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It’s about time I baked some chocolate muffins. Considering my breakfasts during the week have been nothing short of bran cereal and apple slices. Sigh. I honestly can’t think of a more boring way to start the day.
Needless to say, some pizazz was surely needed to pair with my morning java this weekend.
It may come as no surprise to you that I chose chocolate and bananas as my non-boring breakfast of choice Saturday morning. You see, I have a little thing for the pair. See here, here, and OMG definitely HERE. (<– involves sprinkles!)
I like the two paired together almost as much as I love chocolate & peanut butter together.
Ha! Just kidding. I like all three togeths. Yum!
Enough about me.
When I asked a few friends what they’d like to see more of on the blog, their first answer was healthy recipes! Healthy *sweet stuff* of course – this IS a baking blog you know.
I bake a lot of healthier items that never make it on the blog in fear that I may bore you! So, it was my mission to bake something for breakfast that I could share on the blog, pleasing all my readers – the health-conscious and the chocoholics.
Yep, yep. These muffins are heeeealthy. We’re talking no butter, no oil, and whole wheat flour. Is that possible for such a beautiful fudgy muffin? Indeed, it is.
Here’s how I did it…
Start with some sad-looking bananas. Brown speckled & practically black. (much riper than the bananas in the photos!)
The bananas are paired with apple sauce, to replace the oil or butter in the recipe. Oftentimes replacing the fat in a recipe with a lower fat product like applesauce will substantially affect the consistency and flavor of the finished baked good. If not done correctly, your muffins can bake up dry and taste like cardboard. Ahh!
Today, we’re looking for a soft, moist muffin, so that’s why it is crucial to use super-ripe and super-soft bananas. Trust me, the uglier the banana, the better flavor and texture your muffin will have.
I used half whole-wheat flour and half all-purpose flour in the batter. I was looking for a lighter muffin to start my day – not something dense and heavy. While much more wholesome than white flour, whole-wheat flour has the tendency to weigh down your baked good. I like to use whole wheat flour in oatmeal bar recipes – when I’m looking for a dense texture.
Using a combination of all-purpose flour and heavier whole-wheat flour, you’ll get the best of both worlds – light texture, wholesome goodness. Done and done.
Let’s talk chocolate.
Double dose of the good stuff here. I sifted unsweetened cocoa powder in with the flours and baking powder. I used Hershey’s Special Dark, but feel free to use your favorite kind. I love using unsweetened cocoa powder in healthy recipes – you get chocolate flavor for hardly any calories!
Unsweetened cocoa powder is the force behind my Skinny Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies. 
Next, you’re going to throw some semi-sweet chocolate chips into the batter before dropping into your muffin cups. Top with more chocolate chips. Chocolate, chocolate, and more chocolate.
The chocolate flavor overpowers the banana flavor, so expect a chocolate explosion rather than a banana overload. Wait til you try one warm and melty out of the oven. (!!!)
And as if all of this wasn’t enough… the BEST part about this recipe is how EASY it is! Your batter will come together in one bowl, in about 5 minutes. The muffins take about 20 minutes in the oven, which was 20x the time it took me to wash the 1 dish from the batter.
You will never, ever guess that they aren’t made with butter or oil! Low in fat, high in flavor, easy, and combines fudgy chocolate & bananas. Topping with peanut butter… optional but recommended.
Is there really a better breakfast out there?!
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makes 12 muffins
Ingredients
- 3 large bananas
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 cup whole-wheat flour
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, plus more for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375F degrees. Line a muffin tin with baking cups. Set aside.In a large bowl mash the bananas with a fork. Mash them very well - no big lumps. Stir in the sugar, egg, and applesauce.
- Sift* the flour, cocoa powder, salt, baking soda and baking powder into the wet ingredients. Lightly mix to combine. Fold in chocolate chips. The batter will be a little chunky. Do not overmix.
- Divide the batter between the 12 muffin cups - fill them all the way to the top. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean. Allow muffins to cool for 3 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Muffins stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Notes
*Be sure to sift your dry ingredients together to avoid pockets of cocoa powder lumps
Recipe adapted from Hot Polka Dot
© Sally’s Baking Addiction. All images & content are copyright protected. Please do not use my images without prior permission. If you want to republish this recipe, please re-write the recipe in your own words, or link back to this post for the recipe.
Calling all chocolate + banana lovers!
Do you like the two combined? I’m a tad in love.
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Banana Nutella Granola - low fat chocolatey granola 
Nutella Swirled Peanut Butter Banana Bread – the best thing IN THE WORLD.
{ 167 comments… read them below or add one }
Deep, dark, and handsome. Is it possible to marry a muffin?! I’m in love.
Hayley @ The Domestic Rebel recently posted..Turtle Capookie
Sally! I LOVE banana and chocolate together. Like to an obsessive level. I can’t wait to try these muffins. Not only am I pinning them, but they are maybe getting their own board. : )
Lisa recently posted..It’s Friday! Cheers! {My Little Comedian}
Hi Lisa! We share an obsession then lol! Thank you for the pin!!
