Banana Muffin Recipe

Position a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease the cups lightly with butter or nonstick spray.

If using walnuts or pecans, roughly chop and set aside. Measure out turbinado sugar for topping if using.

In a large mixing bowl, mash ripe bananas with a fork until mostly smooth with a few small lumps remaining (about 1 cup mashed from 2–3 medium bananas).

Add the eggs to the mashed bananas and whisk until combined. Stir in the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until evenly incorporated. Set aside.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon (if using) until evenly distributed and no brown-sugar lumps remain.

Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour the wet banana mixture into it. Using a flexible spatula or wooden spoon, gently fold the mixture until just combined — a few streaks of flour are okay. Do not overmix to keep muffins tender.

Add nuts

If using chopped nuts, fold them in gently until evenly distributed.

Divide the batter evenly among the 12 prepared muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full. Smooth the tops slightly with a spoon. If desired, sprinkle a pinch of turbinado or coarse sugar over each muffin for a crunchy top.

Bake in the preheated oven for 18–22 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through if your oven has hot spots. Muffins are done when the tops are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).

Remove the muffin tin from the oven and let sit for 5 minutes. Transfer muffins to a wire rack to cool completely or to warm slightly before serving.

Store cooled muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze in a single layer until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in a low oven or microwave.