Easy Banana Bread Muffins Recipe
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Got some overripe bananas? I have a great use for them: banana bread muffins! These delicious breakfast muffins are basically a banana bread in a muffin form. This easy recipe combines fresh ripe bananas with butter, sugar, egg and flour to bake into an amazing-smelling tender and moist banana muffin – what a great way to start your day!
Why You’ll Love Easy Banana Bread Muffins
- Incredible Flavor: These muffins are packed with the natural sweetness and deep flavor of ripe bananas, making every bite irresistible. The combination of bananas, butter, and a hint of sugar creates a rich and satisfying taste.
- Simple Ingredients: You probably already have everything you need in your kitchen! Flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and bananas are pantry staples, so no special trips to the store.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 35 minutes from start to finish. With minimal prep and no fancy equipment needed, it’s perfect for busy mornings or last-minute baking.
- Versatile Treat: These muffins make a delightful breakfast, an easy snack, or even a quick dessert. Enjoy them with coffee, tea, or as a grab-and-go treat on the run.
- Freezer-Friendly: Bake a batch and store the extras in the freezer for a convenient breakfast option. Simply thaw overnight for fresh muffins anytime you want.
If you ever throw out bananas that have turned splotchy brown, you must print out this recipe, Pin it and save it to your phone! By not using up those bananas, you are missing out on such delicious breakfast. Who needs to eat boring cereal for breakfast when you can have freshly baked homemade banana bread muffins? Instead of going to waste, these overripe bananas can be turned into gourmet muffins – with very little effort!
Even if you don’t normally bake, it is very easy to make banana bread muffins. Everything is mixed in one dish, and if you don’t own a mixer you can just use the fork to whisk all the ingredients :) This recipe is virtually foolproof, and even the novice cook can make these muffins with ease.
After you taste these banana bread muffins, you will buy too many bananas next time you go to the grocery store, just so you can have an excuse to make another batch of these tasty muffins – someone’s got to use up those overripe bananas, you know ;) This recipe makes 12 huge bakery-style banana bread muffins. Their texture is moist and tender, and the taste is sweet, rich and full of banana flavor!
Ingredients For Easy Banana Bread Muffins
- Flour – Forms the base of the muffin batter, providing structure and texture.
- Baking Powder and Baking Soda – These leavening agents ensure the muffins rise perfectly, creating a fluffy texture.
- Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- Bananas – The star ingredient, adding natural sweetness and moisture to the muffins.
- Sugar – Sweetens the muffins and complements the banana flavor.
- Egg – Binds the ingredients together and adds richness to the muffins.
- Butter – Adds moisture and a rich buttery taste that makes these muffins tender and delicious.
For exact measurements of the ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.
These delicious muffins have an amazing deep banana taste! This easy recipe uses up the whole 3 bananas! I’ve seen some banana muffin recipes that use just 1 banana – what kind of banana muffin is that? My recipe is the real deal – with 3 bananas in a batch of 12 muffins I guarantee you’ll get that banana flavor that you are looking for!
Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Easy Banana Bread Muffins
- Measuring Cups and Spoons – For accurate ingredient measurements to ensure perfect muffins every time.
- Muffin Tin – A standard 12-cup muffin tin for baking the muffins to the ideal size and shape.
- Large Mixing Bowl – For combining all the ingredients with ease.
- Fork – Perfect for mashing the bananas and mixing the batter if you don’t have a whisk.
- Microwave-Safe Dish – To melt the butter quickly and conveniently.
- Cooking Spray or Paper Baking Cups – To prevent the muffins from sticking to the pan for easy release.
Did you know that you can easily freeze muffins to enjoy them for breakfast every morning? To freeze these banana bread muffins, just take them out of the muffin tin, put on a plate in a freezer for 1 hour, then transfer to large freezer bag. Thaw the muffins overnight on the counter, and they’ll be ready for you for breakfast!
How To Make Easy Banana Bread Muffins
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare your muffin tin by spraying it with cooking spray or lining it with paper baking cups.
- Melt the butter in the microwave on a low setting, just until it’s liquid and smooth.
- Mash the bananas thoroughly in a large mixing bowl using a fork until they reach a smooth consistency.
- Whisk in the sugar and egg, stirring until everything is evenly blended.
- Pour the melted butter into the banana mixture and mix until incorporated.
- Sprinkle in the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt over the wet ingredients. Gently fold everything together until the batter is smooth.
- Scoop the batter evenly into the muffin tin, filling each cup about three-quarters full.
- Bake in the oven for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
- Let the muffins cool in the pan for about 20 minutes before carefully removing them to serve or store.
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy these banana bread muffins warm with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey for an extra treat.
- Pair them with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast or mid-morning snack.
- Add a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a quick dessert option.
- Serve them alongside fresh blueberries or yogurt for a well-rounded breakfast spread.
- Pack them in lunchboxes or take them on picnics for a convenient, on-the-go snack.
Tips For Success
- Choose the Right Bananas: The riper the bananas, the better your muffins will taste. Look for bananas with lots of brown spots, as these are naturally sweeter and easier to mash.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mix gently until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense, tough muffins.
