Best Ever Banana Nut Muffins Recipe

If you have been on the hunt for a comforting, moist, and delightfully nutty treat you can whip up with minimal fuss, then look no further. The Best Ever Banana Nut Muffins Recipe is truly a celebration of ripe bananas and crunchy walnuts nestled in soft, golden muffins. Each bite offers a perfect balance of sweetness and texture that feels like a warm hug from your favorite bakery, right in your own kitchen. Whether you’re baking for breakfast, snack time, or a cozy afternoon tea, these muffins bring joy with every crumb.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for straightforward ingredients you likely already have on hand. Each component plays a crucial role: ripe bananas provide natural sweetness and moisture, while the walnuts add a satisfying crunch and richness that elevate these muffins beyond the ordinary.

• 3 large ripe bananas: The star ingredient that brings natural sweetness and moistness to every muffin.
• 3/4 cup white sugar: Balances the banana flavor with just the right touch of sweetness.
• 1 large egg: Helps bind all the ingredients together and adds structure.
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the muffins tender and soft without overpowering.
• 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour: The base that gives these muffins their perfect crumb.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: Adds the lift needed for fluffy muffins.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Works alongside baking powder for the ideal rise.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the sweetness and rounds out the flavors.
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: Adds a warm, inviting spice note.
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional): A subtle spicy depth that makes these muffins especially cozy.
• 3/4 cups chopped walnuts (divided): Some mixed into the batter, some layered on top for crunch.
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar: Used in the walnut topping to create a caramelized, crunchy finish.
• 1 tablespoon melted butter: Coats the walnuts for a flavorful, golden muffin crown.

How to Make Best Ever Banana Nut Muffins Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Muffin Tin

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While it warms up, line your 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease it generously with butter or cooking spray. This little prep ensures your muffins come out with ease and have a beautiful presentation.

Step 2: Mash and Mix the Bananas

In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth but still slightly chunky for texture. Add the white sugar and the egg, stirring everything together with a wooden spoon until the mixture is well blended. This forms the moist, flavorful base that makes these muffins truly irresistible.

Step 3: Add the Oil

Pour in the vegetable oil and mix thoroughly. The oil is what keeps the muffins luxuriously tender and soft, preventing them from drying out as they bake.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients with Walnuts

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and optional nutmeg. Stir in 3/4 cup of the chopped walnuts. Adding the nuts with the dry ingredients helps distribute them evenly and avoids overmixing the batter.

Step 5: Mix the Batter

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the banana mixture just until the flour disappears. Resist the temptation to overmix here; a few small lumps are perfectly fine. This ensures your muffins stay tender and light with just the right crumb.

Step 6: Prepare the Walnut Topping

In a small bowl, combine the remaining 3/4 cup walnuts with the brown sugar and melted butter. Toss until all the nuts are coated and shiny. This mixture will bake into a sweet, crunchy topping that sets these muffins apart.

Step 7: Fill the Muffin Cups

Spoon the muffin batter evenly into each prepared muffin cup. Then, sprinkle a little of the walnut topping over the surface of each muffin. Distribute the topping evenly to avoid it sinking, giving you that perfect golden, crunchy cap.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 20-23 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. This baking time is just right to develop a tender crumb with a slightly crisp and caramelized walnut top.

Step 9: Cool Your Muffins

Once out of the oven, let the muffins rest in the tin for a few minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling properly allows the flavor to settle and ensures the texture is just right when you take your first bite.

How to Serve Best Ever Banana Nut Muffins Recipe

Garnishes

To heighten the appeal, dust your muffins lightly with powdered sugar or drizzle a little honey or maple syrup over the top. A smear of softened butter or cream cheese on a warm muffin takes these into next-level delicious territory, making every bite dreamy.

