Soft, moist, and filled with rich banana flavor, these Classic Banana Nut Muffins are a timeless favorite. Made with ripe bananas, yoghurt (or sour cream), and crunchy nuts, they strike the perfect balance between tender crumb and satisfying texture. Whether enjoyed for breakfast, as a snack, or tucked into a lunchbox, these muffins are comforting, reliable, and incredibly easy to make.
This recipe is ideal for using up overripe bananas and comes together in just one bowl for the dry ingredients and one bowl for the wet ingredients — no mixer required.
🍌 Why This Recipe Works
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Ripe bananas add natural sweetness and moisture
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Yoghurt or sour cream creates a soft, fluffy crumb
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Oil or butter keeps the muffins tender for days
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Gentle mixing prevents dense muffins
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Nuts add crunch and depth of flavor
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
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2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
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¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
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1 tsp baking powder
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½ tsp baking soda
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½ tsp salt
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½ tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
Wet Ingredients
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½ cup (120 ml) vegetable oil or melted butter
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2 large eggs, room temperature
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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3 medium ripe bananas, mashed
(about 1¼ cups / 300 g) -
½ cup (120 ml) plain yoghurt or sour cream
Add-Ins
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¾ cup (90 g) chopped walnuts or pecans
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Extra nuts for topping (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease well to prevent sticking.
2️⃣ Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Whisking evenly distributes the leavening agents for consistent rise.
3️⃣ Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the oil (or melted butter), eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined. Add the mashed bananas and yoghurt, mixing until smooth and creamy.
4️⃣ Bring the Batter Together
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Using a spatula, fold gently until just combined.
Do not overmix — a few small lumps are perfectly fine.
Fold in the chopped nuts.
5️⃣ Fill the Muffin Tin
Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full. Sprinkle extra nuts on top if desired for a bakery-style finish.
6️⃣ Bake
Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
7️⃣ Cool and Serve
Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Serving Suggestions ☕
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Serve warm with butter or honey
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Pair with coffee, tea, or milk
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Perfect for breakfast-on-the-go
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Great as an afternoon snack
Storage & Freezing
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Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
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Refrigerator: Up to 5 days
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Freezer: Freeze cooled muffins for up to 3 months
To reheat, warm in the microwave for 20–30 seconds.
Helpful Baking Tips ✨
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Use bananas with brown spots for maximum flavor
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Measure flour correctly to avoid dry muffins
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Let eggs and yoghurt come to room temperature
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For tall muffin tops, start baking at 200°C (400°F) for 5 minutes, then reduce to 180°C
Easy Variations
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Chocolate chip banana muffins: Replace nuts with chocolate chips
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Healthier option: Use half whole-wheat flour
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Dairy-free: Use plant-based yoghurt
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Spiced version: Add nutmeg or mixed spice
⏰ Recipe Summary
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Bake Time: 18–22 minutes
Total Time: ~30 minutes
Yield: 12 muffins


