Banana Bread Muffin Recipe is a simple yet delicious way to enjoy the classic comfort of banana bread in a convenient, grab-and-go muffin form. These muffins are a favorite treat for breakfast or snack time, offering the perfect balance of sweetness and moisture, with the added bonus of a soft, tender crumb. Whether you’re looking for a quick morning bite or a tasty afternoon snack, banana bread muffins are incredibly versatile and easy to make. The best part? With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a batch in no time, and they can be customized with your favorite add-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Banana Bread Muffin Recipe
Ingredients for Banana Bread Muffin Recipe
Here’s everything you’ll need to make the perfect batch of banana bread muffins:
- Ripe Bananas (3-4 medium-sized)
- The star ingredient! Overripe bananas work best, as their natural sweetness and softness will make the muffins moist and flavorful. You’ll need about 1 ½ to 2 cups of mashed bananas.
- All-Purpose Flour (1 ½ cups)
- The base for the muffins. All-purpose flour provides the right texture and structure for banana bread muffins, ensuring they are light yet hearty.
- Granulated Sugar (¾ cup)
- Adds sweetness to balance the flavor of the bananas. You can substitute with brown sugar for a richer, molasses-like flavor or use a combination of both for extra sweetness.
- Baking Soda (1 teaspoon)
- This leavening agent helps the muffins rise and gives them a light, airy texture. Baking soda also enhances the banana flavor and works best when combined with the acidity in the bananas.
- Salt (½ teaspoon)
- A pinch of salt brings out the natural flavors of the bananas and enhances the overall taste of the muffins.
- Egg (1 large)
- The egg acts as a binding agent, helping the ingredients come together and adding richness and moisture to the muffins.
- Unsalted Butter (½ cup, melted)
- Provides a rich, buttery flavor and contributes to the muffins’ soft texture. If you prefer, you can substitute the butter with vegetable oil or coconut oil for a different flavor profile.
- Milk (2 tablespoons, optional)
- Optional, but adding milk will make the batter a bit smoother, creating a slightly lighter texture in the muffins. You can use any milk of your choice—whole milk, almond milk, or oat milk will work well.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon)
- Adds a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the bananas and enhances the sweetness of the muffins.
- Optional Add-ins (½ cup)
- Customize your banana bread muffins with mix-ins like:
- Chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark)
- Chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
- Cinnamon (for a spiced, cozy flavor)
- Shredded coconut (for extra texture and flavor)
- Dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, or apricots)
- Customize your banana bread muffins with mix-ins like:
Feel free to get creative and adjust the sweetness or texture by adding more or fewer mix-ins based on your preferences.
Directions for Banana Bread Muffin Recipe
Follow these detailed steps to create your perfect batch of banana bread muffins:
- Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the muffins bake evenly and helps them rise beautifully. If you’re using a dark muffin tin, consider lowering the temperature to 325°F to prevent overbrowning. - Prepare the Muffin Tin
Grease a 12-cup muffin tin with non-stick spray or line it with paper muffin liners. This will help the muffins come out easily and keep them from sticking. - Mash the Bananas
In a large bowl, peel the ripe bananas and mash them with a fork or potato masher until smooth with just a few small chunks. You should have about 1 ½ to 2 cups of mashed bananas. The more ripe the bananas, the easier they’ll mash and the sweeter they’ll make the muffins. - Mix the Wet Ingredients
To the mashed bananas, add the melted butter, egg, milk (if using), and vanilla extract. Stir well to combine until the mixture is smooth and all the wet ingredients are fully incorporated. - Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps evenly distribute the dry ingredients and ensures the baking soda works properly when combined with the bananas. - Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula or wooden spoon. Mix until just combined—be careful not to overmix, as this can result in dense muffins. The batter should be a bit lumpy and thick, which is perfectly fine. - Add Optional Mix-ins
If you’re using any optional add-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or cinnamon, fold them into the batter gently. Be sure to evenly distribute them without overmixing. - Fill the Muffin Cups
Using a spoon or ice cream scoop, divide the batter evenly between the muffin cups, filling each about ¾ of the way full. This will allow the muffins to rise nicely without overflowing. - Bake the Muffins
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for about 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean (or with just a few moist crumbs). The tops should be golden brown and slightly firm to the touch. - Cool the Muffins
Remove the muffin tin from the oven and let the muffins cool in the tin for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer the muffins to a wire rack to cool completely. This will allow them to firm up and retain their perfect texture. - Serve and Enjoy
Once the muffins are fully cooled, enjoy them as a breakfast treat, snack, or dessert. They’re delicious on their own, or you can spread a bit of butter, peanut butter, or honey for extra flavor.
These banana bread muffins stay fresh for several days when stored in an airtight container. You can also freeze them for longer storage and enjoy them later for a quick snack or breakfast!
Banana Bread Muffin Recipe
Equipment
- Muffin tin To bake the muffins. You can use either a standard or mini muffin tin depending on your preferred size.
