If you adore warm, comforting baked goodies that fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas, then this Cinnamon Sugar Banana Muffins Recipe will quickly become one of your absolute favorites. These mini muffins are bursting with sweet banana flavor, tender crumb, and a golden cinnamon sugar topping that adds just the right touch of spice and crunch. Perfectly portioned for snacking, sharing, or packing in lunchboxes, these muffins bring a smile with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Cinnamon Sugar Banana Muffins Recipe lies in its simple but essential ingredients. Each element plays a key role, whether it’s providing moisture, sweetness, fluffiness, or that perfect golden crust on top.
- 2 large ripe bananas: The star ingredient that offers natural sweetness and moistness to the muffins.
- 5 tbsp butter (melted): Adds richness and a tender crumb to every muffin.
- ½ cup brown sugar (light or dark): Brings a deep, caramel-like sweetness that complements the bananas beautifully.
- 1 large egg: Helps bind everything together while contributing to a soft texture.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Provides warmth and enhances the overall flavor profile.
- 1 ¼ cup all-purpose flour: The base that gives structure and body to the muffins.
- 1 tsp baking soda: A crucial leavening agent that helps the muffins rise perfectly.
- 1 pinch salt: Balances out sweetness and elevates all flavors.
- 5 tbsp butter (melted) for topping: Used to help the cinnamon sugar topping stick and crisp up nicely.
- ⅓ cup sugar: The sweet base of the cinnamon sugar mix that creates a delightful crunch.
- 1 tbsp cinnamon: Adds the signature warm spice that makes this recipe unforgettable.
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Banana Muffins Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. Grab a mini muffin pan and spray it generously with non-stick baking spray so your muffins come out effortlessly after baking. This first step sets the stage for muffin magic!
Step 2: Mash and Mix Wet Ingredients
In a medium bowl, take your ripe bananas and mash them with a sturdy fork until smooth and creamy. Add the melted butter, brown sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract, then stir everything together with the fork until the mixture is well combined and luscious.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
Next, sprinkle in the flour, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Gently fold all these dry ingredients into the banana mixture, stirring just until there are no more streaks of flour. Be careful not to overmix — you want your muffins tender and light.
Step 4: Fill Muffin Cups
Use a spoon to scoop the batter into the prepared mini muffin pan, filling each cup about two-thirds full. This portion size allows room for the muffins to rise nicely without overflowing.
Step 5: Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Topping and Bake
Combine the 5 tablespoons of melted butter with the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Once your muffins are filled, spoon a small amount of this cinnamon sugar mixture on top of each muffin. This topping will bake into a golden, crunchy coating that’s pure bliss.
Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the muffins rest in the pan for 5 minutes before carefully removing them.
How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Banana Muffins Recipe
Garnishes
If you want to dress up your Cinnamon Sugar Banana Muffins Recipe even more, try sprinkling a little extra cinnamon sugar on top just before serving for added sparkle and crunch. A light drizzle of honey or a pat of softened butter can also elevate the flavors.
Side Dishes
These muffins pair wonderfully with fresh fruit like berries or slices of juicy orange. A warm cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of cold milk complements the sweet cinnamon and banana flavors perfectly, making your snack or breakfast extra special.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not arrange your mini muffins in a decorative basket or on a pretty platter sprinkled with powdered sugar? For gatherings, serve them alongside a spread of cream cheese or nut butter for guests to customize their bites. These muffins are charming and versatile enough for any occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
The Cinnamon Sugar Banana Muffins Recipe holds up beautifully when stored properly. Place cooled muffins in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. Keep them covered to retain moisture and softness.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these muffins later on, they freeze like a dream. Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature.
Reheating
To bring out that fresh-baked warmth, reheat muffins in the microwave for about 15 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 300 degrees F for 5 to 7 minutes. This quick warming makes the cinnamon sugar topping crackle delightfully once again.
FAQs
Can I use frozen bananas for this Cinnamon Sugar Banana Muffins Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen bananas work well and are often sweeter once thawed. Just make sure to drain any excess liquid before mashing to avoid overly wet batter.
Are mini muffins better than regular-sized for this recipe?
Mini muffins bake faster and make for perfect bite-sized treats. However, you can easily make regular-sized muffins by adjusting the baking time to about 18-20 minutes.
Can I substitute the butter with oil?
Yes, you can substitute melted butter with an equal amount of vegetable oil for a slightly different texture, but butter adds irreplaceable flavor and richness.
How ripe should the bananas be?
For the best flavor and moisture, use bananas that are very ripe with plenty of brown spots. The riper, the sweeter and more flavorful your muffins will be.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Definitely! Adding chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips can add delightful texture and flavor variations to your Cinnamon Sugar Banana Muffins Recipe.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting and joyful about baking a batch of Cinnamon Sugar Banana Muffins Recipe from scratch — it’s like wrapping yourself in a warm hug. These mini muffins are easy to make, shareable, and bursting with flavor that’ll brighten any morning or snack time. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will be a new staple you’ll want to make again and again!
Print
Cinnamon Sugar Banana Muffins Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 32 mini muffins
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cinnamon Sugar Banana Mini Muffins are a delightful treat featuring ripe bananas blended into a moist batter, topped with a classic cinnamon sugar mix for extra sweetness and crunch. Perfect for breakfast or a snack, they bake up fluffy and flavorful in just 12 minutes.
Ingredients
Muffin Batter
- 2 large ripe bananas
- 5 tbsp butter (melted)
- ½ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 pinch salt
Cinnamon Sugar Topping
- 5 tbsp butter (melted)
- ⅓ cup sugar
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a mini muffin pan with non-stick baking spray and set aside to ensure easy removal of the muffins after baking.
- Mash Bananas and Combine Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, use a fork to thoroughly mash the ripe bananas until mostly smooth. Stir in the melted butter, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract, mixing until the ingredients are well combined and the mixture is uniform.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Add the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and a pinch of salt to the banana mixture. Stir gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix, to maintain a tender muffin texture.
- Fill Muffin Pan: Spoon the batter into the prepared mini muffin pan, filling each cup about two-thirds full. This allows room for the muffins to rise without overflowing.
- Bake the Mini Muffins: Place the muffin pan in the oven and bake for 12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. This ensures the muffins are fully cooked.
- Cool Muffins: Let the muffins rest in the pan for about 5 minutes to firm up before carefully removing them to a cooling rack.
- Add Cinnamon Sugar Topping: Brush the tops of the still-warm muffins generously with the melted butter set aside for topping. In a small bowl, mix together the sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle this cinnamon sugar mixture over the muffin tops, pressing lightly so it adheres and creates a sweet, crunchy finish.
Notes
- Use ripe bananas with brown spots for the best sweetness and flavor.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep muffins light and fluffy.
- If you don’t have a mini muffin pan, a standard muffin pan can be used; just adjust baking time to about 15-18 minutes.
- Letting the muffins cool slightly before adding the cinnamon sugar topping helps it stick better without melting away.
- Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.
