This Easy Banana Muffins Recipe features soft, tender, sweet banana muffins topped with a buttery walnut crumb that adds just the right amount of crunch. Infused with warm cinnamon and brown butter, these muffins are a cozy treat you’ll crave for breakfasts, snacks, and desserts! 

More Delicious Banana Recipes

If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably bought bananas intending to eat them fresh, only to end up with a few spotty, overly ripe ones sitting on the counter. I’m never mad, though, because that’s when the real magic happens. 

There’s just something about using overripe bananas in baked goods that takes them to a new level of deliciousness. I’ve tested more banana recipes than I can count, and each one holds a special place in my kitchen. However, I’m confident that these easy banana crumb muffins are one of the best recipes you’ll ever taste. 

Sweet, moist, and tender, they’re finished with a warm, buttery, nutty topping that leaves you coming back for more. Delicious on their own, they’re even better served warm with butter and make for the perfect addition to your morning coffee! 

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Recipe Ingredients

Banana Muffins

Flour: We are using all-purpose flour to form the base of the batter. However, if you need these muffins to be gluten-free, I recommend using a 1 to 1 all-purpose gluten-free flour. KING ARTHUR and CUP 4 CUP are two great options. 

Leaveners: We’re using both baking powder and baking soda to create extra soft, fluffy muffins. 

Spices: Salt enhances the rest of the ingredients. Then, ginger and cinnamon add warmth and depth.

Butter: Brown butter has a deep, rich, nutty taste that pairs well with the banana and cinnamon flavors.

Eggs: Two large eggs contribute to the soft texture and help these easy banana muffins hold their shape. 

Banana: The start of the show! I use 1 ½ cups of mashed overripe bananas. They need to be overripe – the blacker the better. This allows for easy mashing and contributes to an intense banana flavor and delicious sweetness.

Granulated Sugar: Granulated sugar helps sweeten the batter. Using brown sugar and granulated sugar together creates muffins that are soft and moist in the center with golden, lightly crisp tops.  

Light Brown Sugar: Brown sugar contributes to the rich, caramel-like flavor of the batter and provides additional moisture, which aids in achieving the perfect soft texture.

Vanilla Extract: Use high-quality pure vanilla extract to infuse the muffins with a delicious vanilla flavor. 

Crumb Topping

Flour: We are using all-purpose flour to help form the base of this crumb topping. Again, if you need these muffins to be gluten-free I recommend using a 1:1 all-purpose gluten-free flour. KING ARTHUR and CUP 4 CUP are two great options.

Light Brown Sugar: This adds a sweet molasses flavor while keeping the topping crumbly and moist. 

Walnuts: These add a satisfying crunch and nutty taste. If preferred, pecans also taste great.

Spices: Salt adds additional flavor, and cinnamon contributes additional warmth, tying the flavor of the topping in with the muffins. 

Butter: I use cold butter for this easy banana muffin recipe. Using cold butter is essential for achieving a perfect, crumbly texture.

How to Make This Easy Banana Muffin Recipe

Step 1. Preheat the oven to 375°F, and line a 12-count muffin pan with muffin cups. 

Step 2. Whisk the dry ingredients in a medium bowl. 

Step 3. Combine the wet ingredients and spices in a separate bowl, mixing until smooth. Then, add the flour mixture to the bowl of wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Tip. Do not overmix the batter! It’s okay if a few lumps remain. 

Step 4. Make the Crumb Topping. Mix the brown sugar, flour, walnuts, salt, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Then, cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. 

Step 5. Portion the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about ⅘ of the way full with batter. Top each muffin with the crumble topping. 

Step 6. Bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. 

Step 7. Cool in the pan slightly. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. 

How to Mash Bananas

The great thing about overripe bananas is that they’re super easy to mash. Add them all to a bowl, and use a fork or potato masher to create a smooth consistency. Or, use a hand mixer to blend them up quickly. 

Can I Use Frozen Bananas? 

I recommend using fresh bananas for the best taste and texture. However, you can use frozen bananas as long as you thaw them first. Make sure to drain any excess liquid before mashing. Otherwise, your banana crumb muffins will be soggy. 

Storage Options

Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days, or transfer them to the fridge for up to 1 week. 

Freeze for up to 3 months! Thaw them in the fridge overnight. Then, enjoy cold, bring the muffins to room temperature on the counter, or quickly warm them in the microwave to serve. 

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I hope you love this Easy Banana Muffins Recipe! The muffins are soft, fluffy, and sweet, and the crumbly topping makes for the perfect finishing touch! If you do give this recipe a try, I want to know! Leave a comment with a star rating below. You can also snap a photo & tag @‌butterloveandsalt on INSTAGRAM. Your reviews help support Butter, Love & Salt and make it possible for me to continue to create delicious recipes.