Desserts

Banana Nut Muffins

Banana Nut Muffins are one of those timeless baked treats that bring comfort, warmth, and nostalgia with every bite. Soft, fluffy, and incredibly fragrant, these muffins are filled with mashed ripe bananas and the wonderful crunch of toasted nuts, creating a delightful balance of textures and flavors.

Whether enjoyed with a morning coffee, packed in a lunchbox, or served warm as a dessert, these muffins embody homemade goodness.

Made with simple pantry ingredients, Banana Nut Muffins are moist, lightly sweet, and versatile. They’re especially wonderful for using overripe bananas, transforming what many would throw away into something delicious and cozy.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s simple yet deeply satisfying. Every bite is moist, flavorful, and perfectly textured with soft banana and crunchy nuts.

The batter comes together quickly with minimal effort—no mixer needed—making it ideal for both beginners and seasoned bakers. The aroma alone, as they bake, feels like a warm hug filling the kitchen.

Why This Recipe Is a Must Try

This recipe is a must try because:

  • It uses everyday ingredients.
  • It’s healthier than store-bought muffins.
  • It’s customizable—add chocolate chips, cinnamon, or blueberries.
  • It freezes beautifully for meal prep or busy mornings.

Plus, these muffins are versatile enough to be breakfast, snack, or dessert. Once you make them fresh at home, you’ll never go back to packaged muffins.

Recipe Details

CategoryInformation
Preparation Time10 minutes
Cooking Time18–22 minutes
Total Time30–35 minutes
Servings12 standard muffins
CourseBreakfast, Snack, Dessert
CuisineAmerican
Estimated Calories~210 calories per muffin

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional but recommended)

Wet Ingredients

  • 3 large ripe bananas, mashed
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • ⅓ cup melted butter (or vegetable oil)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Add-ins

  • ¾ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
  • Optional: ½ cup chocolate chips or raisins

Cooking Directions / Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease lightly.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together:

  • Flour
  • Baking soda
  • Baking powder
  • Salt
  • Cinnamon

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate large bowl, mash bananas until smooth. Stir in:

  • Brown and white sugar
  • Melted butter
  • Eggs
  • Vanilla extract

Mix until well combined.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

Fold the dry ingredients gently into the wet mixture until just combined. Do not overmix.

Step 5: Add Nuts

Fold in chopped nuts and optional add-ins.

Step 6: Fill Muffin Cups

Scoop batter into muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full.

Step 7: Bake

Bake for 18–22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool

Let muffins cool for 5 minutes in the tin, then transfer to a wire rack.

How to Serve

Serve warm or at room temperature with:

  • Butter
  • Cream cheese
  • Honey
  • Peanut butter
  • A cup of coffee or tea

They’re also delicious as-is!

Recipe Tips

  • Use very ripe bananas with brown spots—they’re sweeter and mash easily.
  • Don’t overmix the batter; it makes muffins dense instead of fluffy.
  • Toast nuts before adding for a richer flavor.
  • Sprinkle extra nuts on top before baking for a bakery-style finish.

Variations

StyleWhat to Add
Chocolate Chip Banana MuffinsAdd ½ cup chocolate chips.
Healthy VersionReplace half the flour with oat flour and use honey instead of sugar.
Banana Coconut MuffinsAdd ½ cup shredded coconut.
Banana Raisin Cinnamon MuffinsAdd ½ cup raisins and ½ teaspoon extra cinnamon.
Banana Blueberry MuffinsFold in ½ cup fresh blueberries.

Storage & Freezing Instructions

  • Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for 2–3 days.
  • Refrigerator: Store up to 5–6 days.
  • Freezer: Wrap individually and freeze up to 3 months.
    Thaw overnight or warm in the microwave for 20–30 seconds.

Special Equipment Needed

  • Muffin tin
  • Paper liners (optional)
  • Mixing bowls
  • Spatula or whisk
  • Cooling rack

FAQ

Q: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes—use plant butter or oil and dairy-free chocolate chips if using.

Q: Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes, thaw completely and drain excess liquid before mashing.

Q: Can I make mini muffins?
Yes—bake 10–12 minutes.

Conclusion

Banana Nut Muffins are truly the perfect homemade treat—moist, flavorful, wholesome, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re baking for your family, sharing with friends, or preparing snacks for the week, these muffins deliver comfort and deliciousness every time. Once you try them fresh from the oven, warm and fragrant, you’ll want to bake them again and again.

Banana Nut Muffins

Recipe by Rhonda AndersonCourse: DessertsCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

12

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

25

minutes
Total time

35

minutes

Ingredients

  • Dry Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 teaspoon baking soda

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional but recommended)

  • Wet Ingredients

  • 3 large ripe bananas, mashed

  • ½ cup granulated sugar

  • ½ cup brown sugar

  • ⅓ cup melted butter (or vegetable oil)

  • 2 large eggs

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • Add-ins

  • ¾ cup chopped walnuts or pecans

  • Optional: ½ cup chocolate chips or raisins

Directions

  • Step 1: Preheat Oven : Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease lightly.
  • Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients : In a medium bowl, whisk together: Flour Baking soda Baking powder Salt Cinnamon
  • Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients : In a separate large bowl, mash bananas until smooth. Stir in: Brown and white sugar Melted butter Eggs Vanilla extract Mix until well combined.
  • Step 4: Combine Mixtures : Fold the dry ingredients gently into the wet mixture until just combined. Do not overmix.
  • Step 5: Add Nuts : Fold in chopped nuts and optional add-ins.
  • Step 6: Fill Muffin Cups : Scoop batter into muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full.
  • Step 7: Bake : Bake for 18–22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Step 8: Cool : Let muffins cool for 5 minutes in the tin, then transfer to a wire rack.