Moist and Delicious Banana Muffins: A Simple Recipe
Are you looking for a quick and easy recipe for delicious banana muffins? Look no further! This recipe is perfect for beginner bakers and yields incredibly moist and flavorful muffins that are sure to be a hit with everyone. We'll cover everything from ingredient selection to baking tips and tricks, ensuring perfectly golden-brown muffins every time.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe makes approximately 12 standard-sized muffins. Adjust as needed for larger or smaller batches.
- Ripe Bananas: 3 medium ripe bananas, mashed (the riper, the better the flavor!)
- Eggs: 2 large eggs
- Oil: 1/3 cup vegetable oil (or melted unsalted butter for a richer flavor)
- Sugar: ¾ cup granulated sugar (adjust to your sweetness preference)
- Flour: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- Baking Soda: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: ½ teaspoon
- Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon (optional, but highly recommended!)
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
- Optional Add-ins: ½ cup chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or shredded coconut
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease it well. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal of your muffins.
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Mash the Bananas: In a large bowl, thoroughly mash the ripe bananas until mostly smooth. A few small lumps are okay, adding to the texture.
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Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs, oil (or melted butter), and sugar to the mashed bananas. Mix well until fully combined.
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Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using).
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Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Don't overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine. Overmixing can lead to tough muffins.
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Add Flavor & Optional Mix-ins: Stir in the vanilla extract and any optional add-ins (chocolate chips, nuts, etc.).
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Fill Muffin Cups: Fill each muffin cup about ¾ full. This allows room for the muffins to rise.
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Bake: Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cool: Let the muffins cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Perfect Banana Muffins:
- Use ripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your muffins will be.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, leading to tough muffins. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Check for doneness: Use a toothpick to check if the muffins are baked through. If it comes out clean, they're ready.
- Cool completely: Let the muffins cool completely before storing to prevent them from becoming soggy.
Serving Suggestions:
Enjoy these delicious banana muffins as a breakfast treat, afternoon snack, or dessert. They're equally delightful on their own or paired with a cup of coffee or tea.
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