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Cinnamon Banana Bread Muffins: A Sweet & Spicy Twist on a Classic
If you love the warm, comforting taste of banana bread, then you’re in for a treat! These cinnamon banana bread muffins are everything you adore about banana bread but in a portable, individually-sized package. The addition of cinnamon adds a delicious warmth that perfectly complements the natural sweetness of ripe bananas. Whether you’re whipping these up for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert, they’re guaranteed to hit the spot. Plus, they freeze beautifully, making them a perfect go-to for busy mornings!
Why You’ll Love These Muffins
- Easy to make: A simple, one-bowl recipe with minimal ingredients.
- Flavor-packed: The combination of sweet banana and spicy cinnamon gives each bite a rich, comforting taste.
- Moist and tender: Thanks to the bananas, these muffins stay perfectly moist and soft.
- Perfect for meal prep: Make a batch, freeze some, and enjoy whenever you need a quick, homemade treat.
Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Banana Bread Muffins
- Use overripe bananas: The riper the banana, the sweeter your muffins will be. Look for bananas that are heavily speckled or nearly black.
- Don’t overmix: Once you add the dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense, tough muffins.
- Cinnamon sugar topping: For an extra special touch, sprinkle a mixture of cinnamon and sugar on top of the muffins before baking. It creates a slightly crisp, sweet crust.
- Room temperature ingredients: For the best texture, make sure your eggs and butter are at room temperature before mixing them in.
- Add-ins for variety: While the base recipe is delicious as is, feel free to add a handful of chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, or even dried fruit to take these muffins to the next level.
Cinnamon Banana Bread Muffins Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 large overripe bananas, mashed
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: ¼ cup chopped nuts or chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease with non-stick spray.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
- Prepare wet ingredients: In a large bowl, mash the bananas until smooth. Stir in the melted butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Add optional ingredients: If using nuts or chocolate chips, fold them in at this stage.
- Spoon batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about ¾ of the way full.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cinnamon Banana Bread Muffins
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 large overripe bananas mashed
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: ¼ cup chopped nuts or chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease with non-stick spray.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
- Prepare wet ingredients: In a large bowl, mash the bananas until smooth. Stir in the melted butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Add optional ingredients: If using nuts or chocolate chips, fold them in at this stage.
- Spoon batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about ¾ of the way full.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Common Questions & Answers About Cinnamon Banana Bread Muffins
Q: Can I make these muffins gluten-free?
A: Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. Make sure the mix you use contains xanthan gum, as it helps mimic the elasticity of gluten.
Q: How do I store these muffins?
A: Once the muffins are completely cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze for up to 3 months. To freeze, wrap each muffin in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
Q: Can I use less sugar?
A: Definitely! If you prefer a less sweet muffin, you can reduce the sugar by about ¼ cup without drastically changing the texture. The bananas will still add natural sweetness.
Q: Can I substitute oil for butter?
A: Yes, you can substitute an equal amount of vegetable oil or coconut oil for the butter. However, butter gives a richer flavor, so keep that in mind.
Q: What if I don’t have overripe bananas?
A: No problem! You can speed up the ripening process by placing your bananas in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 15 minutes. The skin will turn black, but the inside will become soft and sweet, just like overripe bananas.
Q: Can I make mini muffins instead of regular-sized ones?
A: Absolutely! To make mini muffins, use a mini muffin tin and reduce the baking time to 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
Final Thoughts
These cinnamon banana bread muffins are a delightful twist on traditional banana bread, with a hint of spice and a soft, moist crumb. They’re easy enough for a quick weekday bake and impressive enough for weekend brunches. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or after they’ve been frozen, each bite is sure to deliver comfort and flavor. Don’t forget to experiment with add-ins like chocolate chips or nuts to make these muffins your own!
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