Moist and Fluffy Cinnamon Banana Muffins

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These moist and fluffy cinnamon banana muffins have a sweet banana base and a swirl of cinnamon goodness, are kid-friendly and are perfect for a quick on-the-go breakfast for those busy mornings. Inspired by the irresistible flavors of banana Nutella muffins, and the comforting appeal of cinnamon crunch banana bread, these muffins are a treat you won’t want to miss. Whip up a batch in no time and enjoy the comforting flavors of banana and cinnamon. Simple, tasty, and ready in a flash!

Overhead view of muffins with a kids hand grabbing one of the muffins.

This is my son’s hand grabbing for these as soon as they came out of the oven. The smell of the cinnamon wafting through the house was something he couldn’t resist! He has a deep affection for cinnamon after he was introduced to cinnamon in this cinnamon-maple-chunky-applesauce, recipe.

Why You and the kids will Love this recipe!

Irresistible Taste: The natural sweetness of ripe bananas combined with the warm and comforting flavor of cinnamon creates a flavor profile that kids love. These muffins provide a delicious and satisfying snack option that can easily become a kid favorite.
Fun and Easy to Make: Involving my kids in the baking process can be a great way to spend quality time together and foster their creativity. Cinnamon banana muffins are relatively simple to make, making them an ideal recipe for them to participate in. They help me mash the bananas, mix the batter, and create the cinnamon swirls.
Portable and On-the-Go: My kids are often on the move, whether it’s for school, extracurricular activities, or family outings. Cinnamon banana muffins are a convenient and portable snack that can be packed in lunchboxes or taken on the go. They provide a wholesome and homemade alternative to store-bought snacks, ensuring that they have a tasty treat.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED

This recipe is great to make with kids. It’s really easy and made with ingredients you can find in your pantry!

Ripe bananas, mashed – do not use fully blackened bananas as they tend to have too much moisture. Ripe but not too ripe bananas give the batter structure, so the muffins bakes up fluffy and light.
Granulated Sugar – Sugar enhances the overall flavor profile of the muffins, bringing out the natural flavors of other ingredients and contributing to a well-rounded taste.
Melted unsalted butter – Unsalted butter allows us to control the salt, this is why I always use unsalted butter in baking. My favorite store brand of butter is Land O’ Lakes.
Sour cream – Sour cream is a fantastic addition to muffin recipes because it has some unique qualities. This helps the muffins rise and form those beautiful crowns in the oven. You can replace it with plain yogurt.
Buttermilk – Like in these healthy apple muffins, buttermilk brings a pleasant tang and adds very little fat. It also helps to tenderize gluten, giving baked goods a softer texture and more body.
Eggs– Eggs are essential in muffin recipes as they provide structure and moisture, and contribute to the light and fluffy texture.
Vanilla extract– Adding pure vanilla extract to muffins enhances the overall flavor profile by adding a subtle yet delightful sweetness and aroma.
All-Purpose Flour-All-purpose flour is a go-to choice because it works wonders for achieving that perfect crumb texture. It strikes a great balance between providing structure and ensuring the muffins turn out tender and moist.
Cinnamon and cloves – these seasonings are high in eugenol, the same compound that gives ripe bananas their distinctive flavor and aroma. These help deepen the banana flavor of the muffins and are a spice combo that I also use in the banana carrot muffins.

Overhead view of cinnamon swirl banana muffins in clear glass bowls.

HOW TO MAKE CINNAMON BANANA MUFFINS

STEP 1: Mash bananas, (you will need 4 large bananas or 5 medium-sized bananas (2 cups – 460 grams)) with a potato masher in a medium-sized bowl and set aside. Spray a 12-count muffin pan with nonstick spray.

Overhead view of mashed bananas in a glass bowl.

overhead view of muffin tin sprayed with cooking spray.

STEP 2: Whisk all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and ground cloves together in a large bowl. Set aside.

An overhead view of dry ingredients piled into a clear bowl.

Overhead view of dry ingredients mixed together with a hand on a metal whisk.

STEP 3: Mix wet ingredients. Whisk eggs and sugar together in a medium-sized bowl for 30 seconds.

Overhead view of sugar and eggs in a glass bowl.

Overhead view of eggs and sugar mixed together in a glass mixing bowl.

STEP 4: Add buttermilk, melted butter, sour cream, and vanilla to the egg and sugar mixture. Whisk until combined. Add in bananas and whisk until combined.

Overhead view of wet ingredients piled in a glass bowl with a whisk in the bowl.

Overhead view of all the wet ingredients including the mashed bananas are mixed together.

STEP 5: Wet and dry ingredients. Add wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and whisk until all the flour is moistened. Be careful to not overmix.

Overhead view of wet ingredients poured into the dry ingredients in a glass bowl.

Overhead view of the wet and dry ingredients mixed together in a clear bowl.

STEP 6: Scoop batter into muffin tin and fill to the top. The easiest way to do this is with a portion scoop.

Overhead view of a muffin tin getting filled with cinnamon muffin batter using an ice cream scoop.

overhead view of muffin tin with cinnamon banana muffin batter filled in all of the tin cups.

STEP 7: Add the cinnamon sugar topping. Whisk the brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a medium size bowl until well combined. Scoop one teaspoon of sugar mixture over the top of each muffin. Use a toothpick to swirl the sugar cinnamon into the batter.