Side Dishes

These muffins pair wonderfully with fresh fruit, like berries or sliced apples, and a hot cup of coffee or tea. For a brunch spread, serve alongside scrambled eggs or yogurt parfaits for a balanced and inviting meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your Best Ever Banana Nut Muffins Recipe in a rustic basket lined with a cheerful tea towel for casual gatherings. Or stack them on a tiered dessert tray with fresh flowers for a charming brunch centerpiece that’s as beautiful as it is tasty.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The sealed environment keeps them moist and fresh, perfect for quick breakfasts or snacks throughout the week.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these muffins beyond a few days, freezing is your best friend. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to two months. When you want a treat, just thaw at room temperature or pop straight into the toaster oven.

Reheating

For a warm, freshly baked feel, reheat muffins in a microwave for 15-20 seconds or in an oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-7 minutes. This revives their soft crumb and crisp walnut topping beautifully.

FAQs

Can I substitute the walnuts with other nuts?

Absolutely! Pecans, almonds, or even macadamia nuts work wonderfully in this recipe. Just chop them roughly to mimic the texture and toast lightly if you want extra crunch and flavor.

What if I don’t have ripe bananas?

For best results, bananas should be very ripe with lots of brown spots. If yours aren’t ripe enough, place them in a paper bag with an apple or pear overnight to speed up ripening. Avoid green or firm bananas as they won’t provide enough natural sweetness or softness.

Can I make these muffins gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that’s designed for baking. Make sure it contains xanthan gum or add a teaspoon separately to maintain the muffin’s structure and softness.

Is the nutmeg necessary?

Nutmeg is optional but highly recommended as it adds a warm, subtle complexity that complements the cinnamon nicely. If you don’t have it, feel free to omit it without sacrificing the overall deliciousness.

Can I make these muffins dairy-free?

This recipe is already dairy-free since it uses vegetable oil instead of butter in the batter. Just be sure to use dairy-free butter or oil for the walnut topping if you want to keep the muffins fully dairy-free.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the Best Ever Banana Nut Muffins Recipe that makes it an instant classic in my kitchen and, I’m sure, in yours too. With simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and that perfect mix of tender bananas and crunchy walnuts, these muffins are pure comfort in every bite. Don’t wait for a special occasion—bake a batch and let the irresistible aroma fill your home, turning an ordinary day into a joyful moment worth savoring.

Best Ever Banana Nut Muffins Recipe

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4.3 from 250 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 38 minutes
• Yield: 12 muffins 1x

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Description

These Best Ever Banana Nut Muffins are moist, flavorful, and perfectly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg. Loaded with ripe bananas and crunchy walnuts, they make a wonderful breakfast treat or snack. This easy recipe yields tender muffins topped with a delightful walnut and brown sugar crust, baked to golden perfection in just under 40 minutes.

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Ingredients

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Muffin Batter

• 3 large ripe bananas
• 3/4 cup white sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
• 3/4 cup chopped walnuts

Topping

• 3/4 cup chopped walnuts
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon melted butter

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease the cups well with butter or cooking spray if not using liners.
2. Mash and mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Add the white sugar and egg, and mix together using a wooden spoon until well combined.
3. Add oil: Pour in the vegetable oil and stir the mixture thoroughly to incorporate.
4. Combine dry ingredients and walnuts: In the same bowl, add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and 3/4 cup of the chopped walnuts. Stir gently just until the flour disappears and the walnuts are evenly distributed to avoid over-mixing.
5. Prepare walnut topping: In a small bowl, mix the remaining 3/4 cup chopped walnuts with brown sugar and melted butter until the walnuts are fully coated and sticky.
6. Fill muffin cups: Spoon the muffin batter evenly into the prepared 12 muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full. Then, sprinkle the walnut topping evenly over each muffin, distributing the walnuts so they do not clump and sink as they bake.
7. Bake muffins: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-23 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Cool: Remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the tin for a few minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

Notes

• Using ripe bananas is key for the best flavor and moisture.
• If you prefer, substitute the vegetable oil with melted coconut oil or butter for a richer taste.
• Ensure you do not overmix the batter once the flour is added to keep muffins tender.
• You can omit the nutmeg if you don’t have it on hand; the muffins will still be delicious.
• Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
• For a nut-free version, omit walnuts and substitute with an equal amount of chocolate chips or dried fruit.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 23 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American