Oh Sally you have made my day! These look so good, I will be making these tomorrow love that you used whole wheat flour, right up my alley!
Pamela recently posted..Heavenly Treats Sunday Link Party #25
I am so glad to hear that Pamela! I know you will LOVE them!!
Bananas are a miracle food and make any baked good amazing!
Just want to say I’m a new reader and I’ve fallen head over heals for your blog. Awesome photos, great recipes plus you seem super sweet! I’m always on a mission to healthify my favorite baked goods because I honestly like them better that way- but I have a HUGE sweet tooth in, fact I think all my teeth are sweet.
Keep up the awesome recipes xoxo
Georgie, this is the sweetest compliment ever. Thank you so much for taking the time to write to me – I am so glad you said hi! All of my teeth are sweet too and I’m glad you enjoy the recipes and photos I share! I agree about bananas – they do wonders in baked items
I love banana and chocolate together! These are gorgeous muffins sally!!
Aimee @ ShugarySweets recently posted..Chocolate Peppermint Cheesecake Cake
gorgeous?? thank you my friend
They look so good and they remind me of the time recently when I set out to make chocolate-banana bread, but wound up with banana-bread-brownies, which were definitely much more fudgy and chocolaty than they were banana-ey, much like your muffins look and boy, you outdid yourself! The choc chips I bet add such a nice touch, too. Because more chocolate is always better
And love how deep and DARK they are!
Averie @ Averie Cooks recently posted..Special K Gift Basket Giveaway
yes! I remember those brownies Averie! I bet these taste like those – these muffins are SO fudgy and rich. I thought the extra chips on top were necessary, not only for photos but for… extra chocolate
I love the idea of eating your muffins with PB. Those look incredible!!!
That nutella banana bread looks pretty amazing too!
luv what you do recently posted..Good Morning Paleo Pumpkin Muffins
the peanut butter smear was a last minute choice – best decision ever lol!
You are welcome to come over for breakfast anytime…as long as you bring these. I’ll take mine with peanut butter too, nice idea. Love making sweet things “skinny” and CHOCOLATE!
love,
Your chocoholic friend
Back For Seconds recently posted..Fully Loaded Hot Fudge Bars and {Pick Your Plum GIVEAWAY}
I thought of you as I named these stephanie! you are the queen of “skinny” recipes!
mmm, i will definitely try these out!
Sarah K. @ The Pajama Chef recently posted..Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese
So if I have brown bananas sitting in the freezer, you just pull them out for 30-60 minutes prior, right? Then commence with the mashing? Now I heard freezing the bananas still in the peel was better? Thoughts?
Hi Nichole! I do not suggest freezing bananas with the peel on. It will save you a lot of time and effort to peel the bananas, cut them, and freeze the chunks. Nothing is better than fresh, ripened bananas in this recipe but if you are in a pinch, you may use frozen bananas that have thawed. Try blotting them a bit with a paper towel as they defrost to absorb more moisture. Thank you!
Those look so decadent but it’s cool that they’re healthy. You deserve so much credit for creating healthy and yummy sweets. It is so difficult to achieve that combination but you always make it look easy
Laura Dembowski recently posted..Pecan Pralines
Laura, that is so sweet of you – thank you! I wish all sweets could be healthy but I need my butter in cookies and brownies lol!
Wow. These look & sound really good. I might even eat breakfast if I had these around!
Haha! sometimes I skip breakfast, but I can assure you that won’t be happening as long as I have these! Thank you for saying hi
You are killing me!! I haven’t baked in weeks and everything you’ve been making looks sooo good and I want to make it all! Aaaaah.
Colleen @ What’s Baking in the Barbershop?! recently posted..We’re MARRIED!!!
I’m on board with the whole healthy sweet stuff (and the unhealthy stuff of course! after all, we only live once, right?). I love that you lightened this up with whole wheat and applesauce – that’s how I lighten up my quick breads and muffins too.
Can’t wait to use up my ripe bananas on this one!
Chung-Ah | Damn Delicious recently posted..M&M Cookies in a Jar #SundaySupper
Hi Chung-Ah! I posted these today as a tribute to muffin monday! (even though they went live on Sunday lol!) I swear by applesauce in some “healthified” recipes. It does wonders!
Good tip for using a really really ripe banana. Sometimes I am not patient enough when waiting for them to ripen! These fudgy muffins look so yummy!
Stephanie @ Eat. Drink. Love. recently posted..Apple Pumpkintini
Long live mushy, brown bananas! They burst with potential, and who wouldn’t adore them winding up in a luscious, chocolatey muffin like these?! I’m a mega fan of chocolate muffins for breakfast, and definitely appreciate the healthy take.