Overhead view of cinnamon swirl banana muffins batter in the muffin tin. A hand is pouring out a teaspoon of cinnamon sugar mixture on top of the batter.

Overhead view of cinnamon swirl banana muffins with the brown sugar topping and a toothpick is swirling the topping.

STEP 8: Bake at 400°F (204°C) for 20-23 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the muffins to cool for 5 minutes in the muffin pan, then transfer to a wire rack to continue cooling.

Overhead view of cinnamon swirl banana muffins baked in the muffin tin.

Overhead view of cinnamon banana muffins on a wire rack with a bite bitten out of one muffin.

CINNAMON BANANA MUFFINS TIPS & TRICKS

Ripe Bananas: Use fully ripe bananas with brown spots on the skin. They are sweeter, more flavorful, and easier to mash, resulting in moist and flavorful muffins.
Proper Mashing: Mash the bananas well to ensure a smooth and consistent texture throughout the muffins. You can use a fork or a potato masher for this.
Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, avoid overmixing the batter. Overmixing can lead to dense and tough muffins. Mix until just combined, when all the flour is moistened.
Properly Grease the Muffin Tin: To prevent the muffins from sticking to the pan, make sure to grease the muffin tin properly. You can use butter, cooking spray, or muffin liners.
Oven Temperature: Preheat the oven to the specified temperature before baking the muffins. This ensures even baking and proper rise.
Cool Properly: Once baked, allow the muffins to cool in the muffin tin for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps to set the structure and prevents them from becoming too fragile.
Storage: Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for a couple of months.

By following these tips and tricks, you’ll be well on your way to creating perfect cinnamon banana muffins every time. Enjoy the delightful aroma and deliciousness of homemade muffins that are sure to be a hit!

VARITATIONS

Cinnamon Banana Nut Muffins: Enhance the nutty goodness of cinnamon banana muffins by adding a variety of chopped nuts such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the batter. You could add 1 cup of chopped nuts if desired. The combination of warm cinnamon, sweet bananas, and crunchy nuts creates a delightful texture and flavor experience in every bite. Or check out this banana bread with pecans recipe instead!
Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Banana Muffins: Indulge your sweet tooth by incorporating chocolate chips into your cinnamon banana muffins. The combination of rich chocolate and warm cinnamon pairs harmoniously with the sweetness of bananas. Each bite will be filled with gooey chocolate pockets, making these muffins an irresistible treat for chocolate lovers. I recommend adding 1 cup if desired.

SUBSTITUTIONS

Flour Substitutions:
- Whole Wheat Flour: You can substitute up to 50% whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour in most recipes. If you want to use more than 50% whole wheat flour, you may need to adjust the other ingredients in the recipe, such as the amount of liquid or leavening.
- Gluten-Free Flour Blend: If you require a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend as a substitute for regular flour. Make sure to choose a blend suitable for baking.
Mix-In Substitutions:
- Dried Fruits: Instead of chocolate chips or nuts, try adding 1 cup of dried fruits like cranberries or chopped dried apricots for a fruity twist.
- Shredded Coconut: Add 1 cup of shredded coconut to the batter for extra texture and flavor.

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Sarah’s Did You Know?

Did you know that cinnamon not only adds a delightful warmth and aroma to your baked goods but also boasts potential health benefits? It has been linked to improved blood sugar control, reduced inflammation, and even potential antibacterial properties. So, when you make these cinnamon banana muffins, you’re adding a touch of goodness to your day!

STORAGE TIPS

These are wonderful warm straight out of the oven, but they also can be made ahead and freeze very well!

Be sure to allow the muffins to cool completely before storing. I recommend you move them to a wire rack for the quickest cooling time.

Leftovers. They will stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days, or in the refrigerator for about 5 days. If you choose to refrigerate them, I recommend heating them in the microwave for about 15 seconds before serving. Keep in mind that the texture of muffins will naturally change over time, and it’s best to consume them within a day or two of baking for the freshest and most enjoyable texture.
Freezing. Once completely cooled, place them in a resealable freezer bag, then freeze for up to 3 months. You can either thaw them at room temperature or warm them up in the microwave when you’re ready to enjoy. I freeze them right away and place the frozen muffin in my kid’s lunch box so it is thawed by snack time!

FAQ’s

Does cinnamon and banana go together?

Yes, cinnamon and banana are a wonderful flavor combination that complement each other beautifully. The warm and aromatic notes of cinnamon pair exceptionally well with the natural sweetness of bananas.

What should not be mixed with banana?

Citrus Fruits: Mixing citrus fruits, such as oranges or lemons, with bananas can result in an unpleasant flavor clash. The acidity of citrus fruits can overpower the natural sweetness of bananas and create an unbalanced taste.

Why is my banana muffin hard?

Overmixing the batter: Baking the muffins for too long or at a higher temperature than recommended can lead to dry and hard results. Make sure to follow the baking time and temperature specified in the recipe and check for doneness using a toothpick or cake tester.
Incorrect flour measurement: Using too much flour can make the muffins dense and dry. It’s important to measure the flour accurately by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off with a straight edge or use a food scale.

Overhead view of the cinnamon swirl muffins with a muffin bite out of one muffin.

If you try these delicious cinnamon banana muffins let me know! Leave a comment and if your family loves it as much as mine does, be sure to give it a five-star ⭐️ rating! And, subscribe to our mailing list to receive more delicious recipes straight to your inbox.