Name: Banana Nut Bread Mini Muffins Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1½ cups all-purpose flour; 1¼ teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt; 1⅓ cups mashed overripe banana; ⅔ cup packed dark brown sugar; 1 large egg (room temperature); ⅓ cup grapeseed oil (or another neutral oil); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ cup finely chopped walnuts (untoasted)

Print Recipe· 3.8 from 1 review

If you’ve been searching for the perfect bite-sized treat that combines cozy comfort with a burst of sweet and nutty flavor, look no further than this Banana Nut Bread Mini Muffins Recipe. These little gems pack all the warmth and moistness of classic banana bread into mini muffins that are perfect for breakfast, snack time, or a delightful dessert. Each bite is tender and crumbly, with just the right hint of cinnamon and crunchy walnuts for added texture. There’s something so wonderfully nostalgic about them, and they’re simple enough to whip up any day of the week. Trust me, once you try this Banana Nut Bread Mini Muffins Recipe, it will become a go-to favorite in your household.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear round glass bowl holds three main layers of ingredients on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer, covering most of the bowl, is a light brown liquid batter with a slightly bubbly texture. On the top left side, there is a heap of off-white flour, smooth and fine. Next to the flour on the right side, there is a pile of small, unevenly chopped light brown nuts. The bowl is filled with these three layers side by side but not mixed. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward achieving the perfect Banana Nut Bread Mini Muffins. Each ingredient plays a vital role—flour and leavening agents create that tender crumb, bananas bring natural sweetness and moisture, and walnuts add delightful crunch and depth.

All-purpose flour (1½ cups): The sturdy base that creates the perfect muffin texture, ensuring they’re soft yet hold their shape.
Ground cinnamon (1¼ teaspoon): Brings a cozy warmth and subtle spice that elevates the banana flavor beautifully.
Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Helps the muffins rise properly and become light and fluffy.
Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Works with the acidity of the mashed bananas to give a good rise and tender crumb.
Fine sea salt (¼ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors, balancing sweetness and depth.
Mature overripe bananas (1⅓ cups mashed): They bring natural sweetness and moisture, making these muffins extra tender.
Dark brown sugar (⅔ cup packed): Adds rich caramel notes and keeps the muffins moist and flavorful.
Large egg (1, room temperature): Binds the ingredients together and adds richness for a perfect crumb.
Grapeseed oil (⅓ cup): A neutral oil that keeps the muffins moist without overpowering the delicate banana flavor.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall sweetness and brings all the flavors together harmoniously.
Finely chopped walnuts (½ cup): Adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with banana.

How to Make Banana Nut Bread Mini Muffins Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). It’s important to have your oven fully warmed before you bake to ensure even cooking. Lightly spray your mini muffin pan with oil or line it with mini baking cups to prevent sticking and make clean-up a breeze.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and fine sea salt. This dry mixture is crucial because combining these ingredients before mixing with wet components ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed, giving you perfectly risen muffins.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate large bowl, whisk the mashed overripe bananas with dark brown sugar and the egg until smooth and creamy. Add grapeseed oil and vanilla extract, then whisk again until everything is blended. The bananas act as the star moisture ingredient, while the sugar and egg help to create a lovely rich batter.

Step 4: Gently Fold Ingredients Together

Now it’s time to unite your creations! Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, along with half of the finely chopped walnuts, folding gently with a spoon. Be sure to mix just until the flour disappears – overmixing can make the muffins tough, and we want tender little bites bursting with flavor.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Use a small scoop or spoon to fill your mini muffin cups almost to the top. Sprinkle the remaining walnuts over each muffin for a beautiful nutty finish that browns nicely in the oven. Bake for about 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the muffins cool for five minutes in the pan before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time lets them firm up so every bite is perfect.

How to Serve Banana Nut Bread Mini Muffins Recipe

A single muffin sits on a white marbled surface, with a golden-brown textured top that is sprinkled with small, rough pieces of light tan nuts. The muffin liner is light brown with vertical ridges running down its side, holding the moist and slightly bumpy muffin base. There are some scattered nut crumbs around the muffin on the white marbled surface. The background is a blurred dark teal color, making the muffin stand out clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

These Banana Nut Bread Mini Muffins are delightful on their own, but you can take them over the top with a small pat of softened butter or a drizzle of honey for a touch of extra richness. For the festive table, sprinkle a little powdered sugar or cinnamon on top to add a pretty and inviting finish.

Side Dishes

Serve these mini muffins alongside a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a warm chai latte for an ideal morning treat. They also pair wonderfully with a bowl of yogurt and fresh fruit, turning humble muffins into a wholesome breakfast or light afternoon snack.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re hosting brunch or packing lunches for the week, consider stacking these muffins in a glass cloche for a charming display, or place them in small, colorful paper cases inside a gift box for a sweet homemade present. Their perfect mini size also makes them a fun addition to a dessert board alongside cheeses, nuts, and spreads.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Banana Nut Bread Mini Muffins fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay tender and moist for up to three days, making it easy to enjoy them throughout the week.

Freezing

These muffins freeze beautifully! Place completely cooled muffins in a freezer-safe bag or container, and freeze for up to three months. When you want a quick treat, just thaw them at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds.

Reheating

To bring your Banana Nut Bread Mini Muffins back to life, gently warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-7 minutes or microwave for 15-20 seconds. This restores that fresh-baked feel and melts any butter or glaze you might add.

FAQs

Can I substitute the walnuts?

Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of walnuts or have allergies, try pecans or almonds instead. You can also omit nuts entirely for a nut-free version. The muffins will still be moist and flavorful.

What if I don’t have grapeseed oil?

Grapeseed oil is prized for its neutral flavor, but you can easily swap it with other neutral oils like canola, vegetable, or even melted coconut oil. Just avoid strong-flavored oils to keep the banana flavor front and center.

Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes! Frozen bananas work great as long as they’re thawed and mashed well before measuring. Overripe fresh bananas offer the best natural sweetness, but frozen ones are a convenient substitute.

How do I prevent my mini muffins from sticking?

Make sure to grease the muffin tin well or use mini muffin liners to avoid sticking. Spraying a light coat of oil or using parchment liners usually does the trick without affecting the bake.

Can I double this Banana Nut Bread Mini Muffins Recipe?

Definitely. Just double the ingredients and bake the muffins in batches if your oven or pans can’t handle a single large batch at once. Mini muffins bake quickly, so keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.

Final Thoughts

This Banana Nut Bread Mini Muffins Recipe is one of those easy, heartwarming recipes that fills your kitchen with the loveliest aromas and puts a smile on everyone’s face. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just treating yourself, these muffins hit all the right notes of moist banana, fragrant cinnamon, and crunchy walnuts. I hope you enjoy making and sharing them as much as I do—they’re a little piece of happiness in every bite.