Erin | The Law Student’s Wife recently posted..Apple Cinnamon Bran Muffins | Super Bran Muffin Batter
Looks absolutely delicious! I would so love to try some. I am sure they taste amazing.
Hi Spencer – thank you. Let me know if you make them one time!
Oh man, these look amazing! I’ve used applesauce as a sub before, but I’ve never tested out muffins…something that will change probably tomorrow morning haha. Thanks for the recipe!
Tiffany recently posted..Kitchen Sink Pasta Salad
Hi Tiffany! Let me know if you make them – the apple sauce is a wonderful sub in this recipe. Can’t even taste the difference!
YUM. That looks delicious. Sally, I now have a challenge for you.
I am currently in China and have NO OVEN. I KNOW RIGHT?? I have no idea how I’m surviving right now.
Anyway, my challenge is… post a healthy, tasty snack recipe that DOES NOT require baking or SUGAR (or very little sugar). Hope you take this challenge to heart! Thanks
Hi Krystle! My friend studied in China and I always wanted to visit! Hope you are enjoying it! Here is my favorite healthy no-bake recipe. No added sugar! Enjoy.
http://sallysbakingaddiction.com/2012/09/09/healthy-peanut-butter-chocolate-energy-bites/
ooh yummy ! thanks for that i definitly need more healthy recipies ! eating a cupcakes right this minute and dont even wanna think about all the sugar and butter i put in them …they are pretty though
Um, yum?! These look incredible, and I adore the cute polka dot cupcake liners, too.
Kare @ Kitchen Treaty recently posted..Best-Ever Mashed Potatoes
Thanks Kare! I can’t even remember where I got those polka dot liners – Michael’s craft store maybe? I love them too!
I just love chocolate and banana together. Love that these are such a healthy version, but totally look dark and decadent! These do look like the perfect way to start out the day!!!
Jocelyn @BruCrew Life recently posted..Cherry Jubilee Chocolate Cheesecakes
They look great!!! Can´t believe they are low fat!!! I take the recipe and I´ll try to make them!
I´m goinng to follow erything you post, everything looks so good!
Hi from Spain!
Beatriz recently posted..Berenjenas rellenas de salmón ahumado (TMX)
Hi Beatriz from Spain!
Let me know which recipe you make first, thanks for saying hi!
I will!!!
Beatriz recently posted..Berenjenas rellenas de salmón ahumado (TMX)
Elaine recently posted..Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies
aww, I knew you’d like these Elaine – you like all the healthy stuff as much as I do!
Perfect! I’ve been craving healthy baking lately…am currently working on making a health(ier) layer cake. These look like the absolute perfect way to start off the morning on a healthy, chocolate-y note. I loved reading your step by step thoughts on why you put what you did into these
Great post and recipe, can’t wait to try!
Erika recently posted..Pancake Fridays: Lemon Bar Pancakes
i cannot WAIT to hear about that healthier layer cake Erika! Wow, that sounds incredible. Let me know how the muffins turn out if you make them. =)
Sally these are perfect! I’d have no problem eating them non-stop! Good thing they are skinny:)
Kristy @ Sweet Treats and More recently posted..5 Days of Gratitude Givewaways: Day 1
You know how I feel about my banana breads/muffins….and if I can get a healthy version, so much the better. Oh Sally, these look to die for. Seriously. If I eat half a dozen, is it still healthy?
Ashley @ Kitchen Meets Girl recently posted..Vanilla Nougat Candy Bar Bites
that’s what I asked myself as I ate the FOURTH ONE on Saturday. I second guessed my “healthy” intentions haha!!
Sometimes the healthy sweet stuff can be amazing! Of course, then I usually end up eating twice as much which defeats the purpose…
Ashley @ Wishes and Dishes recently posted..Chili Verde
yep, eating three times as much is exactly what I did on Saturday when they were fresh out of the oven lol!
YEAH! More healthy sweet stuff! We want, we want! These look like the perfect way to start the day. I bet they were amazing right out of the oven. Yum!
Erin @ Texanerin Baking recently posted..100% Whole Grain Pumpkin Protein Pancakes
they are SO amazing when they are warm Erin! all of those melty chocolate chips kinda makes me feel like I’m cheating but then I remember that the muffin batter is basically diet food mixed together lol!
What a surprise these are healthy and low fat! I love the moisure bananas impart to baked goods. I look forward to trying these. Thanks!
Vespa Woolf recently posted..Best Upscale Dining in Cusco: Review of Cicciolina Restaurant
Hi Vespa! They don’t taste healthy at all – I hope you enjoy them! Let me know how they turn out. Thanks for saying hi. =)
These look sooooo chocolatey and delicious! Especially with peanut butter spread on them–that’s like the best of all worlds!
Ari @ Ari’s Menu recently posted..Shun The Sun Half Marathon Race Recap
haha i knew you’d like that shot Ari – pb, banana, and chocolate – seriously cannot go wrong with that trifecta.
