Name: Banana Walnut Muffins
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 medium ripe bananas; 1 cup all-purpose flour; ½ cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; ⅓ cup milk; 1 tsp baking powder; ¼ tsp salt; ½ cup chopped walnuts; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 tbsp milk for glaze

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Recipe Overview

Total Time: 35 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Method: Baked
Prep: Make-Ahead Friendly

Banana walnut muffins are the perfect breakfast treat that combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the satisfying crunch of walnuts. These moist, fluffy muffins cost under $8 to make and deliver essential nutrients like potassium, healthy fats, and fiber. Perfect for busy mornings, family gatherings, or afternoon snacks, they’re incredibly easy to prepare in just 35 minutes.

◆✨ What Makes This Special

Budgetfriendly recipe using simple pantry staples that costs less than $8 total
Naturally sweet from ripe bananas, reducing the need for excess sugar
Freezerfriendly for meal prep and busy morning grabandgo breakfasts

Why These Banana Walnut Muffins Work

The magic happens when overripe bananas meet the perfect flour-to-liquid ratio. Ripe bananas provide natural moisture and sweetness, while walnuts add protein and healthy omega-3 fatty acids.

The gentle mixing technique prevents tough, dense muffins. Folding ingredients creates tender crumbs that melt in your mouth. These muffins offer 4 grams of protein per serving and significant potassium for heart health.

Perfect for brunch parties, school lunches, or coffee shop-style treats at home. The optional glaze transforms them into bakery-worthy desserts.

What You’ll Need for Perfect Banana Walnut Muffins

Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity (Approx)	Purpose / Notes
Ripe bananas	3 medium	Natural sweetness and moisture base
All-purpose flour	1 cup	Structure and texture foundation
Granulated sugar	½ cup	Additional sweetness and browning
Large eggs	2	Binding and richness
Milk	⅓ cup	Moisture and tenderness
Baking powder	1 tsp	Leavening for fluffy rise
Salt	¼ tsp	Flavor enhancement
Chopped walnuts	½ cup	Crunch and healthy fats
Powdered sugar	1 cup	Optional glaze sweetness
Milk for glaze	2 tbsp	Glaze consistency

Tools

Tool	Purpose
Muffin tin	Shaping and baking individual portions
Mixing bowls	Separating wet and dry ingredients
Fork or masher	Mashing bananas to smooth consistency
Whisk	Combining ingredients without overmixing
Paper liners	Easy removal and clean presentation

How to Make Banana Walnut Muffins

Step	Details
1. Prep oven	Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and line muffin tin with paper liners
2. Mash bananas	In a bowl, mash ripe bananas until smooth with minimal lumps
3. Mix wet ingredients	Stir sugar, eggs, and milk into mashed bananas until combined
4. Combine dry ingredients	Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in separate bowl
5. Fold together	Gradually add dry mixture to wet ingredients, stirring gently
6. Add walnuts	Fold in chopped nuts until evenly distributed throughout batter
7. Fill tins	Spoon batter into muffin cups, filling two-thirds full
8. Bake	Bake 18-20 minutes until golden and toothpick comes out clean
9. Make glaze	Whisk powdered sugar with milk until drizzling consistency
10. Finish	Drizzle glaze over completely cooled muffins

✓⚡ Cook Smarter

Use bananas with brown spots for maximum sweetness and easier mashing
Don’t overmix the batter – lumps are okay for tender muffins
Toast walnuts lightly beforehand for enhanced nutty flavor

Serving and Storage Tips for Banana Walnut Muffins

Serving Tips

Serve these ultimate banana muffins warm with butter or cream cheese. They pair beautifully with coffee, tea, or cold milk.

For special occasions, dust with powdered sugar or add a cream cheese frosting. Store at room temperature for 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Warm frozen muffins in the microwave for 30 seconds. They’re perfect alongside ultimate chicken casserole for brunch spreads.

Mistakes to Avoid while making Banana Walnut Muffins

Overmixing creates tough, dense muffins. Mix just until ingredients combine. Using underripe bananas results in less sweetness and moisture.

Overbaking leads to dry muffins. Check doneness at 18 minutes with a toothpick. Filling cups too full causes overflow and uneven baking.

Skipping the cooling time before glazing causes runny icing. Let muffins cool completely for best results.

! 🧭 Need to Know

Ripe bananas with brown spots provide the best flavor and natural sweetness
Gentle folding technique prevents tough, dense texture in finished muffins
Proper cooling prevents glaze from melting and ensures clean presentation

Suggestions for Banana Walnut Muffins

Try adding chocolate chips, blueberries, or cinnamon for variety. Substitute pecans for walnuts or use a mix of both nuts.

Make them healthier with whole wheat flour or oat flour. Add vanilla extract for extra flavor depth. These pair wonderfully with keto cloud cake for dessert spreads.

For special diets, use plant-based milk and egg substitutes. The banana nut muffins recipe adapts well to dietary modifications.

FAQs:

Can I make banana walnut muffins without eggs?

Yes, substitute each egg with ¼ cup applesauce or mashed banana for similar binding properties.

How do I know when banana walnut muffins are done?

Insert a toothpick in the center – it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Can I freeze banana walnut muffin batter?

It’s better to freeze baked muffins. Fresh batter loses leavening power when frozen.

Why are my banana walnut muffins dense?

Overmixing develops gluten, creating dense texture. Mix just until ingredients are barely combined.

How long do banana walnut muffins stay fresh?

Store covered at room temperature for 3 days or refrigerate for up to one week.

Conclusion

These banana walnut muffins deliver bakery-quality results with minimal effort and cost. Perfect for meal prep, family breakfasts, or special occasions, they’re naturally sweet and nutritious.

The combination of ripe bananas and crunchy walnuts creates irresistible flavor and texture. With proper technique, you’ll achieve moist, tender muffins every time.

Try this recipe for your next brunch gathering or weekly meal prep. Your family will request them again and again!