits like raisins or cranberries for added texture and flavor.

Time to Try It

These Vanilla Chia and Earl Grey Chocolate Banana Muffins are not just a treat for your taste buds but also a wonderful way to incorporate wholesome ingredients into your diet. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or as a grab-and-go snack, they are sure to become a favorite in your home. So, gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and indulge in the delightful world of baking these muffins. Happy baking!