Is there anything more comforting than a warm, fluffy banana muffin fresh out of the oven? With their rich banana flavor, soft crumb, and just the right touch of sweetness, these muffins are a go-to for breakfast, snacking, or dessert. Whether you’re using up overripe bananas or baking a quick treat for the family, these easy banana muffins will become a staple in your kitchen.
This recipe is simple, one-bowl, and comes together in minutes—no mixer needed. It’s the perfect balance of moist texture, natural sweetness, and banana-forward flavor that rivals any bakery.
Why You’ll Love These Banana Muffins
- Super moist and fluffy every time
- Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or meal prep
- Freezer-friendly and great for batch baking
- Customizable with chocolate chips, nuts, or spices
- Quick and easy – ready in under 30 minutes
Whether you’re baking for toddlers, teens, or adults, these muffins are a sure hit.
Ingredients for Banana Muffins

Dry Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ tsp cinnamon (optional for warmth)
Wet Ingredients:
- 3 medium ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar (adds depth and moisture)
- ⅓ cup melted butter or neutral oil
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup milk or buttermilk (adds moisture and tenderness)
Optional Add-ins:
- ½ cup chocolate chips
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- Rolled oats or coarse sugar for topping
Instructions – How to Make Banana Muffins
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a 12-cup muffin tin with liners or grease well.
Step 2: Mash the Bananas
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas using a fork until mostly smooth.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
- Add sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, egg, vanilla, and milk.
- Whisk until smooth and well combined.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
- Sprinkle flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon on top of the wet mixture.
- Gently fold until just combined—do not overmix.
Step 5: Add Optional Ingredients
- Stir in chocolate chips, nuts, or your favorite mix-ins.
Step 6: Fill Muffin Cups
- Divide batter evenly among the 12 muffin cups—each should be about ¾ full.
- Top with oats, extra chips, or sugar if desired.
Step 7: Bake
- Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
What Makes These Banana Muffins the Best?
- Ripe bananas add intense flavor and natural sweetness
- Melted butter creates richness without heaviness
- Brown sugar adds depth and moisture
- One-bowl method saves time and dishes
- Optional toppings and mix-ins make them versatile and fun
Each muffin is tender, lightly golden, and filled with banana goodness—perfect with coffee or a glass of milk.
Tips for Perfect Banana Muffins
1. Use Overripe Bananas
The browner, the better—speckled or black bananas are best.
2. Don’t Overmix
Overmixing leads to dense muffins. Stir until just combined.
3. Use Room Temperature Ingredients
This helps everything blend smoothly and evenly.
4. Customize Them
Add chocolate chips, blueberries, or a swirl of peanut butter for fun variations.
5. Fill Muffin Cups Properly
¾ full gives a nice dome without overflow.
Delicious Variations to Try
1. Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins
Add ½ cup mini or regular chocolate chips.
2. Banana Nut Muffins
Fold in ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.
3. Banana Oat Muffins
Top with rolled oats and sprinkle of brown sugar before baking.
4. Peanut Butter Banana Muffins
Swirl 2 tbsp peanut butter into the batter.
5. Banana Blueberry Muffins
Gently fold in ½ cup fresh or frozen blueberries.
How to Store Banana Muffins
Room Temperature:
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigerator:
- Store up to 5–6 days. Reheat slightly before serving.
Freezer:
- Freeze cooled muffins in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
- Thaw overnight or microwave for 30–40 seconds.
FAQs About Banana Muffins
Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes! Thaw, drain excess liquid, and mash before using.
What flour works best?
All-purpose is standard. Try half whole wheat for a healthier twist.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for easy substitution.
Do I need a mixer?
Nope! This recipe is designed to be whisked by hand.
Can I make mini muffins?
Yes, bake in a mini muffin tin for 10–12 minutes.
Conclusion: The Only Banana Muffin Recipe You’ll Ever Need
These banana muffins are soft, fluffy, and bursting with flavor—the perfect use for ripe bananas and a total hit with kids and adults alike. With just one bowl, minimal effort, and maximum reward, you’ll come back to this recipe again and again.
Great for breakfasts, lunchboxes, road trips, and freezer prep, this recipe is versatile, forgiving, and absolutely delicious. Try it once, and you’ll never buy store-bought muffins again!
Print
Best Banana Muffins – Moist, Easy & One Bowl Recipe
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
-
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
-
1 tsp baking powder
-
½ tsp baking soda
-
¼ tsp salt
-
½ tsp cinnamon (optional for warmth)
Wet Ingredients:
-
3 medium ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup)
-
½ cup granulated sugar
-
¼ cup brown sugar (adds depth and moisture)
-
⅓ cup melted butter or neutral oil
-
1 large egg
-
1 tsp vanilla extract
-
¼ cup milk or buttermilk (adds moisture and tenderness)
Optional Add-ins:
-
½ cup chocolate chips
-
½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
-
Rolled oats or coarse sugar for topping
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
-
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
-
Line a 12-cup muffin tin with liners or grease well.
Step 2: Mash the Bananas
-
In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas using a fork until mostly smooth.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
-
Add sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, egg, vanilla, and milk.
-
Whisk until smooth and well combined.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
-
Sprinkle flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon on top of the wet mixture.
-
Gently fold until just combined—do not overmix.
Step 5: Add Optional Ingredients
-
Stir in chocolate chips, nuts, or your favorite mix-ins.
Step 6: Fill Muffin Cups
-
Divide batter evenly among the 12 muffin cups—each should be about ¾ full.
-
Top with oats, extra chips, or sugar if desired.
Step 7: Bake
-
Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
-
Cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.