Banana muffins are the kind of cozy comfort food that never go out of style. Whether it’s a rushed weekday morning or a lazy weekend brunch, there’s always a good reason to enjoy these moist, sweet, and flavorful treats. This recipe delivers everything you could want in a banana muffin: a soft, tender crumb, deep banana flavor, and a golden, slightly crisp top. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to make again and again.
Bananas are one of those pantry staples that tend to pile up on the counter. As they ripen and their skins darken, their flavor intensifies, making them the perfect ingredient for baking. This banana muffin recipe is an ideal way to use up overripe bananas, transforming them into something both nostalgic and indulgent.
Unlike many store-bought banana muffins, which can be overly sweet or dry, these muffins strike the perfect balance between rich flavor and light texture. The secret lies in using just the right amount of mashed bananas and a splash of milk to ensure a moist crumb without becoming dense or soggy.
You don’t need any fancy equipment to make these banana muffins, just a couple of mixing bowls and a muffin tin. It’s a one-bowl-friendly recipe if you’re in a rush, and it scales well if you’re baking for a crowd. It’s also a fantastic baking project for beginners or for baking with kids.
The aroma that fills your kitchen while these muffins bake is nothing short of magical. Warm notes of banana, vanilla, and cinnamon combine into a scent that is comforting and inviting. Serve them warm with a dab of butter or enjoy them plain – either way, they’re irresistible.
Muffins are incredibly versatile, and this banana muffin recipe is no exception. You can dress them up with chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or even a crumble topping if you’re feeling fancy. But they also shine in their simplest form, letting the banana flavor take center stage.
Banana muffins also freeze beautifully, so feel free to make a double batch. Just let them cool completely, then pop them into a freezer-safe bag. When you need a quick breakfast or snack, just warm one in the microwave or let it thaw at room temperature.
One of the best things about this recipe is how forgiving it is. If you’re out of milk, a non-dairy alternative works great. Want to use whole wheat flour? Go for it. Have an extra banana? Toss it in. The recipe is adaptable and resilient, just like the best home cooking should be.
These muffins also make a great addition to school lunches or a satisfying after-school snack. They’re sweet enough to feel like a treat but hearty enough to fuel busy kids and adults alike.
If you’re hosting brunch, banana muffins are a crowd-pleaser that pairs well with everything from savory egg dishes to fresh fruit salads. Their warm, sweet flavor complements just about any spread.
For those watching their sugar intake, this recipe can be modified with less sugar or a natural sweetener substitute. The bananas themselves provide plenty of natural sweetness, making this an easy adjustment.
If you’ve ever felt intimidated by baking, banana muffins are a great place to start. They’re almost foolproof and the ingredients are ones most people already have in their kitchen.
Making banana muffins is a great way to slow down and savor the little things. It’s a moment of calm in a hectic day, a warm muffin in hand, the smell of cinnamon lingering in the air. These are the moments we remember.
And finally, these muffins simply taste amazing. They are soft, fluffy, rich with banana flavor, and have just the right touch of sweetness. Perfect on their own or with a cup of coffee, they are everything you want in a homemade treat.
Servings: 12 muffins
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 18-22 minutes
Total Time: 30-35 minutes
Ingredients:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease lightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas with a fork until smooth.
- Stir in the melted butter.
- Add sugar, beaten egg, vanilla extract, baking soda, salt, and milk. Mix until combined.
- Gently stir in the flour until just incorporated. Do not overmix.
- Divide the batter evenly between the muffin cups.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips:
- Use overripe bananas with lots of brown spots for the best flavor.
- Don’t overmix the batter – a few lumps are okay.
- Add chopped walnuts or chocolate chips for variation.
- Store muffins in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Super moist and fluffy
- Naturally sweetened with ripe bananas
- Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients
- Freezer-friendly for meal prep
- Customizable with your favorite add-ins
Summary: This banana muffin recipe is a tried-and-true favorite that delivers bakery-quality results with minimal effort. Moist, flavorful, and wonderfully simple, these muffins are perfect for breakfast, snack time, or anytime you need a touch of comfort.
The Best Banana Muffin Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas mashed
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 large egg beaten
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup milk dairy or non-dairy
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease lightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas with a fork until smooth.
- Stir in the melted butter.
- Add sugar, beaten egg, vanilla extract, baking soda, salt, and milk. Mix until combined.
- Gently stir in the flour until just incorporated. Do not overmix.
- Divide the batter evenly between the muffin cups.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Use overripe bananas with lots of brown spots for the best flavor.
- Don't overmix the batter – a few lumps are okay.
- Add chopped walnuts or chocolate chips for variation.
- Store muffins in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.