I love creating delicious food, but I absolutely dread the mountain of dishes that often comes after. If you’re like me, you know that sinking feeling when you glance at the sink post-cooking. That’s why I’ve built my entire cooking philosophy around maximum flavor with minimal cleanup.
Today, we’re making Banana Coconut Muffins – Tropical Moist & Sweet. This recipe is my ultimate salvation. It delivers unbelievably moist, sweet, and tropical muffins. Best of all, it respects our shared hatred for scrubbing pots and pans. If you’re looking for more savory one-pan dinners, you’ll love our hearty ground beef and potato skillet.
We’re talking about one bowl, one whisk, and one muffin tin. You can have a warm, bakery-style treat with a clean kitchen in almost no time. Let’s get started on this simple, satisfying bake.
Recipe Overview
Here’s a quick glance at what you’re in for with this wonderfully easy recipe.
- Cuisine: American
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 12 muffins
The Magic of a One-Bowl Wonder
I get a special kind of joy from recipes that require only one mixing bowl. It means the fun part—eating—comes faster. This method is a true cleanup dream for busy people.
You simply mix your dry and wet ingredients together in a single bowl. There’s no need for multiple steps or appliances. It streamlines the entire baking process from start to finish.
All You Need (One Bowl & These Ingredients)
Gathering your tools and ingredients first makes the process seamless. You’ll appreciate the simplicity. It’s all about working smart, not hard.
Banana Coconut Muffins – Tropical Moist & Sweet Recipe
The Full Ingredient List
PREPARATION
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Banana Coconut Muffins – Tropical Moist & Sweet Recipe!
Nutrition Information
For this recipe, you just need one large mixing bowl and a standard 12-cup muffin tin. The ingredients are mostly pantry staples you likely already have on hand. This makes it an easy, spur-of-the-moment treat.
The Full Ingredient List
Using ripe bananas is the secret to natural sweetness and moisture. Here is everything you’ll need for these tropical delights.
- 3 large, very ripe bananas
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup melted coconut oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional, but highly recommended)
PREPARATION
Follow these simple steps for perfect muffins and an easy cleanup. I promise it’s straightforward and satisfying. For another fantastic one-pot meal that’s ready in minutes, try our creamy shrimp scampi orzo.
- First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line your muffin tin with paper liners or grease it lightly. This prevents sticking and makes for easy removal.
- In your one large bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until mostly smooth. A few small lumps are perfectly fine and add texture.
- Add the sugar, melted coconut oil, egg, and vanilla extract to the bananas. Whisk everything together until it’s just combined and smooth.
- Sprinkle the flour, baking soda, and salt directly over the wet mixture. Gently fold the dry ingredients in until no dry streaks remain. Be careful not to overmix.
- Finally, fold in the shredded coconut and chocolate chips. This distributes those delicious add-ins evenly throughout the batter.
- Divide the batter evenly among the 12 prepared muffin cups. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step ensures they set properly.
Pro-Tips for Perfect One-Bowl Baking
A few simple tricks can elevate your baking game. They ensure your muffins turn out perfectly every single time.
First, do not overmix the batter. Stir until the ingredients are just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough, dense muffins instead of light and fluffy ones.
Second, make sure your bananas are very ripe. They should be covered in brown spots. This guarantees the best sweetness and easiest mashing for your batter.
Storing & Reheating (Easy!)
Keeping your muffins fresh is just as simple as making them. Proper storage means you can enjoy them for days.
Once completely cool, store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months.
To reheat, simply warm a muffin in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. This makes it taste freshly baked and wonderfully warm. It’s the perfect quick breakfast or snack.
Nutrition Notes
While this is a treat, it’s helpful to know what you’re enjoying. Here’s a basic breakdown per muffin.
- Calories: ~220 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fat: 9g
- Protein: 3g
- Sugar: 16g
If you’re craving more sweet treats after these muffins, you absolutely must try our irresistible strawberry shortcake puppy chow for a fun dessert twist.
Your One-Bowl Questions, Answered
I often get a few common questions about this recipe. Here are the answers to make your baking experience flawless.
Can I make this into a banana bread instead?
Absolutely! Simply pour the batter into a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan. You will need to increase the baking time to about 50-60 minutes. It makes a wonderfully moist banana bread cake.
Can I use a different type of oil?
Yes, you can. Melted butter or a neutral vegetable oil like canola work perfectly as a substitute for the coconut oil. The result will be just as delicious and moist.
My bananas aren’t ripe enough. What can I do?
You can quickly ripen bananas by baking them. Place unpeeled bananas on a baking sheet and bake at 300°F (150°C) for 15-20 minutes, until the skins are black. Let them cool before using.
I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your kitchen as it does to mine. It proves you don’t need a pile of dirty dishes to create something truly special and delicious.
Now you’re armed with the ultimate easy banana dessert recipe. Go forth and bake without the dread of a messy kitchen waiting for you. Enjoy all that tropical flavor (and your clean countertops!). Let me know how it went by leaving a comment and rating below!
