Are you looking for a quick and easy recipe to use up those overripe bananas sitting on your counter? Look no further! This delightful banana muffin recipe is not only incredibly simple, but also delivers incredibly moist and flavorful muffins with just two bananas. Perfect for a busy weeknight, a weekend brunch, or even a delightful afternoon snack, these muffins are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. This recipe is a great example of homemade cooking at its best - delicious, healthy, and satisfying.
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted (or vegetable oil for a vegan option)
- 1 large egg (or flax egg for a vegan option: 1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (or less, depending on banana sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Optional: ½ cup chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or other mix-ins
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease it well. This simple step ensures your muffins bake evenly and are easy to remove.
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Mash & Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, mash the bananas thoroughly. Add the melted butter, egg (or flax egg), sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix well until everything is combined. This is a great opportunity to get the kids involved in the fun of homemade cooking!
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed, leading to perfectly fluffy muffins.
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Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough muffins.
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Add Mix-ins (Optional): If using, gently fold in your choice of mix-ins, such as chocolate chips or nuts.
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Fill Muffin Cups: Fill each muffin cup about ¾ full. This prevents the muffins from overflowing during baking.
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Bake: Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Check for doneness around the 18-minute mark to avoid overbaking.
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Cool & Enjoy: Let the muffins cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these delicious and easy banana muffins warm or at room temperature. They are a great addition to any healthy meal plan!
Tips for Perfect Banana Muffins:
- Banana Ripeness: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your muffins will be. Look for bananas with brown spots for optimal results.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in tough muffins. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Baking Time: Ovens vary, so keep an eye on your muffins towards the end of the baking time.
- Storage: Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Variations:
- Spiced Banana Muffins: Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Oatmeal Banana Muffins: Stir in ½ cup of rolled oats to the batter for added texture and fiber.
- Peanut Butter Banana Muffins: Add ½ cup of peanut butter to the wet ingredients for a delicious peanut butter twist.
Nutritional Information (per muffin, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 200-250
- Fat: 8-10g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
- Protein: 3-4g
These banana muffins are a perfect example of quick dinner ideas or a simple, delicious treat. Try this easy recipe today and impress your family and friends with your baking skills! They are sure to become a favorite in your recipe book.