If you’re on the hunt for a breakfast or snack that feels like a warm hug in muffin form, you’ve got to try this Peanut Butter Banana Muffins Recipe. It brings together the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and the rich, creamy goodness of peanut butter into moist, tender muffins that are bursting with flavor. Perfectly spiced with cinnamon and made with wholesome ingredients, these muffins offer a delightful balance of nutrition and indulgence that will keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Peanut Butter Banana Muffins Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtful ingredients. Each component plays a key role in building the perfect texture, flavor, and moisture that make these muffins irresistible.
- Whole wheat or all-purpose flour (1 and 3/4 cups): Provides structure and a slight nuttiness to enhance the flavor.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and subtle spice that pairs beautifully with bananas and peanut butter.
- Baking soda and baking powder (1 teaspoon each): These leavening agents ensure your muffins rise light and fluffy.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Mashed bananas (1 cup): The star ingredient delivering natural sweetness and moisture.
- Honey (1/2 cup): A natural sweetener that also helps maintain moisture and tenderness.
- Plain Greek yogurt (1/2 cup): Adds creaminess and a subtle tang for texture and depth.
- Coconut oil (2 tablespoons): Infuses a mild richness and keeps muffins tender.
- Large egg (1): Acts as a binder to keep everything together while contributing to the fluffiness.
- Unsweetened almond milk (1/3 cup): Adds just enough liquid without overpowering flavor.
- Creamy peanut butter (1/2 cup): Brings that beloved nutty flavor and moist crumb.
- Pure vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Enhances all the other flavors for a well-rounded taste.
- Mini chocolate chips (optional, 1/2 cup): For a touch of melty chocolate happiness in every bite.
- Melted peanut butter (optional, 1/4 cup): Perfect for drizzling on top to amp up the peanut butter goodness.
How to Make Peanut Butter Banana Muffins Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by heating your oven to 425°F (218°C). While it warms up, prepare a 12-cup muffin pan by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray or lining it with cupcake liners. This will ensure your muffins come out cleanly and look perfect.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients first helps evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices, resulting in muffins that rise beautifully and taste consistent from edge to center.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a larger bowl, blend your mashed bananas, honey, Greek yogurt, melted coconut oil, egg, and almond milk until smooth and creamy. Then stir in the peanut butter and vanilla extract until you achieve a velvety, glossy mixture. This wet blend is full of moisture and flavor, ensuring each muffin is dense yet tender.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry
Pour the dry ingredients into the wet bowl and gently fold them together using a spatula. Be careful to mix just until combined; over-stirring can toughen the muffins. If you’re using mini chocolate chips, fold them in last to evenly distribute those delightful pockets of sweetness. The batter will be thick, so patience here is key.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Scoop the batter into your prepared muffin cups, filling each all the way to the top for a rounded, generous muffin. Bake at 425°F for 5 minutes to give the muffins a quick burst of heat that helps them rise, then immediately reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (177°C) without opening the door. Continue baking for about 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let your muffins cool for 5 minutes in the pan before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 6: Add the Finishing Touch
If you want to take your Peanut Butter Banana Muffins Recipe to the next level, drizzle melted peanut butter over the tops once they’re cool. This simple step adds a glossy finish and an extra punch of peanut flavor that’s absolutely divine.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Banana Muffins Recipe
Garnishes
To serve these muffins with style, consider a few simple garnishes. A light drizzle of honey or extra melted peanut butter on top adds sheen and flavor. A sprinkle of chopped peanuts or a dusting of cinnamon can heighten the texture and aroma, making every bite a little more indulgent.
Side Dishes
These muffins are fantastic on their own but shine when paired with fresh fruit like berries or sliced apples. A dollop of Greek yogurt or a smear of cream cheese on the side balances the sweetness and adds creaminess, creating a well-rounded snack or breakfast that satisfies your palate and your appetite.
Creative Ways to Present
For brunch or a special treat, try serving the muffins split with a smear of crunchy peanut butter and a drizzle of maple syrup, or sandwich a little banana and peanut butter cream between two muffins for a fun twist. Wrapping them individually in parchment paper and tying with a ribbon makes a charming homemade gift that friends and family will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Peanut Butter Banana Muffins Recipe leftovers keep beautifully when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Beyond that, moving them to the refrigerator helps maintain freshness for up to a week without sacrificing their soft texture.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these yummy muffins later, they freeze wonderfully. Wrap each muffin tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then store them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw them overnight in the fridge or at room temperature.
