Banana S’mores Muffins

If you’re looking for a delightful way to start your day, look no further than these Banana S’mores Muffins! They are the perfect combination of sweet bananas, crunchy graham cracker crumbs, and gooey vegan marshmallows topped with rich chocolate chips. Every bite is like a warm hug that makes your morning routine a little brighter.

This recipe is not just delicious; it’s also incredibly easy to whip up. Whether you’re trying to impress guests at a brunch or simply want a cozy treat for family gatherings, these muffins are sure to please everyone. Plus, they’re great for busy weeknights when you need something sweet yet satisfying!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can have these muffins ready in no time. Perfect for those busy mornings!
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore the classic flavors of s’mores combined with banana goodness.
• Make-Ahead Delight: You can bake these muffins on the weekend and enjoy them throughout the week—just store them in a sealed container!
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy them as breakfast or as an afternoon snack; they fit perfectly into any part of your day.
• Deliciously Wholesome: Packed with wholesome ingredients, these muffins are both tasty and satisfying.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple and wholesome ingredients to create these delightful Banana S’mores Muffins. You probably have many of these items in your pantry already!

For the Muffin Batter

• 2/3 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2/3 cup mashed ripe banana (about 2 medium-sized)
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon table salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

For the S’mores Twist

• 3/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 2/3 cup whole milk
• 1 cup miniature chocolate chips, divided
• 1 cup miniature vegan marshmallow bits, divided

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is how flexible it is! You can easily swap out ingredients based on what you have or your personal preferences.

• Add Nuts: Stir in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch and nuttiness.
• Switch Up the Fruit: Substitute the banana with applesauce or pumpkin puree for a different flavor twist.
• Try Different Chips: Use white chocolate chips or peanut butter chips instead of regular chocolate for a fun variation.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend to accommodate dietary needs.

How to Make Banana S’mores Muffins

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. This ensures that your muffins rise nicely and bake evenly. While that’s heating up, place 16 cupcake liners in a muffin pan or give it a good spray with nonstick baking spray.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the melted butter and brown sugar until it’s smooth and creamy. Then add in the egg, vanilla extract, mashed banana, and sour cream. Mixing these ingredients well helps create a moist base for your muffins.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, stir together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and graham cracker crumbs. This step is crucial as it ensures that all your leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Gradually add the dry mixture to your wet ingredients along with the whole milk. Mix until just combined—over-mixing can lead to dense muffins! The batter should be slightly lumpy; that’s perfectly okay!

Step 5: Add Chocolate & Marshmallows

Gently fold in 3/4 cup of chocolate chips and marshmallow bits by hand. This will give each muffin pockets of melty goodness that you won’t be able to resist.

Step 6: Fill & Bake

Spoon the batter into your lined muffin pan until each liner is about two-thirds full. Top off each muffin with the remaining chocolate chips and marshmallow bits for an extra treat on top! Bake for about 16 minutes until golden brown.

Step 7: Cool & Enjoy

After baking, let them cool in the pan for about 3-4 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling time helps firm them up just right! Once they’re completely cool, store any leftovers in a sealed container (if there are any left!).

Now you’re ready to enjoy these scrumptious Banana S’mores Muffins any time you crave something sweet!

Pro Tips for Making Banana S’mores Muffins

Baking is an adventure, and these pro tips will help you create the most delicious Banana S’mores Muffins!

• Use Ripe Bananas: The riper your bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your muffins will be. Overripe bananas not only add natural sweetness but also contribute a moist texture.

• Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to dense muffins that don’t rise as well.

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs and sour cream are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a uniform batter, leading to fluffy muffins.

• Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary in temperature, so start checking your muffins a minute or two before the suggested baking time. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.

• Cool Completely Before Storing: Allow your muffins to cool completely on a wire rack before sealing them in a container. This prevents moisture from building up and keeps them fresher for longer.

How to Serve Banana S’mores Muffins

These Banana S’mores Muffins are not only tasty but can also be presented beautifully for any occasion. Here’s how you can serve them:

Garnishes

• Mini Chocolate Drizzle: A light drizzle of melted chocolate over the top adds an extra touch of sweetness and makes the muffins look appealing.
• Coconut Flakes: Sprinkling some toasted coconut flakes on top offers a delightful texture and enhances the tropical flavor profile.
• Fresh Berries: Serve alongside fresh strawberries or raspberries for a pop of color and a refreshing contrast to the sweet muffins.

Side Dishes

• Yogurt Parfait: A simple yogurt parfait with layers of Greek yogurt, granola, and fresh fruit complements the flavors of the muffin while adding protein.
• Fruit Salad: A vibrant fruit salad made with seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the richness of the muffins perfectly.
• Smoothie Bowl: Pair these muffins with a thick smoothie bowl topped with nuts, seeds, and sliced fruit for a hearty breakfast option.
• Nut Butter Toast: Whole grain toast spread with almond or peanut butter provides healthy fats and protein to round out your meal beautifully.

Enjoy your delightful Banana S’mores Muffins as part of a cozy breakfast or as an afternoon snack; they are sure to bring smiles all around!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Banana S’mores Muffins are perfect for meal prep, making them an excellent choice for busy mornings or snack time. You can easily whip up a batch in advance, ensuring you have delicious treats ready to go!

Storing Leftovers

• Store muffins in a sealed container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to a week.

Freezing

• Allow the muffins to cool completely before freezing.
• Wrap each muffin tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To enjoy your muffins warm, remove them from the freezer and let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
• Reheat in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about Banana S’mores Muffins that you might find helpful.

Can I use different types of chocolate chips in Banana S’mores Muffins?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with dark chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, or even flavored varieties like mint or peanut butter. Each will add its unique twist to your muffins!

How can I make my Banana S’mores Muffins healthier?

To make these muffins healthier, consider replacing half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. You can also reduce the brown sugar slightly or use a sugar substitute if desired.

Can I make Banana S’mores Muffins without eggs?

Yes! You can replace the egg with a flaxseed meal. Mix one tablespoon of flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water and let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens.

How long do Banana S’mores Muffins last?

When stored properly at room temperature, these muffins will last about 3 days. If refrigerated, they can stay fresh for up to a week!

What can I serve with Banana S’mores Muffins?

These delightful muffins pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea! They also make an excellent addition to a breakfast spread alongside yogurt or fresh fruit.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited to make these Banana S’mores Muffins as I am! They truly are special with their sweet banana flavor and gooey marshmallows. Whether enjoyed for breakfast or as an afternoon snack, they’re sure to bring smiles all around. Enjoy baking and sharing these treats with your loved ones!