Do you ever find a single overripe banana sitting on the counter and wonder what to make with it? This Banana Carrot Chocolate Chip Muffins recipe is an ideal solution. These muffins are a simple, kid-friendly snack or breakfast item that combines fruit and vegetables in a tasty way. I love sneaking extra veggies into meals, so I add grated carrot here, similar to my Banana Zucchini Muffins.
This recipe is very flexible. Use one or two bananas for a mild banana flavor, or up to four bananas if you prefer a stronger banana presence. If you stick with just one banana, you may want to add a bit more sugar—about 1/4 cup—to balance flavors. I often use vanilla yogurt in the batter to add natural sweetness, along with 1/2 cup melted butter or oil. You can also replace half the butter or oil with 1/2 cup applesauce for a lighter option.
By making a few substitutions—using part whole wheat flour, swapping some fat for yogurt or applesauce, and omitting chocolate chips—you can turn these into a healthier muffin suitable for breakfast or a nutritious snack. Still, a few chocolate chips make them irresistible for kids, so I usually include them.
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Step-by-Step Photos for How to Make Banana Carrot Chocolate Chip Muffins

Frequently Asked Questions about Banana Carrot Chocolate Chip Muffins
Will store-bought shredded carrots work in this recipe?
Store-bought shredded carrots are often drier than freshly grated carrots, so I recommend grating a fresh carrot. The moisture from a freshly grated carrot helps keep the muffins soft and tender.
Do you recommend using a food processor to grate the carrot?
A food processor works well if you want finely grated carrot without much effort. It speeds up prep and creates an even texture.
Can I use more than one banana in this recipe?
Yes. You can use up to four bananas if you want a pronounced banana flavor. Fewer bananas yield a milder flavor and can be balanced with a little extra sugar or yogurt.
Can I use Greek yogurt or applesauce instead of butter?
You can substitute half of the butter or oil with 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or 1/2 cup applesauce for a lighter muffin that still stays moist.
Can I substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour?
Using 100% whole wheat flour will make the muffins dense. For best texture, use half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour.
How many muffins does this recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately 24 standard muffins. If you increase the number of bananas, you may get a slightly larger yield.
Baker’s Tools:
- Muffin pan
- Muffin liners
- Cooking spray
- Food processor (optional)
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups
Mini Muffins Kids Love
- 1–2 ripe bananas (up to 4 for stronger banana flavor)
- 1 cup finely grated carrot (about 1 medium carrot)
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar (reduce if using more bananas or sweet yogurt)
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup melted butter or canola oil (substitute half with 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or applesauce)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (or 1 1/2 cups each all-purpose and whole wheat)
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips (optional)
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare a 12-count muffin tin with liners or spray with cooking spray.
- In a medium bowl, mash the banana(s) until smooth.
- Add the grated carrot, sugar, melted butter or oil, eggs, and vanilla. Stir until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour(s), baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix gently until everything is moistened (about 10–12 strokes).
- Fold in the chocolate chips, if using.
- Scoop the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about two-thirds full.
- Bake at 375°F for 15–18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool slightly, then enjoy.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Banana Carrot Chocolate Chip Muffins
Can I use Greek yogurt or applesauce instead of butter?
Baker’s Tools: