Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup melted butter or vegetable oil
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans) or chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a muffin tin with paper liners.
- Prepare dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
- Mash bananas: In another bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. You can leave some small lumps for texture if desired.
- Mix wet ingredients: Add the granulated sugar, melted butter or oil, beaten egg, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Stir until everything is well combined.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently fold the ingredients together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
- Add optional ingredients: If using, fold in the chopped nuts or chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Fill muffin tin: Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about two-thirds full.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Remove the muffin tin from the oven and let the muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes. Then, transfer the muffins to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve: Once cooled, serve the banana muffins and enjoy! They can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or frozen for longer storage.
These banana muffins are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack any time of the day. Feel free to customize them with your favorite add-ins like nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit. Enjoy!