Craving a fusion of sweet bananas and creamy peanut butter? Look no further than these Peanut Butter Banana Muffins! Perfect for a quick breakfast, post-workout snack, or a guilt-free dessert, these muffins come together in no time with wholesome ingredients you likely have right in your pantry. They’re naturally sweetened with honey, rich in flavor from the peanut butter, and have an indulgent option of adding chocolate chips for that extra treat. And, they even stay moist for days! Ready to dive into this easy and delicious recipe?
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to make these scrumptious muffins:
- 1 and 3/4 cups (220g) whole wheat flour or all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled; you can use a mix of both)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon for a warm, cozy flavor.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda as a leavening agent.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder to ensure maximum muffin fluff.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt for balance.
- 1 cup (230g) mashed bananas (about 3 medium or 2 large, ripe bananas).
- 1/2 cup (170g) honey (or pure maple syrup) for natural sweetness.
- 1/2 cup (120g) plain Greek yogurt (or regular yogurt of 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 milk (dairy or non-dairy).
- 1/2 cup (125g) creamy peanut butter (non-oily natural style is OK).
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract for that delicious, sweet aroma.
- Optional: 1/2 cup (113g) mini chocolate chips for a touch of decadence.
- Optional: 1/4 cup (63g) creamy peanut butter , melted, for drizzling.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
Before you start, make sure you have the following kitchen tools ready to make your muffin-baking process smooth and efficient:
- 12-count muffin pan
You can’t make muffins without a good muffin pan! This recipe yields 12 delicious muffins. - Nonstick spray or cupcake liners
Either will prevent the muffins from sticking to the pan. - Mixing bowls
You’ll need a couple of bowls—one for your dry ingredients and another for your wet ingredients. - Whisk and Spatula
A whisk for combining ingredients and a spatula to gently fold the batter together. - Spoon or Cookie Scoop
For portioning out the muffin batter evenly into the cups. - Cooling Rack
To allow your muffins to cool evenly after baking.
Preparing the Batter
Here’s how you’ll bring all those wonderful ingredients together to create the perfect Peanut Butter Banana Muffins:
Step 1: Prep the Oven 📏🎯
Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C) . This initial high heat helps the muffins rise quickly, giving them those beautifully domed tops. Then, either spray a 12-count muffin pan with nonstick spray or line it with cupcake liners. Set it aside for now.
Step 2: Combining the Dry Ingredients 🍂
In a medium bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour (or whatever flour you choose), cinnamon , baking soda , baking powder , and salt . This ensures all the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed throughout the batter. Set this aside for later.
Step 3: Mixing the Wet Ingredients 🍌🥜
In a large bowl, mash the bananas until smooth. Then whisk in the following wet ingredients: honey , Greek yogurt , melted coconut oil , egg , and almond milk (or preferred milk). Finally, add the peanut butter and vanilla extract . Whisk it all together until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined. If it seems slightly thick, don’t worry—that’s how it should be!
Step 4: Add Dry to Wet 💧➡️🌾
Now, it’s time to bring everything together. Gradually add the dry ingredients (the flour mixture) to the wet ingredients. Gently stir with a spatula. Be careful not to over-mix, as over-stirring can result in dense muffins. Stop stirring as soon as everything is just combined.
Step 5: Fold in the Chocolate Chips (if using) 🍫
If you’re feeling indulgent, now’s the time to fold in the mini chocolate chips . They pair wonderfully with the peanut butter and banana flavor!
Baking the Muffins
The oven is preheated, the batter is ready—let’s get those muffins baking!
Step 6: Fill the Muffin Pan 🍥
Spoon your prepared muffin batter into the muffin cups, filling each to the top for those bakery-style, high-domed muffins. You can use a cookie scoop or spoon for even portions. If you’re a fan of toppings, you could sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips or even a bit of cinnamon-sugar over the tops before baking.
Step 7: Bake at Two Temperatures 🍞🔥
Here’s the trick for perfectly domed muffins:
- Bake for 5 minutes at 425°F (218°C) to give the muffins a nice, tall rise.
- After 5 minutes, don’t remove the muffins—simply reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (177°C) and continue baking for another 15 minutes .
The total bake time will be around 20 minutes, but you may want to check for doneness a bit earlier or later by inserting a toothpick into the center of a muffin. If it comes out clean (or with just a few moist crumbs), your muffins are done!
Step 8: Cool and Drizzle (Optional) 🍮
Once baked, allow the muffins to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes . Then transfer them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
If you want to take these peanut butter banana muffins to the next level, drizzle some melted peanut butter on top while they’re still slightly warm—it’ll set into a delicious, creamy topping!
Storage: How to Keep Your Muffins Fresh 🍯🗄️
- Short-Term Storage : Muffins stay fresh for up to 2 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want them to last a little longer, transfer them to the fridge for up to 1 week .
- Freeze for Later : These muffins also freeze beautifully! Once cooled, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, place in an airtight bag, and freeze for up to 3 months . To enjoy, thaw at room temperature or pop one into the microwave for a quick snack.
Enjoy! 🎉
And just like that, you’re ready to enjoy these soft, flavorful, and nutritious Peanut Butter Banana Muffins! Whether you’re having them for breakfast, post-workout fuel, or a tasty treat with coffee, they’re bound to satisfy your cravings.
Happy baking, and enjoy your muffins! 🍌🥜🍯
Conclusion
Peanut Butter Banana Muffins are a perfect balance of sweet, nutty, and wholesome flavors that can be enjoyed guilt-free any time of day. Thanks to the ripe bananas, creamy peanut butter, and a touch of honey, they’re naturally sweetened and packed with nutrients like protein and fiber, making them a satisfying snack that both kids and adults will love. Plus, with simple ingredients and easy preparation, these muffins are a great choice whether you’re a seasoned baker or just getting started.
Whether you’re enjoying one fresh out of the oven with a cup of coffee, drizzling melted peanut butter on top for extra indulgence, or freezing a few for busy mornings, this versatile recipe has all your baking needs covered. Give them a try, and don’t be surprised if they become a regular part of your weekly baking routine!
So, what are you waiting for? Grab those ripe bananas, warm up your oven, and get ready to enjoy delicious Peanut Butter Banana Muffins that are bursting with flavor!