What is Muffin Tin Banana Bread?
Banana bread is a classic comfort food, loved for its moist, sweet flavor and soft texture. But what if you could enjoy the same deliciousness in a faster, more convenient way? Muffin Tin Banana Bread brings you the same cozy, indulgent banana bread flavor but in perfectly portioned, muffin-style bites. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast or a snack to satisfy your sweet tooth, these mini banana breads are ideal. Plus, they’re a fantastic option for meal prep or freezing for later!
With just a few simple ingredients, you can have a batch of banana bread muffins ready in less than 20 minutes. They’re great for on-the-go mornings, a mid-afternoon snack, or even as a sweet treat for guests.
Origin of Muffin Tin Banana Bread
Banana bread has been around for a long time, but the muffin tin version is a more recent twist on the classic. The tradition of banana bread itself dates back to the 1930s when baking soda and baking powder became widely available. These ingredients made it easier to bake quick breads, which didn’t require yeast or long rising times.
While traditional banana bread is baked in a loaf pan, muffin tin banana bread is a modern take on this beloved treat. It’s not only faster but also more convenient, as each muffin is perfectly portioned and can be customized with different mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or even a swirl of Nutella.
Ingredients
Banana Bread Batter:
- 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon (optional but recommended)
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted & slightly cooled
- ½ cup (100g) brown sugar
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temp
- 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 3 medium very ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 heaping cup)
Optional Mix-ins (Choose one or more):
- ½ cup chocolate chips
- ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
- ¼ cup mini chocolate chips (for topping)
- 2 tbsp peanut butter (for a swirl)
- 1 tsp Nutella (for a swirl)
- Streusel topping (flour, butter, and brown sugar)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Oven and Muffin Tin
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Grease or line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners. This will ensure your banana bread muffins don’t stick and makes cleanup easier.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the following dry ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon (optional but adds great flavor)
These ingredients will provide the base for the muffin batter, giving it the perfect rise and texture.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together:
- ½ cup melted unsalted butter (slightly cooled)
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs (make sure they’re at room temperature)
- 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 heaping cup)
The mashed bananas are the star ingredient, giving these muffins their signature sweetness and moistness.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this will make the muffins dense.
- You should still see a few streaks of flour—this is perfect!
5. Fill the Muffin Tin
- Divide the batter evenly between the 12 muffin cups, filling each about ¾ of the way full. This will allow space for the muffins to rise as they bake.
- If you’re adding mix-ins, this is the time to sprinkle chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even a mini chocolate chip topping onto the batter.
6. Bake
- Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 15–18 minutes.
- Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of one of the muffins. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs (not wet batter), the muffins are ready.
Tip: If you’re adding a topping like streusel or peanut butter swirl, you can gently press it into the muffin batter before baking.
7. Cool and Serve
- Let the muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from sticking to the pan.
- Serve warm with a pat of butter or enjoy as-is!
Variations
This Muffin Tin Banana Bread recipe is incredibly versatile! You can change up the flavor profile with a few simple additions:
- Chocolate Chip Banana Bread: Add ½–¾ cup of chocolate chips for a rich, decadent treat.
- Banana Nut Bread: Stir in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
- Cinnamon Swirl: Before baking, sprinkle 2 tbsp of brown sugar mixed with ½ tsp cinnamon over the top of the batter for a delightful cinnamon swirl.
- Peanut Butter Banana Muffins: For a creamy twist, melt 2 tbsp peanut butter and swirl it into the batter before baking.
- Nutella Banana Muffins: Add a teaspoon of Nutella to the center of each muffin for a delicious surprise.
- Banana Crumb Muffins: Top the batter with a simple streusel made from flour, butter, and brown sugar for a crunchy topping.
FAQs About Muffin Tin Banana Bread
Can I freeze Muffin Tin Banana Bread?
Yes! These muffins freeze really well. After they’ve cooled completely, wrap them individually in plastic wrap or foil, and store in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months.
Can I use a different type of flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for part or all of the all-purpose flour. Just keep in mind that whole wheat flour will make the muffins a bit denser and slightly more hearty.
What if I don’t have ripe bananas?
If you don’t have very ripe bananas, you can place them in a brown paper bag for a day or two to speed up the ripening process. Alternatively, you can microwave unripe bananas for 30-second intervals until they’re soft and mashable.
Conclusion: Muffin Tin Banana Bread
Muffin Tin Banana Bread is the perfect way to enjoy banana bread in a quicker, more convenient form. These mini banana breads are easy to make, customizable with various add-ins, and bake much faster than traditional banana bread loaves. Whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast, a snack, or even as a treat for guests, these banana bread muffins will become a staple in your recipe rotation. So, next time you have overripe bananas on hand, try out this Muffin Tin Banana Bread recipe and enjoy a delicious, homemade treat in no time!
[tasty-recipe id=”15554″]