Awesome recipe! They look so moist. Super duper ripe bananas are definitely key for baking ANYTHING with bananas, I’m pretty certain.
I’m the same as you (surprise…) in that I keep a lot of the “super healthy” things I make off my blog… maybe we should start introducing more of it to everyone?!
Liz (Little Bitty Bakes) recently posted..Pumpkin Sandwich Rolls
Even though I know the decadent recipes sell, I get so much wonderful and positive feedback from the healthier items Liz! I’m no longer afraid to share those types of recipes anymore! What we think may be boring is probably not to others
Sally! I have seen other baking blogs but any of them is as good as yours! When I want to bake something delicious, I will always look for your blog
Anndy, that makes me smile – what a sweet comment to read this morning. THANK YOU. Let me know if you bake any recipes
Another delicious muffin to get me out of bed early Sally! I love how healthy they are! And if you didn’t tell me I’d never guess it. They look so super rich and chocolaty.
Reeni recently posted..Caramel Glazed Apple Cake
The skinny chocolate banana fudge muffins sound amazing! what would you suggest I do if I need to skip the egg? I know there is already applesauce… thanks!
Hi Melissa! Does your diet allow eggs? If so, I wouldn’t suggest skipping it. However, you may use the vegan option – a “flax” egg. Are you familiar with a flax egg? If not, I wrote about it at the bottom of this recipe: http://sallysbakingaddiction.com/2012/03/29/peanut-butter-banana-chocolate-chip-oatmeal-bars/
Oh holy moly, these look amazing! Could they be any darker + fudgier looking? I think not! These look so decadent, it’s hard to believe they’re skinny. But i know if anyone can pull off that awesome combo of decadent AND skinny, it’s you. =)
amy @ fearless homemaker recently posted..Lightened-Up Fettuccine Alfredo
that means a lot to me, Amy thank you! Just imagine a dinner of your lightened up fettuccine and a banana fudge muffin for dessert, we’d relaly feel like we’re cheating. =)
I want these for breakfast!!
Ashley – Baker by Nature recently posted..Rosemary and Garlic Roasted Butternut Squash Quinoa Salad
I made these last night for breakfast this morning and they were delicious! Thank you for a chocolate filled start to my day.
Nicole @ Lapetitebaker recently posted..Cranberry Bliss Cheesecake Bars
About time, indeed! These are so wonderful – they just look so moist and darkly chocolate-like… the applesauce and banana additions are sheer brilliance. Brilliance, I tell you!!
Meagan @ Scarletta Bakes recently posted..Mexican Chocolate-Crusted Pecan Pie
Oh boy – I know where those bananas on my counter are headed!
Jess recently posted..Luang Prabang
These look sensational! I have been hunting for a double chocolate banana muffin recipe and I think I shall be making this. I have made your skinny peanut butter brownies too many times, so delicious! I was wondering though, can I omit the chocolate chips and instead add some berries and nuts? And can I reduce the sugar to 1/3?
Yii-Huei recently posted..Oreo cupcakes
Hi there! You may reduce the sugar as much as you want, the sweetness goes by your preference. Try any add-ins you like – I think nuts sound delicious!! Yum.
I reduced to 1/3 sugar which was perfect for me! I added some raspberries, almonds and walnuts. These muffins are really good! Thanks so much for the recipe. I posted about them on my blog.
Do these freeze well by the way?
http://aroundleglobe.blogspot.com.au/2012/11/double-chocolate-banana-muffins.html
Yii-Huei recently posted..Double chocolate banana muffins
going to check them out now! yep, they freeze well!
hii i have a question. if i use the box mix, can i substitute bananas for the oil?
thank you!
Hi Julia – this is a homemade muffin recipe and I do not suggest using a box mix if you’re looking for a healthier muffin. I’ve never mixed bananas with cake or brownie mix before, sorry! I assume they could take the place of oil.
Wow, these were really good!! Didn’t even taste healthy! I made them even “skinnier” by using 1/4 cup Truvia baking blend for the sugar, tasted amazing. Thanks for the recipe!
Hi Dana! Now you’re onto something – I should try truvia next time! SO glad you enjoyed them as much as I did!
Hi Sally, I’ve just discovered your blog via Tumblr, & it’s safe to say I’m obsessed. I’m super excited to make these muffins. One question: if I only have all purpose flour, should I just use one cup? Thanks!
Hey Angela! Thanks so much for reading.
I adore these muffins and actually am making them tomorrow. Yes, use 1 cup of all-purpose flour if you do not have whole wheat flour. ENJOY!!
