From the beginning of time, mankind has been faced with a not terribly serious but oft repeated dilemna in the kitchen. What does one do with overripe bananas? I know, I know….banana bread. But I bet even Eve tired of that same old tune.
Personally, I prefer making Banana Whole Wheat Yeast Bread or frozen banana smoothies. I ”Blenderize” frozen bananas, homemade Greek yogurt, crushed ice and milk. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkling of crushed graham crackers — Sonic Drive-In style. It’s kinda like banana cream pie in a glass.
Dorie also has a different idea for ripe bananas. Cocoa-Nana Bread. Chocolate + bananas. I made muffins instead of a loaf because they are easier to eat, especially at work where many of my sweets meet their demise.
The streusel topping is not part of the original recipe. I wanted some contrast in texture and something to dull the shine a camera often picks up with chocolate. It was a marvelous addition.
Chocolate Streusel Topping:
1/2 cup crushed chocolate teddie grahams or graham crackers
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons butter
Combine all three ingredients by rubbing together with your fingers. Sprinkle over the top of muffins or bread just before placing batter into the oven.
A shoutout to my dad: These muffins are wonderful smushed up in a mug filled with cold milk just like you used to do at home. As a little girl, I couldn’t understand this peculiar practice but these muffins are so over-the-top chocolaty that it works.
You can find the recipe by visiting Steph at Obsessed with Baking.
{ 26 comments… read them below or add one }
Looks very delicious. I love banana cake but have not tried it with cocoa added. I have to try this. Love the crunchy topping.
These sweet little cupcakes could not be cuter or more appetizing! The crumb topping was brilliant! It really added to the appearance as well as another dimension in each bite.
A joy visiting with you!
I’d like to know where those awesome cupcake cups are from. Great idea adding the streusel topping!
The silicone molds came from World Market.
That streusel topping sounds delicious enough to eat on it’s own, I can’t imagine how much it must have enhanced that already wonderful bread! The muffins are adorable.
Always love to see what others come up with. The whole muffin idea is great, going with that the next time to make these more portable for the teen guys. Also the idea of a topping with streusel is something that would be a big hit here…thanks for sharing your ideas. Your muffins look wonderful!
they are so cute! i love your cupcake liners
I absolutely love your topping idea; it really does add something special to your photos.
Your muffins turned out beautifully!
These muffins are adorable! This wasn’t a favorite at my house.
I made muffins, too! Brilliant, I tell ya.
LOVE your pink cups. AND REALLY love the streusel idea, especially with the teddy grahams! These were a little dry to me, so the milk idea, not a bad idea. My friend and her family used to always take a beautiful piece of chocolate cake, then drown it in milk. Still not too sure about that sog, but maybe the boys will finish off these muffins if I suggest/try that. Now I’ve got to try your yeast banana bread, because I love all things banana, but these were not my favorite thing to do with nanas either!
They, I made the espinaca for dinner last night, although, since I can’t follow a recipe exactly, I didn’t. But close and this was de-lish. I added some tomatoes and black beans, I think that was about all I did different, oh and some cilantro. It was really good. My 8 yo even just liked picking out all the spinach and eating it! Can’t wait to eat more for lunch today! Thanks.
Glad to know I’m not the only one who can’t follow a recipe exactly–especially savory food.
Double yum! I love the topping….great idea! I added a few goodies to my bread too!
What beautiful photos!! Your muffins look so yummy! And, the picture of the banana? That is as ripe as I let them get before eating them. In baked goods…not for me. I tried this one, but still feel the same.
Paula,
Your muffins look so cute in those pink skins. The topping was a nice touch. Great photos!
Mimi
Muffins are much easier to deal with! The topping looks good, and it definitely made your pics nice. Mine are very shiny!
Lovely photos, as always! And I love the muffin cups – I need to get some of those. I skipped this one, and while it looks good, I’m going to bookmark your banana yeast bread recipe, because that looks wonderful!
Um….. so, are you trying to show everyone up? Isn’t a plain old loaf pan good enough for you? And streusel? Come on…. play fair.
Wow, these are “I used to work for a food magazine as a stylist” photos… truly beautiful!!! I’m so impressed with how nice you make everything look, and your attention to the smallest of details. Now, what are you able to do with squid?
Those photos are amazing, they really look professional. I used to pour milk on baked goods when I was little (now I don’t really drink milk), it would be delicious with this bread.
These look interesting. I feel like your own recipes always sound more appealing than Dorie’s – but your pictures are great! I like the muffin cups. I got the exact same set at World Market for a friend’s birthday. I thought I recognized them!
Oh! Chocolate teddy grahams! What a great idea! Those muffins look delicious but I am loving the sound of that banana smoothie with graham crackers and whipped cream! Yum!
Paula! Hello stranger! Love the new look of your blog! Beautiful. I have a ton of TWD catching up to do! Happy new year–hope all is well and thanks for your sweet note a while back.
Whoa…that streusel look AH-mazing!!
I like the idea of the steussel topping. Glad you liked them. Also LOVE those pink cups.
Your muffins look wonderful. The streusel topping sounds like a nice addition. I’ll have to try your dad’s muffin & milk technique…sounds yummy!
I nixed the banana, and this was a big hit at my house! Your little muffins look fabulous.
These look great! I am not a very good “baker” so I am not sure if I’ll attempt these or not…