Banana Chocolate Chip Streusel Muffins

Simple pleasures make me happy, ~ it doesn't take a lot, how 'bout you?  If you're like me then enjoying one of these muffins will make you smile :)   The simple and comforting flavors of sweet ripened bananas, chocolate chips and a streusel topping = muffin happiness!!  I served these at a recent brunch and they were a big hit.

 

Streusel Topping

1/2 cup flour

1/2 cup light brown sugar

1/4 tsp kosher slt

1/8 tsp cinnamon

1/4 cup - 1/2 stick cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes

Muffins

2 cups flour

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 cup - 1 stick unsalted butter at room temp

1 cup sugar

1 1/2 tsps. kosher salt

2 large eggs at room temp

2 tsps. pure vanilla extract

3 very ripe bananas

1/2 cup buttermilk

2/3 cup mini chocolate chips tossed in a little flour to coat (about 1/4 tsp)

Instructions

For the streusel topping, in a med bowl stir together the flour brown sugar, salt and cinnamon with a fork.  Add the cubes of butter and using your fingertips work into the dry ingredients until pea-size crumbs form.  Set aside in the refrigerator until ready to use.  Preheat oven to 375 degrees and spray a 12 cup muffin pan with baking spray.

For the muffins, in a med bowl whisk together the flour, baking powder and baking soda, set aside.  In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter, sugar and salt on med-high until light and fluffy, about 3 mins.  Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.  Add the eggs one at a time, beating after each addition.  Then add in the vanilla and bananas and beat.  With the mixer on low speed, add the dry ingredients, beating until the flour absorbed and incorporated.  Fold in the chocolate chips.  Using a 1/4 cup ice cream scoop, scoop batter into prepared muffin cups.  Sprinkle the streusel topping over the muffins.  Bake 18-22 minutes, rotating the pan 1/2 way through, until the tops of the muffins spring back when touched and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.  Let cool then enjoy!

Recipe slightly adapted from The Sono Baking Company Cookbook

 

 

This recipe can be made into a bread too, pour batter into a 9 x 5 loaf pan and sprinkle with streusel topping, bake at 350 degrees for 50 - 60 mins or until golden and toothpick inserted in center comes out clean

 

Recipe from a wonderful book, The Sono Baking Company Cookbook The Best Sweet and Savory Recipes for Every Occasion,  available here:  http://astore.amazon.com/rosscoubak-20/detail/0307449459