- Use a Cookie Scoop for Even Muffins: A cookie or ice cream scoop makes it easy to portion the batter evenly, ensuring all muffins bake at the same time.
- Check for Doneness Properly: Insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin to check if it’s done. If the toothpick comes out clean, they’re ready to come out of the oven.
- Cool Before Removing: Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for at least 20 minutes. This helps them firm up, making them easier to remove without falling apart.
- Freeze for Future Enjoyment: If you have extras, freeze the muffins individually on a plate for an hour before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight for a fresh-tasting muffin anytime.
Variations And Substitutions
- Add Chocolate Chips: For a sweeter treat, mix in ½ cup of chocolate chips into the batter before baking. The combination of banana and chocolate is always a crowd-pleaser.
- Make Them Nutty: Fold in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a bit of crunch and added flavor. Nuts pair beautifully with the natural sweetness of bananas.
- Try Whole Wheat Flour: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier twist. The muffins will be slightly denser but still delicious.
- Go Dairy-Free: Replace the butter with coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative to make these muffins dairy-free.
- Reduce the Sugar: For a less sweet version, cut the sugar down to ½ cup. The natural sweetness of the bananas will still shine through.
- Turn Them into Mini Muffins: Use a mini muffin tin instead of a regular one and reduce the baking time to about 12-15 minutes. Mini muffins are perfect for kids or as party treats.
- Add Warm Spices: Enhance the flavor by adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to the dry ingredients. These spices complement the bananas beautifully.
- Use Gluten-Free Flour: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version of these muffins.
Storage and Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Make sure they are completely cool before sealing them to prevent moisture buildup.
- Refrigeration: For longer storage, place the muffins in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to a week. Reheat them briefly in the microwave to bring back their fresh-baked softness.
- Freezing: To freeze, place the muffins on a plate and freeze for an hour. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, ensuring as much air as possible is removed. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Reheating from Frozen: Thaw the muffins at room temperature overnight or warm them directly from frozen in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fewer bananas for this recipe?
While the recipe calls for three bananas to achieve the best flavor and texture, you can use two if that’s all you have. However, the banana flavor will be less pronounced, and you may need to adjust the wet-to-dry ingredient ratio slightly.
Can I make these muffins vegan?
Yes, you can make these muffins vegan by replacing the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water) and using a plant-based butter alternative or coconut oil instead of regular butter.
What type of sugar works best for these muffins?
Granulated white sugar is used in this recipe, but you can substitute it with brown sugar for a richer flavor or coconut sugar for a slightly healthier option.
Can I add mix-ins to the batter?
Absolutely! Popular mix-ins include chocolate chips, chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or dried fruit. Fold in about ½ cup of your preferred mix-ins after combining the wet and dry ingredients.
How do I prevent the muffins from sticking to the pan?
Be sure to spray your muffin tin thoroughly with non-stick cooking spray or use paper baking cups. If you still encounter sticking, let the muffins cool completely before gently loosening the edges with a butter knife.
Can I make this recipe as a loaf instead of muffins?
Yes, the batter works perfectly for banana bread. Pour it into a greased loaf pan and bake at the same temperature, increasing the baking time to 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Why are my muffins dense instead of fluffy?
Dense muffins are often the result of overmixing the batter or using bananas that are not ripe enough. Mix the batter just until combined and ensure your bananas are overripe for the best results.
Other Easy Banana Recipes
Peanut Butter Banana Rice Cakes – Quick & Nutritious Breakfast or Snack: These rice cakes topped with creamy peanut butter and fresh banana slices make a quick, healthy, and satisfying start to your day.
Boiled Saba Bananas Recipe – Simple Filipino Dessert: Sweet and tender boiled saba bananas are a classic and comforting Filipino treat that’s both easy to make and delicious to enjoy.
Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie – Quick Breakfast or Snack: This creamy, protein-packed smoothie combines bananas, peanut butter, and a touch of sweetness for a wholesome drink in minutes.
Air Fryer Stuffed Banana Peppers – Easy Appetizer Recipe: These banana peppers are stuffed with a flavorful filling and air-fried to perfection for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack.
Crispy Fried Bananas – Sweet and Easy Dessert: Golden, crispy fried bananas with a caramelized coating are a quick and indulgent dessert you’ll love.
Crispy Fried Bananas – Sweet and Easy Dessert: These air fryer cookies are naturally sweetened with bananas and packed with oats for a guilt-free treat.
Festive Christmas Fruit Salad – Strawberries, Kiwi, and Bananas: This vibrant fruit salad combines red strawberries, green kiwi, and sweet bananas for a festive and refreshing holiday dish.
Easy Banana Bread Muffins Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3 large bananas mashed
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 6 tbsp butter
Recommended Kitchen Tools (click the links below to see the items used to make this recipe)
- Muffin Tin 12 regular-size muffins
- Large mixing bowl
- Microwave-safe dish
- Cooking spray or paper baking cups
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350F.
- Spray a non-stick muffin tin (12 regular size muffins) with a cooking spray, or line with paper baking cups.
- Put the butter in a microwave-safe dish, and cook in a microwave on Low (or Defrost) for 2 minutes, or until melted.
