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Banana Bread Mini Muffins Recipe

If you’re anything like me, you probably have a stash of overly ripe bananas languishing on your counter, begging for a delicious purpose. That s exactly when my Banana Bread Mini Muffins Recipe comes to the rescue. These bite-sized delights pack all the comforting flavors of classic banana bread but in a perfectly portable, snackable form that s perfect for breakfast on-the-go, lunchboxes, or a quick sweet treat anytime.

What I love most about this Banana Bread Mini Muffins Recipe is how friendly it is-both for your time and your kitchen skills. The ingredients are simple and pantry staples, and the process is straightforward enough that you can whip up a batch with barely any fuss. Plus, they taste amazing fresh out of the oven or even the next day, which makes it a fantastic recipe to have in your baking arsenal.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Perfectly Portion-Controlled: Mini muffins mean you get just the right bite without going overboard.
  • Great for Using Up Ripe Bananas: No more wasted bananas hanging around your kitchen counter!
  • Quick and Easy: Takes under 30 minutes from start to finish, ideal for busy mornings.
  • Customizable: Truly a flexible recipe you can tweak with mix-ins you love like chocolate chips or nuts.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Banana Bread Mini Muffins Recipe works together to create moist, flavorful muffins that are a comforting treat. When shopping, I always lean toward very ripe bananas because their natural sweetness is unmatched and critical to the final flavor.

  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
  • Butter (melted): Brings richness and moistness; melted butter mixes in beautifully for a soft texture.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients and provide structure.
  • Very ripe bananas: The star of the show-sweet, soft, and full of natural flavor.
  • Lemon juice: A surprise ingredient that brightens flavor and keeps bananas from browning too fast.
  • Flour: The base that gives the muffins their form.
  • Baking powder: Your secret weapon for fluffy, risen muffins.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
  • Mini chocolate chips: Optional but highly recommended for a little melty indulgence in every bite.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

This Banana Bread Mini Muffins Recipe feels like a blank canvas to me, so I love playing around with add-ins depending on the season or mood. Encouraging you to make it your own is half the fun!

  • Walnuts or Pecans: I add chopped nuts for a pleasing crunch and a little texture contrast.
  • Chocolate Chips Only: For extra indulgence, I sometimes double down on mini chocolate chips-it’s a hit with the kids.
  • Blueberries: A seasonal twist that adds a fresh pop-and yes, it works beautifully with bananas.
  • Gluten-Free: Trust me, swapping in your favorite gluten-free flour blend works great if you want to keep it gluten-free.

How to Make Banana Bread Mini Muffins Recipe

Step 1: Combine Butter and Sugar

Start by melting your butter and mixing it with the sugar right in a large mixing bowl. This not only helps dissolve the sugar a bit but also evenly distributes the fat, which is going to give your muffins their lovely moist texture. Use a whisk or a sturdy spoon to mix until smooth and slightly glossy-this part is quick but important.

Step 2: Add Eggs and Bananas

Crack in the eggs one at a time, mixing them fully before adding the next. Then, mash your ripe bananas thoroughly and fold them into the wet mixture. At this stage, the batter will start smelling sweet and comforting-totally banana bread vibes. Stir in the lemon juice last, which helps balance the sweetness and slow down browning.

Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add this dry mix into your wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined-don t overmix, or your muffins could turn out tough. Finally, fold in the mini chocolate chips, saving a handful to sprinkle on top just before baking.

Step 4: Bake Your Mini Muffins

Spoon the batter into a greased mini muffin pan, filling each cup about three-quarters full. I like to use a small cookie scoop here for even portions. Sprinkle a few extra mini chocolate chips on top to get that beautiful melty cap once baked. Pop the pan in the oven preheated to 350°F and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the tops no longer look wet. Use a toothpick to check-if it comes out clean, you re good to go.

Step 5: Cool and Enjoy

Let the muffins cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before gently popping them out. The smell alone will make it tough to wait that long! Serve warm or at room temperature and watch them disappear fast-trust me, your family and friends will be asking for the recipe.

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Pro Tips for Making Banana Bread Mini Muffins Recipe

  • Use Very Ripe Bananas: The riper, the sweeter and more moist your muffins will be-don’t skip this!
  • Don t Overmix the Batter: Mix just until the flour is incorporated to keep your muffins tender.
  • Fill Muffin Cups Properly: Filling about 3/4 full helps muffins rise perfectly without spilling over.
  • Sprinkle Chocolate Chips on Top: Adding chocolate chips on top before baking gives a pretty presentation and extra melted goodness.

How to Serve Banana Bread Mini Muffins Recipe

Three chocolate chip muffins are stacked on a white marbled surface, with the top one bitten into showing a soft, light inside speckled with chocolate chips. Each muffin has a golden brown bottom and a pale yellow top dotted with dark chocolate chips. The background is softly blurred, showing more muffins and scattered chocolate chips, with a faint glimpse of a white bowl filled with chocolate chips and a yellow banana. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 6.1

Garnishes

I often add a light dusting of powdered sugar for that extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal. Sometimes, a small smear of butter or a drizzle of honey complements the banana flavor beautifully. If I m serving these for a brunch, a dollop of Greek yogurt on the side is a simple and tasty garnish I adore.

Side Dishes

This Banana Bread Mini Muffins Recipe pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making it my go-to morning pick-me-up. For a more substantial breakfast, I like serving them alongside scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad to round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties or special occasions, I arrange these mini muffins in a circular tiered tray to turn them into a stunning centerpiece. You can also wrap them individually in parchment wraps tied with twine – perfect for gifting or lunchbox surprises. Adding fresh mint leaves or edible flowers around the display gives an elegant touch that always gets compliments.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Banana Bread Mini Muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. They tend to stay soft and moist, but if you want to keep them fresh longer, the freezer is your friend.

Freezing

I freeze these muffins individually wrapped in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. This way, I can grab as many as I want without defrosting the whole batch. They hold up beautifully for up to three months when frozen this way.

Reheating

To reheat, I simply pop a frozen muffin in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or warm a fresh one in a toaster oven for just a few minutes. This brings back that freshly baked softness and warmth, making them taste like they just came out of the oven.

FAQs

  1. Can I substitute oil for butter in this Banana Bread Mini Muffins Recipe?

    Yes! You can use an equal amount of vegetable or canola oil if you prefer, but keep in mind that melted butter adds a richer flavor and slightly denser texture that oil doesn t quite replicate.

  2. How ripe should the bananas be?

    The bananas should be very ripe-think heavily spotted with brown or even mostly brown skins. This ripeness ensures maximum sweetness and softness, which is key for moist muffins.

  3. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

    Absolutely. Swap the butter for a dairy-free alternative like coconut oil or a plant-based margarine, and ensure your chocolate chips are also dairy-free if using.

  4. Why do you add lemon juice to the batter?

    Lemon juice brightens the overall flavor and slows down the oxidation of bananas so the batter stays fresher-looking longer before baking.

Final Thoughts

This Banana Bread Mini Muffins Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it transforms everyday ripe bananas into little bites of joy that are both nostalgic and new. I hope you give it a try and find as much comfort and convenience in it as I do-perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring a sweet moment yourself. Once you make these, I bet you ll keep coming back to this easy, versatile recipe again and again.

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Banana Bread Mini Muffins Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 103 reviews
  • Author: Lucy
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 18 minutes
  • Total Time: 28 minutes
  • Yield: 36 mini muffins
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Delightful and easy-to-make Banana Bread Mini Muffins packed with ripe bananas and mini chocolate chips. These bite-sized treats are perfect for breakfast, snacks, or sharing at gatherings. Moist, flavorful, and topped with extra chocolate chips for a delicious touch.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup butter, melted
  • 2 eggs
  • 3 very ripe bananas
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Additional

  • Mini chocolate chips (quantity to preference, about 1/2 cup for mixing and additional for topping)

Instructions

  1. Mix butter and sugar: In a large bowl, combine the melted butter and sugar until well blended. This creates a smooth base for the batter.
  2. Add eggs: Crack the eggs into the mixture and stir thoroughly to incorporate fully, ensuring a consistent texture.
  3. Mash bananas and add lemon juice: In a separate bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Stir in the lemon juice to add brightness and prevent browning, then fold this mixture into the wet ingredients.
  4. Add dry ingredients: Gradually add the flour, baking powder, and salt into the wet mixture. Stir carefully until just combined to avoid overmixing, which could make the muffins tough.
  5. Stir in mini chocolate chips: Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips, reserving some to sprinkle on top later for extra chocolate flavor and a decorative finish.
  6. Prepare muffin pan: Grease a mini muffin pan thoroughly to prevent sticking. Spoon the batter into each cup, filling about three-quarters full for ideal rising.
  7. Bake: Place the pan in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until the edges are golden brown and the top no longer looks moist.
  8. Cool and serve: Remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool briefly before carefully popping them out of the pan. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Notes

  • Use very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture.
  • You can substitute some or all of the sugar with honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetener.
  • For a nutty twist, add chopped walnuts or pecans along with the chocolate chips.
  • Mini muffin pans may require shorter baking times; keep an eye to prevent overbaking.
  • Store muffins in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 mini muffin
  • Calories: 90
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 80mg
  • Fat: 4g
  • Saturated Fat: 2.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 1g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 13g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 25mg

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