The Best Banana Muffin Recipe

Soft, fluffy, and filled with natural sweetness, they’re ideal for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. Follow this detailed recipe to make the best banana muffins from scratch using simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 12-cup muffin tin by lining it with paper liners or lightly greasing each cup to ensure that the muffins come out easily after baking.

Proper preparation helps in creating the perfect banana muffins without any sticking. In a large mixing bowl, peel and mash the ripe bananas using a fork or potato masher. You want them to be mostly smooth with just a few small lumps left. Using overripe bananas with brown spots is ideal for maximum sweetness and moisture, making your banana muffins extra soft and flavorful. To the mashed bananas, add the melted butter and stir until well combined.

Next, mix in the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Stir until all the ingredients are fully incorporated. This step ensures a consistent distribution of flavour throughout the muffins. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Whisking these dry ingredients helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt, which ensures that your muffins will rise evenly.

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet banana mixture using a spatula. Mix until just combined — it’s crucial not to overmix the batter, as this can make the muffins tough and dense. The key to light and fluffy banana muffins is a gentle hand when combining the wet and dry components. If you want to enhance your banana muffins with extra flavours, now is the time to fold in the chocolate chips or chopped walnuts.

These mix-ins add a delightful crunch or creamy sweetness to every bite. Divide the batter evenly among the 12 muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full. This allows space for the muffins to rise without overflowing. Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean. Depending on your oven, you may need to rotate the muffin tin halfway through baking for even cooking.

Once baked, remove the muffins from the oven and allow them to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling the muffins helps them set and enhances their flavour. Enjoy warm for a comforting treat or save for later — these muffins are delicious at any time of day.