Fluffy Banana Nut Muffins

Name: Fluffy Banana Nut Muffins
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12 muffins
Ingredients: 3 ripe bananas, mashed; 1/3 cup melted butter; 1 teaspoon baking soda; Pinch of salt; 3/4 cup sugar; 1 large egg, beaten; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped

Highlighted under: Homemade Sweets Recipes

I love baking, and there's something incredibly satisfying about the aroma of banana nut muffins wafting through the kitchen. These muffins are not only fluffy but also packed with rich flavors, making them the perfect snack or breakfast treat. With ripe bananas and walnuts, the simple ingredients come together to create a delightful bite. I often whip these up when I have extra bananas lying around, and they disappear so quickly that I can barely keep them in stock! Trust me, these muffins will bring a smile to your face.

Created by

Anna Johnson

Last updated on 2026-01-30T19:46:28.146Z

When I first started baking in my tiny apartment kitchen, I was determined to master the art of the perfect muffin. After several attempts filled with chunky banana bits and overly dry textures, I finally landed on this fluffy banana nut muffin recipe that I adore. It's all about mixing the ingredients just enough to keep that light texture while still allowing the bananas and nuts to shine through.

One of my favorite tips is to use very ripe bananas; they add natural sweetness and moisture to the muffins. I often freeze overripe bananas for baking, and they work wonderfully here. The key is to chop the walnuts coarsely to maintain that delightful crunch in every bite. Give it a try—you won’t be disappointed!

Why You'll Love These Muffins
Soft and fluffy texture with a delightful crumb
Bursting with natural sweetness from the bananas
Nutty crunch from walnuts for added richness
Perfect for breakfast or as a snack on-the-go

The Importance of Ripe Bananas

Ripe bananas are the star of this muffin recipe, as their natural sweetness and soft texture contribute to the overall fluffiness of the muffins. Aim for bananas with plenty of brown spots, as these will be at their sweetest and easiest to mash. If you're in a pinch and don't have overly ripe bananas, you can ripen them quickly by placing them in a brown paper bag for a day or two.

Using overripe bananas not only enhances the flavor but also helps reduce the amount of added sugar needed. This recipe calls for 3/4 cup of sugar; however, if you prefer a less sweet muffin, feel free to decrease it slightly depending on the ripeness of your bananas. This balance of sweetness is key to achieving that perfect bite.

Choosing and Preparing Walnuts

Walnuts add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to these muffins, but their freshness matters for the best taste. Opt for raw or lightly toasted walnuts; toasting enhances their flavor for an even richer muffin experience. If you store walnuts in the refrigerator, they'll remain fresh longer, ensuring that every muffin is bursting with flavor.

When chopping walnuts, aim for a medium chop to ensure even distribution throughout the batter. This helps avoid having large chunks that could disrupt the muffin's soft texture. I like to keep some extra chopped walnuts on hand for sprinkling on top of the muffins before baking, which not only adds a nice visual appeal but also provides an extra crunch.

Storage and Reheating Tips

These muffins can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, remaining soft and tasty. If you want to enjoy them longer, consider freezing the muffins. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap each muffin tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to three months.

To reheat, simply take a muffin out of the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes, or pop it in the microwave for about 15-30 seconds. The microwave will restore some of that fluffy texture, making it feel freshly baked again. This makes them perfect for a quick breakfast or snack any day of the week.

Ingredients

For the Muffins

3 ripe bananas, mashed
1/3 cup melted butter
1 teaspoon baking soda
Pinch of salt
3/4 cup sugar
1 large egg, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup walnuts, chopped

Instructions

Instructions

How to Make Fluffy Banana Nut Muffins

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it well.

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork, then stir in the melted butter. Mix in the baking soda and salt.

Combine Other Ingredients

Add the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract to the banana mixture, stirring until well combined. Slowly mix in the flour until just incorporated. Finally, fold in the chopped walnuts.

Fill Muffin Tin

Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about three-quarters full.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Enjoy!

Enjoy Your Muffins!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of cinnamon to the batter or using chocolate chips instead of walnuts.

Mixing Technique

When blending the wet ingredients, make sure to mash the bananas until they are mostly smooth, while still leaving small chunks for texture. This will create a nice contrast in your muffins, adding to the overall eating experience. If you prefer a bit more structure in your muffins, you can reduce the mashing to leave some larger banana pieces.

Also, when adding the flour, mix it in gently until just combined to avoid overmixing. This will keep the muffins light and airy. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour and can lead to denser muffins. You want to be able to see a few streaks of flour remaining before folding in the walnuts.

Flavor Variations

If you're in the mood for a twist, consider adding chocolate chips or cinnamon to the batter. About half a cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips can transform these muffins into a luxurious treat. For a warm spice note, mix in a teaspoon of cinnamon or even a pinch of nutmeg for an inviting aromatic experience.

You can also substitute the walnuts with pecans for a different nutty flavor. Coconut flakes or dried fruits like cranberries or raisins work beautifully too. These substitutions can add unique flavors and textures that keep the muffins interesting and versatile. Don't be afraid to experiment with what you have on hand!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?

Yes! Just thaw them and drain any excess liquid before mashing.

→ How should I store leftover muffins?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.

→ What can I substitute for walnuts?

You can use pecans, almonds, or even chocolate chips if you prefer.

→ Can I make these muffins gluten-free?

Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.