Banana bread mini muffins are a bite-sized twist on the classic comfort food we all know and love. These tender, moist little muffins pack all the rich flavor of banana bread into a portable, snackable form. Perfect for breakfast, lunchboxes, or anytime snacking, they’re easy to make and even easier to enjoy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These mini muffins are soft, flavorful, and the perfect way to use up overripe bananas. They’re great for portion control, freeze beautifully, and come together in under 30 minutes. Kids love them, adults appreciate their convenience, and you’ll love how fast they disappear. Ideal for meal prepping or last-minute guests, they deliver classic banana bread flavor in every bite.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Overripe bananas
- All-purpose flour
- Baking soda
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Ground cinnamon (optional)
- Unsalted butter (melted) or oil
- Brown sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Optional: mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts
directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a mini muffin tin or line with paper liners.
- In a large bowl, mash the bananas until smooth.
- Add the melted butter (or oil), brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips or nuts if using.
- Spoon the batter into the mini muffin tin, filling each cup about ¾ full.
- Bake for 10–14 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 24 mini muffins.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 12 minutes
Total time: 22 minutes
Variations
- Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins: Stir in mini chocolate chips for added sweetness.
- Nutty Banana Muffins: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.
- Banana Oat Muffins: Replace ½ cup of the flour with quick oats for added texture and fiber.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute melted coconut oil or a neutral oil for the butter.
storage/reheating
Store cooled muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
To reheat, microwave for 10–15 seconds or warm in the oven at 300°F for 5 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Yes, thaw them first and drain off any excess liquid before mashing.
Can I make these muffins full-size?
Absolutely. Use a standard muffin tin and bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Why are my muffins dry?
Overmixing the batter or overbaking can cause dryness. Mix until just combined and keep an eye on the bake time.
How ripe should my bananas be?
Very ripe, with lots of brown spots on the skin. The riper the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful the muffins.
Can I make this recipe without eggs?
Yes, you can substitute 1 egg with ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana.
Do I need to use liners for the mini muffin tin?
No, but greasing the tin well will help prevent sticking if you skip liners.
Can I add a streusel topping?
Yes, a simple mix of brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and butter makes a delicious crumble topping.
Are these muffins sweet?
They’re lightly sweet, with most of the sweetness coming from the bananas and a bit of brown sugar.
How do I know when the muffins are done?
A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with just a few crumbs.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this recipe scales well. Just be sure not to overfill the muffin cups.
Conclusion
Banana bread mini muffins are a delightful, bite-sized version of a beloved classic. Quick to prepare, easy to customize, and freezer-friendly, they’re perfect for busy mornings, snack breaks, or sharing with friends. With their moist texture and rich banana flavor, these little muffins are sure to become a go-to in your kitchen.
Print
Banana Bread Mini Muffins
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 mini muffins 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Banana Bread Mini Muffins are moist, bite-sized treats bursting with banana flavor, perfect for breakfast, snacking, or lunchboxes. They offer the comforting taste of classic banana bread in a convenient mini muffin form.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a mini muffin tin or line with mini muffin liners.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using).
- In a large bowl, combine mashed bananas, granulated sugar, brown sugar, egg, oil, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Fold in nuts or chocolate chips if using.
- Spoon the batter into the prepared mini muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 full.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor and natural sweetness.
- These muffins freeze well and can be reheated for a quick snack.
- Adjust sugar to taste or substitute with honey or maple syrup.
- Add-ins like blueberries or shredded coconut can add variety.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini muffin
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg