Banana Bread Muffins Recipe
Craving a quick, delicious, and easy treat that’s perfect for breakfast or as an afternoon snack? These Banana Bread Muffins are the answer!
They’re everything you love about banana bread but baked into individual, portable muffins. Soft, moist, and bursting with sweet banana flavor, these muffins are perfect for using up overripe bananas. Let’s dive into this simple and scrumptious recipe.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it with non-stick spray.
Step 2: Mash the Bananas
In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas using a fork or potato masher until they are smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
To the mashed bananas, add the melted butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until well combined.
Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the muffins dense.
Step 5: Add Mix-Ins (Optional)
If you want to add some extra texture and flavor, gently fold in the chopped walnuts or chocolate chips at this stage.
Step 6: Fill the Muffin Tins
Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 full. This will ensure the muffins rise beautifully without overflowing.
Step 7: Bake the Muffins
Bake the muffins in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The tops should be golden brown and slightly springy to the touch.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your banana bread muffins warm or at room temperature!
Tips for Perfect Banana Bread Muffins
1. Use Overripe Bananas
The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your muffins will be. Look for bananas with lots of brown spots for the best results.
2. Don’t Overmix the Batter
Overmixing the batter can lead to dense muffins. Stir just until the flour is incorporated to keep them light and fluffy.
3. Customize Your Muffins
Feel free to add your favorite mix-ins, such as nuts, chocolate chips, or even dried fruit. You can also sprinkle a bit of cinnamon-sugar on top before baking for extra sweetness.
4. Make Them Healthier
For a healthier version, you can substitute half the butter with applesauce and use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour.
5. Freeze for Later
These muffins freeze beautifully. Just place them in a ziplock bag or airtight container, and they’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds.
Serving Suggestions
1. As a Quick Breakfast
Pair these banana bread muffins with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk for a delicious and satisfying breakfast on the go.
2. With a Spread of Butter or Jam
Serve your muffins warm with a spread of butter, peanut butter, or your favorite jam for an extra indulgent treat.
3. As an Afternoon Snack
These muffins make for a perfect afternoon snack, especially when paired with tea or a refreshing iced latte.
Conclusion
These Banana Bread Muffins are the perfect way to enjoy the classic flavors of banana bread in a convenient, bite-sized form. They’re quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying, making them a go-to recipe for any occasion. Whether you’re making them for breakfast, a snack, or to share with friends and family, you’ll love how moist and flavorful these muffins turn out every time.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen bananas. Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before using them in the recipe.
2. Can I make these muffins without eggs?
Yes, you can substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) or use an egg replacement product.
3. Can I add other fruits to the batter?
Absolutely! You can fold in blueberries, strawberries, or even raisins for extra flavor and texture.
4. How do I store these muffins?
Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
5. Can I make mini muffins with this recipe?
Yes, you can! Just reduce the baking time to 10-12 minutes for mini muffins.
Banana Bread Muffins Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease the muffin cups. - Prepare the Batter:
In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. Stir in the melted butter.
Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until combined. - Add Dry Ingredients:
Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the banana mixture and stir. Gently fold in the flour and cinnamon (if using) until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
If using, fold in the chopped walnuts or chocolate chips. - Fill the Muffin Cups:
Evenly divide the batter between the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full. - Bake the Muffins:
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. - Cool and Serve:
Let the muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.