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Mini Banana Muffins Recipe

If you’ve been on the hunt for a delightful treat that’s bite-sized, bursting with flavor, and just downright irresistible, this Mini Banana Muffins Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Soft, moist, and perfectly sweet, these little muffins offer a tender crumb with the warm comfort of ripe bananas shining through in every bite. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a crowd-pleasing party appetizer, these mini muffins balance a classic banana flavor with just a hint of vanilla and a touch of sour cream to keep things extra moist. Trust me, once you try this Mini Banana Muffins Recipe, you’ll find yourself craving them all day long.

Mini Banana Muffins Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these simple ingredients is the first step to creating your own batch of mini banana magic. Each one plays a key role in building flavor, texture, and that golden baked goodness that makes this recipe so memorable.

  • Unsalted butter, ½ cup (1 stick): Softened butter adds richness and creates a tender crumb in the muffins.
  • Granulated sugar, 1 cup: Provides sweetness and helps with the muffins’ delightful golden color.
  • Light brown sugar, ⅓ cup: Adds a gentle molasses flavor and retains moisture.
  • Large eggs, 2: Acts as a binder and helps with the structure of your muffins.
  • Vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon: Brings warmth and depth to the banana flavor.
  • Sour cream, 1 cup: Keeps the muffins moist and tender with a slight tang.
  • All-purpose flour, 2 ¼ cups: The foundation for your muffins, giving them body and structure.
  • Baking powder, 2 teaspoons: Leavens and makes the muffins rise beautifully.
  • Baking soda, 1 teaspoon: Works with the acidic sour cream and bananas to create lift.
  • Table salt or fine sea salt, 1 teaspoon: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
  • Ripe bananas, 1 ¼ cups mashed (about 3 medium): The star ingredient, adding natural sweetness and moisture.
  • Mini chocolate chips, 1 cup (optional): A delightful addition for a chocolatey surprise in every bite.

How to Make Mini Banana Muffins Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Equipment

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms, grease your mini muffin tin or line it with paper liners. This step ensures your little muffins come out cleanly without sticking, making for perfect presentation and easy serving.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter with both the granulated sugar and light brown sugar. Continue mixing until the blend is light, fluffy, and well combined. This process is crucial because it incorporates air, helping your muffins to rise into tender little cakes.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. These ingredients not only provide moisture but also build the rich flavor profile that makes the Mini Banana Muffins Recipe so comforting.

Step 4: Mix in Sour Cream

Blend in the sour cream until the batter looks smooth and creamy. Sour cream is a secret superstar here — its acidity reacts with the baking soda to give the muffins their perfect rise, while also adding tenderness.

Step 5: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of your leavening agents and salt, which guarantees a uniform rise and balanced taste throughout the batter.

Step 6: Bring Wet and Dry Together

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir the batter gently until just combined — overmixing can lead to tougher muffins, so take a light hand here.

Step 7: Fold in Bananas and Optional Chocolate Chips

Now for the magic moment: fold in your mashed ripe bananas evenly throughout the batter. If you want to take these muffins to the next level, gently fold in the mini chocolate chips. The chocolate chunks will melt slightly as the muffins bake, creating little pockets of sweetness.

Step 8: Fill the Mini Muffin Tins

Using a spoon or small scoop, fill each cup of the prepared muffin tin about three-quarters full with batter. This amount prevents overflow while still yielding a generous mini muffin size.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Place your muffin tin into the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. The muffins are ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This quick baking time means you’ll be enjoying warm, fresh mini muffins in no time!

Step 10: Cool Before Enjoying

Once baked, let the muffins cool in the tin for a few minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set properly so they hold their shape and don’t crumble when you bite in.

How to Serve Mini Banana Muffins Recipe

Mini Banana Muffins Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

These muffins are delightful on their own, but adding a little something extra can elevate that experience. Try a light dusting of powdered sugar, a smear of honey-butter, or a spread of cream cheese frosting for a touch of elegance and added flavor that complements the banana beautifully.

Side Dishes

Mini banana muffins make a fantastic companion to fresh fruit salad, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or a steaming cup of coffee or tea. Their natural sweetness pairs well with tart or creamy sides, making breakfast or snack time feel like a special occasion.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, arrange these muffins on a pretty tiered platter with fresh berries and mint leaves for a colorful, inviting display. Or, serve them alongside small jars of nut butters and preserves so guests can customize their bites. These little muffins serve as the perfect base for your creativity!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (though they rarely last long!), store mini banana muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Keeping them covered prevents drying out and keeps their tender texture just right for snacking throughout the day.

Freezing

Want to enjoy this Mini Banana Muffins Recipe long after baking day? Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in a freezer bag. They freeze beautifully for up to 3 months, making them easy to defrost individually for a quick, homemade treat any time.

Reheating

To revive your frozen or stored muffins, simply warm them in a microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds or pop them briefly in a toaster oven. This brings back their softness and warmth, just like freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use frozen bananas for this Mini Banana Muffins Recipe?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before mashing frozen bananas. This ensures your batter isn’t too watery and your muffins bake up perfectly.

What if I don’t have sour cream on hand?

You can substitute sour cream with plain yogurt or buttermilk in the same amount. These alternatives also provide moisture and acidity that help with texture and flavor.

Can I make these muffins gluten-free?

Yes, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend suited for baking. Just check if your blend includes xanthan gum; if not, add a little to help with texture.

Is it okay to add nuts or other mix-ins?

Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or shredded coconut can add extra flavor and crunch. Fold them in along with the bananas for best results.

How do I know when the muffins are done?

Use the toothpick test: insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin, and if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the muffins are ready to come out of the oven.

Final Thoughts

This Mini Banana Muffins Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser and kitchen favorite that brings comfort and smiles with every bite. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just looking for a simple, satisfying treat, these muffins deliver that perfect balance of sweet, moist, and flavorful. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and bake up a batch—you won’t regret it. Trust me, these mini muffins will become a beloved staple in your home in no time!

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Mini Banana Muffins Recipe


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3.9 from 31 reviews

  • Author: admin
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 24 mini muffins 1x

Description

Delightfully moist and flavorful mini banana muffins made with ripe bananas, creamy sour cream, and a touch of vanilla. Perfectly sized for snacks or breakfast, these muffins are soft, fluffy, and optionally studded with mini chocolate chips for added indulgence.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ⅓ cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon table salt or fine sea salt
  • 1 ¼ cups ripe banana, mashed (about 3 medium bananas)

Optional

  • 1 cup mini chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a mini muffin tin with paper liners to prepare for baking.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender texture.
  3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed mixture, beating well after each addition to ensure full incorporation. Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
  4. Mix in Sour Cream: Blend in the sour cream completely to add moisture and richness to the batter.
  5. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents.
  6. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined to prevent overmixing which can toughen the muffins.
  7. Fold in Bananas and Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the mashed bananas to ensure even distribution throughout the batter. If desired, fold in mini chocolate chips for a sweet surprise.
  8. Fill Muffin Tin: Scoop the batter into the prepared mini muffin tin, filling each cup about ¾ full to allow room for rising during baking.
  9. Bake Muffins: Bake in preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating they are fully cooked.
  10. Cool Muffins: Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for a few minutes to set before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring they maintain their shape and texture.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the dry ingredients.
  • Use ripe bananas with brown spots for maximum sweetness and moisture.
  • You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangier taste.
  • Mini chocolate chips are optional but add a delicious chocolatey touch.
  • Muffins can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Baking
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

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