- Put bananas in a large bowl and mash them with a fork.
- Add the egg and sugar to the bananas and mix until smooth.
- Add butter to the banana mixture and mix until smooth.
- Add flour to the banana mixture and sprinkle with baking powder, baking soda and salt.
- Mix the dry ingredients with banana mixture until smooth.
- Divide the muffin mixture between the 12 muffin cups.
- Put in the oven and bake for 25 minutes.
- Let the banana bread muffins cool for 20 minute before removing from the muffin tin.
More Baked Recipes
- High-Fiber Raisin Bran Muffins – Perfect for Breakfast
- Cranberry Muffins with Tangy Sauce – Seasonal Treat
- Gluten-Free Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal – Naturally Sweetened Breakfast
I always seem to have overripe bananas hanging around, this is the perfect use for them! And what a great idea freezing them, with just my husband and I we can not (SHOULD NOT) ever finish 12 muffins before they go bad :) Happy New Year Melanie!
LOL I could probably eat all 12 banana muffins in one sitting :) Yeah, let’s lock’em up in the freezer before we are too many at a time!
It’s been far too long since I’ve had banana bread! These sound so good! And yes to freezing muffins – I love doing that!
You can make banana bread using this recipe too, just put in a loaf pan and bake a little longer. Making it in the form of a muffin makes a better excuse for me to eat it for breakfast :)
I love banana bread, so I’m sure I would really enjoy these muffins! Like the tip for freezing the muffins. Maybe that way I won’t be tempted to eat the entire batch! Can’t wait to give the recipe a try! ;)
Thanks Jess! I hope you enjoy the recipe, please let me know how they turned out!
I just adore any baked goods with bananas. I so want to try one of your banana muffins for breakfast. Will have to buy extra bananas :-) Happy New Year to you and your family!
Yes, and these muffins are always a great way to use up those extra bananas ;) Happy New Year to you too!
I have a weird addiction to banana bread, so these muffins are totally calling my name! Anytime you can turn one of my favorite things into a miniature form, I swoon! These are all sorts of delicious looking! Cheers and thanks for sharing the YUM!! :)
Thanks, Cheyanne! These banana muffins are so addictive, I just can’t stop eating them!
This is so perfect for breakfast! Yum!
I love having these banana muffins for breakfast!
Banana muffins are always a hit and a perfect way to start the day. We’re so funny about bananas, really only like them when they’re just slightly green. So I can never have enough banana recipes!
So the time window in which you like your bananas is very small :) They won’t stay slightly green for long, therefore you NEED this banana muffins recipe :)
I love banana bread and I totally have a bunch of bananas turning ripe (too much so!) right now! I would love to grab and go with a banana muffin on the way to work!
Grab and go breakfast is always a winner!
Such a genius recipe!! Looks so good!
Thanks Ami! I’d say not quite genius, but pretty darn good ;)
they turned out such an amazing colour :)
Thanks Tandy! Yes, the color’s nice, and so is the size – I’d love to bite into one right now, but unfortunately I don’t have any left :)
I would definitely get up early during the holidays for one of these! They look so tempting and I can almost smell them from here! :D
They smell great! What could be better than a smell of homemade muffins baking in your oven?
What a delicious way to start the day! I would love to try your banana muffins, Melanie!
Give this recipe a try, Allie! Hope you enjoy them!
I love banana bread, so of course these muffins would be right up there on my list, too. I wish I had one of these for breakfast with my cup of coffee right now. Yum!
Coffee with a baked goodie is my favorite kind of breakfast!
Hi Melanie! I think I can smell these banana muffins baking! Love to make and eat all kinds of banana baked goods. Your muffins have the best wide, domed tops. I’m inspired to reserve some bananas to bake a batch soon. : )
I love large muffins like these, with a true “muffin top”!
The question is, when do I NOT have overripe bananas in my kitchen? Thanks for a great way to make them into a perfect treat!
Thanks Kate! It truly is a great way to use up those overripe bananas! These muffins make a perfect breakfast (if there are any left before breakfast time).
These look flavorful and delicious! Need to try them!
Thanks Mira! Give these banana muffins a try, hope you enjoy them!
I am captivated by how fluffy they are! It’s been too long since I’ve enjoyed a simple, perfect banana muffin.
Their texture is wonderful! A simple perfect banana muffin is a great breakfast to look forward to!
They are great for breakfast or even afternoon snack!
Absolutely! Between breakfast and snack (or lots of snacks in our house) these disappear way too quickly!
I prefer muffins over quick bread most of the time, and banana is always a favorite! These look so moist and delicious!
Me too! There is just something about the muffin size and form that makes it more appealing than the usual slice :)
Mmm I love any baked goods that incorporate bananas and banana bread is my favourite! They look absolutely delicious :D
Thanks Nadia! I’m glad you like these banana muffins!
I made these muffins but I did make some changes. I added one banana and eliminated the butter and instead of the sugar I used 1 Tbsp of honey. They turned out great and I have one for breakfast just about every day. They also make a great snack.
These turned out DELICIOUS! And they really were super easy. Thanks for sharing!