Hi Sally! My wife made these last night after I gave her a link to this recipe and we waited for some bananas to get soft enough to use. We were overwhelmed by how good they were, and it’s a real question whether or not any of them will survive to be shared with friends tomorrow. She put a dollop of peanut butter on top of about half the muffins before baking and those ones are particularly delicious. Thanks for the recipe!
a dollap of peanut butter BEFORE baking? Now you both are onto something… I must try that out next time! It sounds incredible. Thanks so much for letting me know, noah. I’m glad you and your wife enjoyed them. I couldn’t stop snacking on these muffins either. Thankfully they are much lighter than regular muffins!
Sally I made these for breakfast this morning and they are so delicious and make my whole house smell so yummy! I feel like I could even serve them for dessert if I sprinkled a little bit of sprinkles on them!
I was wondering .. Do you think it would ruin the recipie if I added a cup of strawberries? I was thinking like a chocolate strawberry and banana covered muffin?? Or is that an overkill of flavors? Maybe I’m getting ahead of myself here
Hi Jessica!! I’m so glad to hear that. These are ony of my favorite muffins ever… and they don’t even taste “healthy” at all! Love that idea for sprinkles on top.
Go ahead and add strawberries, it won’t kill the flavor! The batter is so thick.. it can hold the extra weight from the berries. Chop them up very small though. And maybe sprinkle a few pieces on top of the muffins before going into the oven so they look pretty. 
Thanks Jessica!
I never comment on recipes but these were really good even my picky daughter ate them after I told her what was in them she likes chocolate but doesn’t usually try anything like this. I will be making them a lot. I evensubstituted the sugar with truiva to make them even healthier and everyone loved them. I,just found your skinny on chocolate brownies and can’t wait to try them. Keep posting the skinny recipes!
Thanks Candace! Glad you and your daughter loved these. It means a lot that you took the time to comment, thank you!
Oh my! My most common breakfast is a choc-banana smoothie! Do you think the applesauce can be replaced with low fat Greek yoghurt? It’s pretty hard to find unsweetened applesauce in Australia, especially when its not Christmas time!
Hi Mariam! Yes, greek yogurt can be used in place of applesauce. In fact, I’ve tried it before and it is wonderful! I used 0% fat vanilla greek yogurt.
Thank you! I’ll definitely try these! Perfect for back to school. I might even experiment at reducing the sugar if my bananas are really ripe or use stevia or honey to sweeten them to make them even more guilt free
Sounds great Mariam! Let me know how they turn out with your modifications.
Oh man. What can I say about these muffins that hasn’t already been said? Chocolatey but not super-sweet, fluffy, moist…just all-around perfect. Used two frozen bananas instead of what was called for (just what I had available) and vanilla Greek yogurt instead of applesauce…still turned out great. Also added a few teaspoons of ground chia, flax, and sunflower seeds, but those don’t really alter the taste at all. These are definitely becoming a staple, and will be perfect with coffee. Thank you for this fantastic (and to your credit, very forgiving) recipe!
Thanks Megan!! Guess what? I made these again last weekend and used yogurt too! I’ll have to try adding some flax or seeds next time for an added nutritional boost. Thanks for reporting back! I always appreciate it!
I made these this weekend as an early Valentine’s treat and they were delicious! I didn’t have enough chocolate chips, so only used about 1/3 of a cup, which I think is what caused me to end up with 9 muffins instead of 12, but who cares..they were still great! I also used a little less sugar and they were plenty sweet. Hope you don’t mind that I shared my version of this yummy recipe on my blog!
Lisa recently posted..red velvet cake mix cookies
Perfect Lisa! I’ve made these without chocolate chips and only got about 9 muffins. I’m so glad you loved them! Send me the link to the muffins! Thanks!
Hello from sunny Scotland (!)
I made these today as a Valentine treat. They were delish!!!!! However, when I tried to peel the paper case off before eating, half the muffin came away too -any tips on where I’m going wrong??
P.S. I love, love, LOVE your blog! Newly discovered, but already I have a list as long as my arm of scrummy snacks to bake; your recipes are real gems!
Hi Dorothy! So glad you loved these and that you are loving my recipes so far. That’s so nice to hear, so thank you! I’m not sure exactly what could have happened, but try spraying the inside of the wrappers with nonstick spray next time. I always wait for the muffins to completely cool before unwrapping them.
Hi Sally!
I just recently discovered your site and these muffins were the first recipe I tried. I used one cup of whole wheat pastry flour and added a little bit of ground flaxseed. They are delicious! I like to heat mine in the microwave for about 10 seconds so the chocolate chips get melty. Thanks for sharing a yummy and healthy treat!
Hey Ruchita! That’s so wonderful!! I should add flaxseed to my next batch. I love that idea! And yes, I like them warm too. They taste like a decadent dessert that way
I haven’t baked for a while but these are tempting me! I love that they have both banana and applesauce instead of oil or butter. They look to be very chocolatey, too.
Mary @ Fit and Fed recently posted..Dark Chocolate-Dipped Frozen Banana with Cocoa Nibs
Thanks Mary! I just made another version of these this weekend. I love these muffins! They are very chocolatey indeed.
Wow!! These muffins knocked my socks off! I modified a few ingredients. I used all white whole wheat flour, reduced the sugar to 1/3, omitted the chocolate chips, and substituted skim milk + a splash of vinegar for the applesauce. Next time I want to try substituting greek yogurt instead. These were so delicious and not dry at all — and about 115 calories per muffin (with my changes). I had one room temperature which was awesome, but my favorite was microwaved for 30 seconds – warm, decadent, and the banana is the secret to these muffins! These did not taste fat free (other than the 1 egg) at ALL!! I will definetly be making them again!
That sounds incredible! I love them warm and melty from the microwave. And I know what you mean – they do NOT taste nearly fat free at all!
I like to make desserts that use more health-friendly ingredients, too. I call them less harmful since healthy dessert is an oxymoron, no? Anything with flour of any kind and/or sugar can never be healthful. I’m printing your skinny muffin recipe and I’ll be trying it.
Judy recently posted..SPINACH LASAGNE WITH MEAT SAUCE
Hi Judy! Hope you enjoy them. I believe eating whole grains and whole wheat flour is good for health, so I can’t agree with you on that part. Thank you!
So I have been saving bananas to make something yummy and was torn between this recipe and your recent post of banana bread with the caramel running through it. I ended up going with the healthier choice and tried out this recipe, but got fickle and decided I didn’t want to lose the banana flavor, so I subbed in more flour for the cocoa. Then I discovered I had no applesauce and subbed in a reduced fat sour cream. Then I thought I’d mix some peanut butter chips in with the chocolate chips. I hate subbing ingredients before I’ve tried the recipe, but it all worked out beautifully! They were moist and delicious, gone in a heartbeat….and now I can’t wait to try them as the banana fudge muffins they were meant to be! Clearly this is a versatile recipe….and will get filed into the “make again” file!
That is wonderful! Sometimes I freak out a little bit when I realize I don’t have all of the ingredients on hand, but you found fabulous substitutions. Good to know that replacing some cocoa powder with flour works well! It is definitely a versatile recipe. And guess what? I used this recipe as the base for my Skinny Chocolate/PB Cupcakes.
http://sallysbakingaddiction.com/2013/02/19/skinny-chocolate-peanut-butter-swirl-cupcakes/
Well, I guess I have to put those cupcakes on the to do list as well! I do have applesauce, greek yogurt and lots of bananas on my list for the week, so my pantry will be back in stock for any of these yummy recipes! Thanks again Sally….I am truly loving your blog!
That’s so wonderful to hear, thank you! Let me know how you like the cupcakes.
I have made this recipe twice and am totally addicted! They are a baking miracle because they taste like they have a pound of butter in them but there is not one ounce! You are right, the key is to use VERY ripe bananas. For my second batch I used nonfat plain greek yogurt instead of applesauce (what I had in the fridge) and a mixture of dark chocolate and peanut butter chips and subbed half the sugar with a sugar baking substitute (just my attempts at experimentation). My husband LOVES them and he usually hates my attempts at baking healthier/lighter recipes. Breakfast, lunch, dessert, dinner – they are perfect any time of day! Once again Sally, thank you!
Hey Allison! That’s so great to hear! I love hearing about how readers change up the recipes to make them different and unique – I’ve never tried these with a sugar subsitute before. And YES the bananas need to be super duper ripe. I can’t believe there is no butter or oil in them either. Crazy. They taste so decadent! Have you seen my Skinny Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes yet? I used greek yogurt and peanut butter chips for those too – http://sallysbakingaddiction.com/2013/02/19/skinny-chocolate-peanut-butter-swirl-cupcakes/
I just want to clarify that my substitutions are by no means a way of me trying to imprvoe your recipe. Your recipes are absolutely perfect the way they are. Frankly, your blog has inspired me to take my own risks with baking, so all credit to you! And the Chocolate PB Cupcakes are definitely next on my list since my three favorite things are chocolate, peanut butter and bananas…together…in one decadent (but skinny!) bite.
I’m so glad my blog has inspired you, Allison! And I always like to alter recipes, not assuming my alterations make it “better” just how I like it. Thank you so much!
I loved loved loved LOVED this recipe! Huge hit at my house! I used agave instead of sugar and it was just as great, fudgy fugdy deliciousness!
Hey Julia! I’ve never tried these with agave before! What a great idea. Thanks for letting me know how much you loved them!
I love this recipe! But if I could I would like to say how I made them if youre interested. Use only 2bananas because I found the banana to b a little overpowering, use Half agave half sugar and more applesauce to make up or the one less banana. Awesome recipe Sally I am all for healthier desserts!
Hi there! What great suggestions. I didn’t find them to be too banana-y at all, but I will definitely try your version next time. I love making these with liquid sweetener like honey and agave. So glad you liked them!
