SO let me just start off by saying that I absolutely hate bananas. With a passion. I didn’t like them as a kid, and I definitely don’t like them now. But my kids are obsessed — go figure.

During this period of social distancing, I’ve been trying to come up with fun activities to do with the kids to make staying home a bit more interesting. We’ve done some cooking, and baking, and reading “Pete the Cat and the Bad Banana” on repeat, so I thought this would be the perfect recipe to try. Now in case you didn’t hear me the first time, I’m not a fan of bananas. But this recipe, my friends, just might make a girl change her mind.

The great thing about this recipe is that you probably already have all of the ingredients lying around in your pantry. And if you’ve got some overly-ripe bananas, too, then you’re in business.

I let Manse handle much of the mixing. I usually measure the ingredients and throw them in as I go. But when baking with kids, it’s particularly helpful to measure everything out ahead of time so they can easily help toss things in.

While the muffins alone were just as yummy, we decided to try a lil’ something different (inspired by Pinterest). We dipped each muffin in butter and cinnamon sugar for the ultimate icing on the cake.

Prep time for the muffins took a total of 15 minutes, and baking an additional 18. This recipe is foolproof and pretty straightforward, if I do say so myself. For someone who doesn’t make muffins, and has never baked banana nut bread or anything similar, I’d say I’m pretty happy about the turnout! The muffins lasted just under 12 hours. I guess you can say I know what I’ll be doing with my less-than-desirable, overly-ripe bananas from here on out!

Banana Bread Muffins

By Shana Antoine

Yield: 12 

Prep Time: 15 min

Bake Time: 18-20 min

Total time: 35 min

Ingredients

• 2 medium-sized bananas* (mashed)
• 1 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 12 baking cups (standard size)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°. Line a muffin pan with 12 baking cups. Set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together sugar, oil, and eggs. Add in bananas, then vanilla until well combined.
3. Add flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Stir for 2-3 minutes.
4. Fill each baking cup about 3/4 full. Place in the center rack of the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
5. Remove muffins from the oven. Let cool for about 5 minutes to enjoy warm, or cool completely before serving.

* For cinnamon sugar topping: combine 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon into a small dish. Mix and set aside. In a small bowl, melt 3 tablespoons of butter for about 15 seconds (or until fully melted) in the microwave. Dip each muffin top — one at a time — into the melted butter. Then, dip each muffin top into cinnamon sugar mixture to coat. Voilà!

© WeMakesThree 2020