Reheating
Reheat your muffins gently in the microwave for about 20 seconds or warm them in a low oven for 5-7 minutes. This quick reheating will revive their soft crumb and bring out the lovely aroma of bananas and peanut butter that you love.
FAQs
Can I use regular flour instead of whole wheat?
Absolutely! This Peanut Butter Banana Muffins Recipe works well with all-purpose flour or a combination of both for a lighter texture. Whole wheat adds a nuttier flavor and more fiber but both options will yield delicious results.
Is there a substitute for honey in this recipe?
Yes, you can swap honey for pure maple syrup or even agave nectar to keep that natural sweetness and moisture intact. Each will add its subtle flavor twist, so feel free to experiment!
Can I make these muffins vegan?
To make a vegan version of this Peanut Butter Banana Muffins Recipe, replace the egg with a flax or chia egg, use a plant-based yogurt, and swap honey for maple syrup. These simple swaps keep the muffins moist and flavorful.
Why is the batter thick? Should I add more milk?
The batter is meant to be thick to ensure the muffins come out dense and moist without being wet or runny. Resist the urge to add more milk, as this can change the muffin’s texture and baking time.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even shredded coconut make excellent additions. Just fold them in gently along with or instead of the chocolate chips to customize your favorite Peanut Butter Banana Muffins Recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Peanut Butter Banana Muffins Recipe is a total winner when you want something wholesome, satisfying, and downright delicious. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and versatile enough to suit any occasion. Once you try these muffins, they’ll quickly become a go-to favorite to share with those you love.
Print
Peanut Butter Banana Muffins Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Delicious and wholesome Peanut Butter Banana Muffins made with whole wheat flour, ripe bananas, creamy peanut butter, and a touch of honey. These moist muffins are flavored with cinnamon and vanilla, perfect for a nutritious breakfast or snack option. Optional mini chocolate chips add a sweet twist, while a drizzle of melted peanut butter enhances their rich taste.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 and 3/4 cups (220g) whole wheat flour or all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled), or a mix of both
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup (230g) mashed bananas (about 3 medium or 2 large ripe bananas)
- 1/2 cup (170g) honey (or pure maple syrup)
- 1/2 cup (120g) plain Greek yogurt (or regular yogurt; any fat content)
- 2 Tablespoons (28g) coconut oil, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1/3 cup (80ml) unsweetened almond milk (or your preferred type of milk, dairy or nondairy)
- 1/2 cup (125g) creamy peanut butter (non-oily natural style is OK)
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Optional
- 1/2 cup (113g) mini chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup (63g) creamy peanut butter, melted (for drizzling)
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare muffin pan: Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Spray a 12-count muffin pan with nonstick spray or line it with cupcake liners to prevent sticking. Set aside this prepared pan for baking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour (or all-purpose flour), ground cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This ensures all the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the mashed bananas, honey, plain Greek yogurt, melted coconut oil, egg, and almond milk until fully combined. Then whisk in the creamy peanut butter and pure vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- Add dry ingredients to wet: Pour the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients bowl. Stir gently with a whisk initially and switch to a spatula as the batter thickens. Mix just until combined to avoid overworking the batter, which can result in tough muffins. If using, fold in mini chocolate chips carefully.
- Spoon batter into muffin cups and bake: Divide the thick batter evenly among the 12 muffin cups, filling each to the top. Place the pan in the oven and bake at 425°F for 5 minutes. Then reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (177°C) while keeping the muffins inside, and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
- Cool and optionally drizzle: Allow the muffins to cool for 5 minutes in the muffin pan, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. For added flavor, drizzle melted peanut butter over the muffins once cooled.
- Storage: Keep the muffins covered at room temperature for a few days. For longer freshness, store them in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Notes
- You can use either whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, or a combination of both depending on your preference.
- For a vegan version, replace the egg with a flax egg and use maple syrup instead of honey.
- Make sure not to overmix the batter to keep the muffins tender and soft.
- Mini chocolate chips are optional but add a delicious chocolate burst.
- Drizzling melted peanut butter on top adds a rich and appealing finish.
- Store muffins in an airtight container to retain freshness.