Mini Banana Muffins Recipe: A Delightfully Small Treat
Mini banana muffins are the perfect bite-sized treat for any occasion. They're easy to make, incredibly delicious, and satisfyingly portable. This recipe focuses on creating moist, flavorful muffins that are guaranteed to be a hit with everyone.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe yields approximately 24 mini muffins. Adjust accordingly if you're using a different sized muffin tin.
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure for your muffins.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: The leavening agent that makes your muffins rise beautifully.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the muffins to perfection. Adjust to your preference.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds a warm, comforting spice note. Optional, but highly recommended!
- 1 ripe banana, mashed: The star of the show! The riper, the better the flavor.
- ¼ cup vegetable oil: Adds moisture and richness.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together.
- ½ cup milk: Adds more moisture and helps create a tender crumb. You can substitute with buttermilk for extra tang.
- ½ cup chocolate chips (optional): For an extra delicious indulgence. Walnuts or pecans also work wonderfully.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a mini muffin tin with paper liners. This prevents sticking and makes for easy cleanup.
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Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, sugar, and cinnamon.
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Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the mashed banana, oil, egg, and milk. Whisk until well combined.
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Combine: Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough muffins.
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Add Mix-ins (optional): If using chocolate chips or nuts, gently fold them into the batter.
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Fill the Muffin Tin: Fill each mini muffin liner about ¾ full. Overfilling can lead to messy spills.
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Bake: Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cool & Enjoy: Let the mini banana muffins cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Tips for Mini Banana Muffin Perfection:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature ingredients will help create a more even bake.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in tough muffins. Mix just until combined.
- Properly Ripe Bananas: Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor and sweetness.
- Storage: Store leftover mini banana muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Variations:
- Spiced Mini Banana Muffins: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for a more complex flavor.
- Oatmeal Mini Banana Muffins: Stir in ½ cup rolled oats for added texture and fiber.
- Cream Cheese Glaze: Prepare a simple cream cheese glaze by combining softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and a splash of milk. Drizzle over the cooled muffins.
These mini banana muffins are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Their small size makes them perfect for snacking, parties, or even lunchboxes. Enjoy the baking process and the delicious results! Remember to share your mini banana muffin creations – we'd love to see them! Use #minibananamuffins to share on social media.