- Mixing bowls One for mixing the wet ingredients (mashed bananas, butter, egg, etc.) and one for the dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, salt).
- Whisk To mix the dry ingredients together evenly.
- Fork or Potato Masher For mashing the ripe bananas.
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon To gently combine the wet and dry ingredients, avoiding overmixing.
Ingredients
- 2 cups Ripe Bananas
- 1 cup All-purpose Flour
- ¾ cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line with paper liners.
- Mash the ripe bananas in a bowl, then mix in melted butter, egg, milk (optional), and vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients, mixing until just combined (do not overmix).
- Fill muffin cups ¾ full, bake for 18-22 minutes, and cool before serving.
Notes
-
Ripe Bananas Are Key:
The riper the bananas, the better! Overripe bananas with brown spots will make the muffins sweeter and more flavorful. If you don't have ripe bananas, you can speed up the ripening process by placing them in a paper bag. -
Don’t Overmix the Batter:
Overmixing can make the muffins dense. Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined to keep them light and fluffy. -
Oven Temperature May Vary:
All ovens are different, so start checking the muffins around 18 minutes to ensure they don’t overbake. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. -
Customize the Recipe:
You can easily add extras like chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit. If using chocolate chips, consider reducing the sugar slightly, as the chips will add extra sweetness. -
Storage:
These muffins are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, simply warm them up in the microwave. -
Mini Muffins Option:
If you prefer mini muffins, adjust the baking time to about 10-15 minutes and check for doneness with a toothpick. -
Butter Substitutes:
You can substitute the butter with vegetable oil or applesauce for a lighter option, though the texture and flavor may differ slightly.
Tips for Banana Bread Muffin Recipe
- Use Overripe Bananas
The key to making banana bread muffins moist and flavorful is using overripe bananas. The more brown spots on the peel, the sweeter and softer the bananas will be, which results in a better texture and flavor for your muffins. - Don’t Overmix the Batter
When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense, tough muffins. It’s okay if the batter is a bit lumpy—this helps keep the muffins light and fluffy. - Let the Batter Rest
After mixing the batter, let it sit for a few minutes before spooning it into the muffin tin. This allows the flour to fully hydrate, resulting in a better texture for the muffins. - Measure Your Flour Correctly
For best results, use the spoon-and-level method to measure your flour. Fluff the flour in the container, spoon it into your measuring cup, and level it off with a knife. This ensures you don’t end up with too much flour, which could make the muffins dense. - Use Room Temperature Ingredients
For smoother batter, make sure the egg and butter are at room temperature before mixing. Cold ingredients can cause the batter to seize up and lead to uneven texture. - Check the Muffins Early
Oven temperatures can vary, so start checking your muffins around 18 minutes. Insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin—if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, they’re done. If it comes out wet, continue baking for a few more minutes. - Customize the Recipe
Experiment with different add-ins to make your muffins your own:- Nuts like walnuts or pecans add crunch and a nutty flavor.
- Chocolate chips or chunks for a sweet indulgence.
- Spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth.
- Shredded coconut or dried fruits for added texture and sweetness.
- Make Mini Muffins
If you prefer smaller portions or want to make a larger batch, you can use a mini muffin tin. Just reduce the baking time to around 10-15 minutes, checking with a toothpick for doneness. - Don’t Skip the Cooling Step
After baking, allow the muffins to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This ensures they set properly and prevents them from becoming soggy. - Store Properly
For maximum freshness, store your banana bread muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze the muffins in a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to eat, just pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to warm them up.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to make banana bread muffins that are soft, fluffy, and packed with flavor every time!
Conclusion
In conclusion, this Banana Bread Muffin Recipe is the perfect combination of simplicity and deliciousness. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast option, a snack to enjoy with your coffee, or a treat to share with family and friends, these banana bread muffins are sure to satisfy. With just a few basic ingredients and simple steps, you can create a batch of moist, flavorful muffins that rival any bakery’s version. The natural sweetness of ripe bananas shines through, complemented by a buttery, tender crumb, making every bite a delight.
What makes this recipe even better is its versatility. You can easily customize the muffins by adding your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, cinnamon, or dried fruit. The options are endless, allowing you to experiment and tailor the recipe to your taste preferences. Whether you like a classic banana bread flavor or prefer a more indulgent treat with chocolatey goodness, this muffin recipe can easily be adapted to suit your cravings.
I’m Priscilla Swahn, a registered dietitian with a master’s degree in nutritional sciences. With over a decade of experience in holistic nutrition, I specialize in creating delicious keto recipes to help you enjoy a healthy lifestyle. On iKetoMom, you’ll find a variety of recipes for every meal—hearty breakfasts, satisfying lunches, mouthwatering dinners, indulgent desserts, and refreshing drinks. My recipes make keto living easy and enjoyable for the whole family. Featured in EatingWell and MindBodyGreen, I also collaborate with health centers and corporate companies to share my expertise. Join me and discover the joy of keto cooking!