Play.
All around is the sound of trickling water. Icicles shrinking and dripping. The wind blows as though breathing a long baited sigh of relief. The birds sing again. The sun burns red through closed eyelids and thaws the chill from the interminable Winter.
Spring is here. In case you didn't know, Spring is my favourite season. It's when Winter fades and slowly life begins again. Winter is like living on pause. Life is frozen in place. It's time for play.
Speaking of which, I was playing with my original Banana Muffins recipe the other day and transformed it into Chocolate Banana Cinnamon Muffins. I think you'll like it.
Chocolate Banana Cinnamon Muffins
Makes a dozen muffins.
Source: Adapted from my family recipe.
3 large bananas
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 egg, slightly beaten
1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup flour
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
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Preheat the oven to 375 degrees and position a rack in the center. Line a muffin tin with baking cups and set it aside.
To make your own tulip baking cups cut 2 – 3 inch squares of parchment paper and press them into the muffin tin. Whatever paper puckers up because of being pushed into the muffin tin crease with your fingernail so it keeps it's shape.
In a large bowl mash the bananas with a fork then mix in the sugar, egg and butter.
In a separate bowl whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, cinnamon, salt, baking soda and baking powder then lightly fold it into the banana mixture. The batter should be just moistened and still a little clumpy. Over mixing will produce short tough muffins.
Divide the batter between the prepared muffin cups and bake them for about 20 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean. Transfer them to a rack to cool and enjoy!
April 5th, 2011 - 18:27
As always, your pictures are gorg and your muffins sound fabulous!!
April 5th, 2011 - 18:44
Thanks lady!
April 5th, 2011 - 19:01
Did you use parchment paper for your muffin cups? I like it! This recipe sounds yummy
April 5th, 2011 - 19:10
Thanks Dee! I sure did.
April 5th, 2011 - 19:12
What beautiful pictures Lindsey.. you really are talented! I think I would like one of these muffins tomorrow morning for breakfast-you ship by any chance!?
April 5th, 2011 - 20:59
Thank you! I wish I could send one to everyone.
April 5th, 2011 - 19:15
Chocolate banana muffins are always a winner in my books, but I love how you’ve spiced these up with cinnamon and… ummmm… kicked them up a notch, to borrow a cheesy cliche.
I’d probably add some chocolate chips to the mix, but that’s just because I’m a total chocoholic and can’t resist adding more chocolate to pretty much anything.
BTW, just love your diptych of the dripping icicle. It totally captures that springtime-is-finally-here kinda feeling!
April 5th, 2011 - 21:00
Thank you so much lady! I think cinnamon makes everything better much like chocolate does so it’s perfect! I had a lot of fun taking pictures of melting icicles too.
April 5th, 2011 - 19:33
Oh how yummy do those look! I have everything to make these right now, which has be unbelievably excited!!!
April 5th, 2011 - 21:01
Awesome! Get baking!
April 5th, 2011 - 20:11
Oh spring! It’s my favorite season too. What not to like about spring (unless you have strong allergies lol) and what not to love about these muffins! Beautiful pictures!
April 5th, 2011 - 21:02
Lol it’s funny you mention it because I do have allergies around springtime, but it’s still my favourite all the same. I’m allergic to grass of all things!
April 5th, 2011 - 21:31
These look so delicious! Going to bake them tomorrow. Question – Can I substitute greased aluminum foil for the parchment paper?
April 5th, 2011 - 21:54
Thanks Rand! I think the greased aluminum foil would work just fine.
April 5th, 2011 - 21:38
I saw this and had to try it – I tried to make it a bit ‘healthier’ with splenda and egg whites but it didn’t really do it justice – that and maybe the fact I over cooked them a bit. Really enjoy your blog – it is inspiring!
April 5th, 2011 - 21:55
Thanks so much Pam! I’m glad I inspired you!
April 5th, 2011 - 22:13
Chocolate and banana together is always a winning combination to me but I like even more the addition of cinnamon to the mix. I’ll have to try that sometime.
April 6th, 2011 - 00:31
Seeing this, I was so tempted to make it right now at 12:30 in the morning (:
But I shall wait till tomorrow morning.
The pictures look amazing !
April 6th, 2011 - 00:56
Thank you L! It’s probably for the best.
April 6th, 2011 - 06:43
Cocoa-nana beauties! I get so bored with banana muffins and banana bread but you’ve given them a new life.
April 6th, 2011 - 08:04
I don’t think that I would need anything else for breakfast with my morning coffee than your beautiful muffins. Your photos are so clear and beautiful, and recipe is just amazing!!!
April 6th, 2011 - 15:19
how did you get the parchment paper like that? it looks wonderful adding these to my list of things to bake for suree
April 6th, 2011 - 15:55
Thanks Carly! It’s pretty easy actually. You just push the parchment paper squares into the muffin tin and crease down the folds so it holds it’s shape. Good luck!
April 6th, 2011 - 22:11
Your muffins are almost too pretty to eat! And your photos are just beautiful. I love the addition of cinnamon to the muffins.
April 6th, 2011 - 22:14
Thank you Lindsey! And believe me, around here nothing is too pretty to eat.
April 8th, 2011 - 11:29
Mmmm….chocolate and banana….the perfect muffin flavor. It’s always a good day when I can start off with a dose of chocolate heaven.
April 8th, 2011 - 13:37
looks gorgeous as always!!! What kind of lighting you use? or the image is taking during good daylight time? Image looks so white and bright.
April 8th, 2011 - 14:51
Thanks Shirley! I shoot in natural light which is diffused by a semi transparent sheet.
April 24th, 2011 - 19:24
Your photos are absolutely gorgeous! You are so very talented. I’m planning to use my summer vacation to work on my photography and your blog will give me much inspiration. Thank you for your beautiful work!
April 24th, 2011 - 19:51
Thank you so much Kelsey! That really means so very much to me!
February 10th, 2012 - 19:45
These look absolutely delicious! I just stuck them in the oven, and I think they will turn out amazing. Thanks so much! Are they healthy as well? It seems like it!
February 10th, 2012 - 20:33
You’re quite welcome, Mila! I suppose banana muffins are healthier than the average muffin, so yes!
March 9th, 2013 - 10:45
I tried this out yesterday.. and it was so so gooood!!! Next time i am making it with the cool tulip baking cups!!!
Oh and I absolutely love the way you write and the recipes are so easy to follow… I am gonna steal most all the recipes you have here… Now only if i could take photos half as good…..
March 10th, 2013 - 11:31
Hi Nisha! Thanks so much for your kind words and I’m so happy that you enjoyed the muffins!