Ingredients
To create these delightful banana nut muffins, you’ll need a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll gather, and why each component is crucial:
- Ripe Bananas: (3 medium-large) – The star of the show! Ripe bananas are essential for sweetness, moisture, and that signature banana flavor. The more brown spots, the better!
- All-Purpose Flour: (3 cups) – Forms the structure of the muffins, providing the necessary gluten for a tender crumb.
- Granulated Sugar: (1 cup) – Adds sweetness and contributes to the moistness and browning of the muffins.
- Brown Sugar: (½ cup, packed) – Lends a deeper molasses-like sweetness and enhances the moisture and chewiness of the muffins.
- Eggs: (2 large) – Bind the ingredients together, add richness, and contribute to the muffin’s structure and rise.
- Unsalted Butter: (½ cup, melted) – Provides flavor, richness, and tenderness. Melted butter ensures a moist muffin.
- Vegetable Oil: (½ cup) – Adds extra moisture and helps keep the muffins soft and tender for days.
- Milk or Buttermilk: (½ cup) – Adds moisture and helps activate the baking soda and baking powder, contributing to a light and fluffy texture. Buttermilk adds a slight tang for extra flavor.
- Baking Soda: (1 teaspoon) – A leavening agent that helps the muffins rise and become light and airy.
- Baking Powder: (2 teaspoons) – Another leavening agent that works in tandem with baking soda for optimal rise and texture.
- Salt: (½ teaspoon) – Enhances the flavors of all the other ingredients and balances the sweetness.
- Vanilla Extract: (1 teaspoon) – Adds a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the banana and nuts beautifully.
- Ground Cinnamon: (1 teaspoon) – Optional, but recommended! Cinnamon adds a touch of warmth and spice that enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Chopped Nuts: (1 cup, walnuts or pecans) – Provide a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. Walnuts and pecans are classic choices, but you can use your favorite nuts.
Instructions
Baking these banana nut muffins is a breeze! Follow these simple, step-by-step instructions to create bakery-worthy muffins right in your own kitchen:
- Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Muffin Tin: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners, or grease the muffin cups generously with cooking spray. This prevents sticking and makes for easy removal.
- Mash the Bananas: In a large mixing bowl, peel and mash the ripe bananas with a fork until they are mostly smooth with just a few small chunks remaining. Don’t over-mash; a little texture is nice!
- Combine Wet Ingredients: To the mashed bananas, add the melted butter, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, milk (or buttermilk), and vanilla extract. Whisk everything together until well combined and smooth.
- Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon (if using). Whisking ensures the leavening agents and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough muffins. Mix until the flour streaks disappear.
- Fold in the Nuts: Gently fold in the chopped nuts until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Fill the Muffin Cups: Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared muffin cups, filling each cup about two-thirds to three-quarters full. This allows space for the muffins to rise without overflowing.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. The muffins should be golden brown on top and spring back lightly when gently pressed.
- Cool in the Muffin Tin: Let the muffins cool in the muffin tin for 5-10 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling in the tin allows them to firm up slightly, making them easier to handle.
- Enjoy!: Serve warm or at room temperature. These banana nut muffins are delicious on their own, or with a pat of butter, a drizzle of honey, or a dollop of cream cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one normal portion
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 15g