With a monkey for a daughter, we always had bananas on hand, and often found ourselves with overly ripe ones sitting on the counter. So, what’s the best way to use those ripe bananas? Make banana nut muffins!

These banana muffins are soft, moist, and perfectly balanced in sweetness. The sugar content is kept low, the texture is light, and the recipe utilizes basic pantry staples. You can enhance them with chocolate chips and walnuts, or keep them simple.

They make a delightful snack, perfectly sized for both little and big hands.

What You Will Need to Make Banana Muffins

Gather the following ingredients to create these delightful banana nut chocolate chip muffins:

• Ripe bananas: 3 to 4 large, fully ripe bananas with plenty of brown spots. The riper, the better.
• Granulated sugar, salt, vanilla extract: For sweetness, flavor, and aroma.
• Melted butter: Adds rich buttery flavor.
• All-purpose flour and baking powder: The base of the batter and leavening agent to help the muffins rise.
• Egg: Binds all the ingredients together.
• Pumpkin pie spice: A blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves, primarily cinnamon, adding warmth and depth. You can substitute it with ground cinnamon.
• Chocolate chips and nuts (optional): Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips work well, as their slight bitterness complements the sweetness. Chopped walnuts are traditional, but cashews can be used if preferred.

How to Make Banana Muffins

Step 1: Preheat and Smash

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and mash the bananas in a medium bowl using a fork or potato masher.

Step 2: Mix in Sugar and Wet Ingredients

Add sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and melted butter to the mashed bananas. Stir until well combined.

Step 3: Mix in Dry Ingredients

Add flour, baking powder, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. Stir until just combined. If desired, fold in chocolate chips and nuts.

Step 4: Bake

Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners and fill each about ¾ full with batter. Bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 5: Enjoy

Allow the muffins to cool slightly before enjoying. They can be served warm or at room temperature. These muffins are perfect for packed lunches, hikes, or as a quick snack on the go.

Pro-Tips

• Be careful not to overmix the batter after adding the flour. Stir just until no dry spots remain.
• These muffins freeze well. Allow them to cool completely, then store in a sealed bag or container for up to 2 months.