Thank you for posting! I’m always looking for healthy/skinny baked goods! (Please don’t hesitate to post more ‘healthy’ recipes – I’m sure they wouldn’t bore me!) This was my reward to myself after completing the 17-day diet last week, and boy, they were a treat!
I used brown bananas and no sugar! Just 1/3 cup of honey made these plenty sweet, and I would maybe even add less honey next time since the bananas add a lot of sweetness too. 15 minutes in the oven left these soft and moist.
Thanks again!
Congrats on finishing that diet! I’m happy to post more recipes like this. I need to try these with honey next time – thank you for reporting back about that Rose!
Hi there!
These look great! Actually looking forward to making them tomorrow morning. But question… did you use mini-muffin tins? Or did you make regular-sized muffins? I can’t quite tell by the picture and I’m looking to bring them on a weekend getaway so just trying to plan what will work best. Thanks for your help and for the great looking recipe!
Hey Audrey! I used regular muffin tins here. Enjoy! I love these muffins. Have a wonderful time on your getaway!
I made your Skinny Chocolate Peanut Butter Swirl Cupcakes and they were amazing! Thanks so much!! I doubled the recipe with 5 bananas and then just added extra of the rest. The peanut butter on the top is genius. I also added chocolate chip/ peanut butter chips inside with the dark chocolate on top. I swapped out the greek yogurt for plain yogurt and that worked too. Thanks, I love it! I am bringing these to a potluck
I’ve doubled the recipe before as well – and froze the rest! I hope everyone enjoys them, Christina! Thank you so much
I made these last night and WOWSA! They were light and creamy and flavorful and not at all heavy! It’s hard to believe they are skinny — or to eat just one!
Thanks again for another great recipe! 
I just finished baking and noshing on this muffin- and it was fan-freakin’-tastic! Moist, but not dense and just the ticket to satisfying my dark chocolate craving (and use up some shady-looking bananas from my countertop fruit bowl). I also lowered the sugar content a teensy bit more by using 1/2 granulated sugar and 1/2 brown sugar Splenda blend. Thanks so much!
The super brown bananas are the ticket to amazing muffins! So glad you liked them. Thanks Holly!
I made these yesterday. I must say, these are some of the best muffins I have ever had. I love chocolate. The applesauce and the bananas really makes for a moist muffin. Thank you!
Hey Alaina! These are definitely a favorite recipe of mine and I love that they are more guilt-free than most other chocolate muffin recipes. Thanks for reporting back!
Wow these are amazing! I made a half-batch for 2 friends and me; super yummy!
I have such a sweet tooth that I pretty much stick with “skinny” sweets all the time. Your healthy recipes are fantastic. I especially thought this was super chocolatey and fudgey while retaining light muffin-ness. Yay! Trying the strawberry-banana muffins next!
Oh no! Sorry, I didn’t think that my other comment had gone through oops
It’s ok Tracy! No worries. So glad you love these muffins! I love how fudgy they are too. You will love those strawberry banana muffins. One of my favorites! If you like skinny, I just made a skinny no bake chocolate cookie you might like: http://sallysbakingaddiction.com/2013/04/02/skinny-chocolate-peanut-butter-no-bake-cookies/
Mmm those cookies sound fantastic!! I have actually made some no bake cookies like that before but mine did not look as healthy or as fudgy as yours! Will check it out. Thanks Sally!
I found these on Pinterest 5 days ago and have already made them twice! We laughed at the last part of your recipe that says they can be stored for up to 5 days. They barely last FIVE minutes in my house! So yummy for a family of chocoholics!!!
Wow! What a compliment. Sounds like you make them more than I do. And I make them A LOT! (I always have bananas rotting on the counter for them!) Thanks for reporting back.
Thank you for posting this recipe. I had the pleasure of trying one of your muffins today and immediately asked for the recipe!! I’d like to share it with a group of friends but would like to know the calorie count……thanks!
Hi Gina! SO happy you liked these muffins. My website does not provide nutritional information. Feel free to plug the ingredients into an online calculator if you find one. Thanks!
I’ve made these in a cake mold and baked them for 30 minutes, i can say they’re awesome as brownies to!!!! They’re so delicious, with slightly the banana flavour through
I’ve done that beore too. I love them as a cake/brownies! Thanks Paula.
Hello! Fantastic blog
love EVERYTHING so reading and baking makes for excellent revision avoidance! I was wondering whether I could replace the Apple sauce with low fat plain Greek style yoghurt? If so how much would I use to get the same lovely moist results? Thanks 
Hi Kate! I’m glad you enjoy my blog! Yes you may sub the same amount of greek yogurt (or any yogurt) for the applesauce. The muffins will still be moist. That is exactly what I did with this recipe: http://sallysbakingaddiction.com/2013/02/19/skinny-chocolate-peanut-butter-swirl-cupcakes/
Oh good I can make then now then! Thank you
The most prompt reply i’ve had from any baking blog ever! 
So… What is the calorie count for your chocolate muffins?
Hi Mercy! Feel free to DIY and use an online calculator if you find one and plug the ingredients to find the count. Thanks!
Sally,
I made these for breakfast this morning and WOW SUPER yummy! I used a “white whole wheat flour” which is just a lighter whole wheat and my muffins turned out so light and actually domed beautifully. They popped out of the pan without any liners, too, which was a relief.
I ran the calorie per serving and here’s what I discovered:
Per Serving (1 muffin, 12 muffins total):
calories: 214
carbs: 42g
fat: 7g
protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 18mg
sugar: 26g
To keep each muffin under 200 calories I cut the chocolate chips to 1/2 cup. Each muffin is then 168 calories each.
And I bet if I used mini chips I could get away with even less and could get the recipe down to 150 calories each! An ideal little afternoon snack. 
Thanks again, I’m having so much fun impressing my friends with your awesome recipes. lol.
Hi Clarice! I use white whole wheat flour often – it’s a great alternative. So happy that you liked these and that they domed perfectly for you. I appreciate you reporting back!
Nutritional info is SO helpful! Thanks, Clarice!!
Made these over the weekend for friends and we all loved them! Moist and tasty, even better because we had much less guilt eating these than other muffins! Thank you, Sally, I am addicted to your blog
Yay! They are one of my favorite recipes on my website. And so easy to make. Thank you Stephanie!
Fantastic!! We loved these!
I am ADDICTED to these muffins. I bought bananas days ago and I’m just waiting for them to get nice and brown spotted so I can make these, again!
I love them too, Heather! Definitely a favorite recipe of mine.
These look delicious! do you know what the calorie count is?
No, I do not. Feel free to do so on an online calorie counter.
Hi Sally. I love your photos. Can I use one of your skinny chocolate muffin images on my blog. I would link back to your original page, of course.
Thanks for your consideration.
Karen Hochman
Hi Karen – you may use the photo with the watermark and link back to my website for the recipe. The recipe AND photo may not be used together, though. Please provide me with the link when it is published. Thanks!
So, here’s the thing. I am starting a bit of a “diet” (or just, ya know, reducing my cookie intake by 300%) this week, and I have almost-too-ripe bananas sitting on my counter…. clearly regular banana bread filled with oil and/or butter is not an option so….. you basically SAVED MY LIFE with these.
just sayin’.
Thanks for sharing (again) I love your photos and your blog!
These muffins are a saving grace, aren’t they? They are my favorite. Thanks Natalie!
Hi Sally
I made these muffins today, I substituted half the chips with white chocolate chips, which I love and it adds another colour so they look great too. I buy a couple of bunches of bananas when they are cheap and let them over-rippen then pull out the food processor to make easy work of mashing them. I freeze them in about 1 cup portions, and add 1t of lemon juice for each cup to keep the banana from browning. This morning I used bought apple sauce because I was too impatient to wait for my own to cook but I also freeze that. My icecube trays are about 1 dessertspoon, and three of those is 1/3 cup, so next time all I have to do is defrost the banana and apple – very easy!
Thanks for this fantastic skinny recipe!
Perfect! Michelle, I’m glad you love these!
LOVE this recipe! I just made these into mini cupcakes using mini chocolate chips and they are so good! It tastes like chocolate banana bread and I love that these are healthy! I will definitely be making these again
So glad you love them, Leighton!
Hi Sally!! I have made these muffins a couple times now and they are better every time!! I am wondering if you happen to have the nutritional info break down?
Thanks
Hey Nikki! No, I do not. Feel free to plug the ingredients into a calorie calculator online if you have access to one. Glad you love them!
Sally I love your muffin recipes. I just made the skinny strawberry and chocolate chip one…it was so yummy! I was just wondering if you could tell me about how many calories are in these muffins? Thanks!!
Hi Molly! I do not calculate nutrition information for the recipes in my kitchen. Feel free to plug the ingredients into a calorie counter if you can find a free one online.
omgohs i was just trying this because im on a diet and wanted something that was going to be lower in fat but still awesome .. this is such a great recipe i loved it and it is so awesome when still warm. thank you for this wonderful recipe.
So glad you like them – thanks Stephy!
Hello, Sally! First of all, love your blog. I died and went to heaven when I saw this recipe in your archives. Mine just came out of the oven a little bit ago. They smell delicious, but they rose up way more than ones pictured. The little domes look beautiful, but I can’t help but wonder if I did something wrong? Thanks, Lotte
Hi Lotte – you may not have done anything wrong. Sometimes the tops rise up more than this as well if I accidentally overmeasure the leavener or overfill the tins. Not to worry!
First of all, thank you for responding so quickly! I am extremely impressed. And second, OH. MY. GOSH. these are AH-MAZE-ING. I replaced the applesauce with an extra banana (four instead of three) and sooo delish. I ate more of them than I’m willing to admit. I will definitely make in the future
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