Cinnamon Banana Bread Muffins Recipe

Get ready for cozy baking bliss with these Cinnamon Banana Bread Muffins! They deliver all the sweet, spiced comfort of classic banana bread, but in cheerful, grab-and-go muffin form—with an irresistibly buttery cinnamon-sugar crust that’s pure breakfast magic.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Ultra-Moist Texture: Overripe bananas and just the right amount of oil guarantee every bite is tender and fluffy, never dry or dense.
  • Cinnamon-Sugar Topping Bliss: Each muffin gets a dip in buttery cinnamon sugar—think your favorite bakery muffin, but homemade and even better.
  • Simple Pantry Ingredients: You likely have everything you need right in the kitchen, so muffin cravings can strike anytime and you’ll be ready!
  • Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for breakfast, snack time, or a cozy brunch spread—these Cinnamon Banana Bread Muffins are loved by kids and adults alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe serves a delicious purpose! From pantry staples to humble overripe bananas, you’ll see how each component adds flavor, tenderness, or that classic golden crumb to your Cinnamon Banana Bread Muffins.

  • Granulated sugar: Sweetens the muffins and helps create that delightful, caramelized edge.
  • Vegetable or canola oil: Oil gives these muffins a moist, fluffy texture that stays fresh for days.
  • Eggs: Bind the batter together and contribute to the light, cakey crumb we all love.
  • Ripe bananas: The riper, the better—these add natural sweetness, moisture, and unmistakable banana flavor.
  • Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with a lovely warm, aromatic note.
  • All-purpose flour: The structure behind the muffin—provides just enough body without heaviness.
  • Baking soda: These muffins rise tall and proud, thanks to this simple leavener.
  • Ground cinnamon: Adds soothing warmth throughout both the muffin and the sugary topping.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and elevates the banana and cinnamon flavors.
  • Salted butter (for topping): Lets the cinnamon sugar coating cling to the muffins and adds a rich finish.
  • Cinnamon & sugar (for topping): The crowning glory! Gives each muffin top a sparkling, bakery-style finish with a gentle crunch.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Don’t hesitate to turn these muffins into your own signature treat! The Cinnamon Banana Bread Muffins recipe is wonderfully versatile—you can tweak it for different textures, new flavors, and special dietary needs.

  • Nutty Banana Muffins: Fold in 1/2 cup of toasted walnuts or pecans for added crunch and a classic banana bread vibe.
  • Chocolate Chip Twist: Stir in a handful of mini chocolate chips to make these muffins extra decadent and perfect for snack time.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Replace the all-purpose flour with your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for muffins that everyone can enjoy.
  • Less-Sweet Topping: Skip the cinnamon-sugar dip and sprinkle raw sugar on the batter before baking for a subtler sweetness and rustic crunch.

How to Make Cinnamon Banana Bread Muffins

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 12-cup muffin pan with nonstick spray or line with parchment or muffin liners. This quick step keeps your muffins from sticking and helps those lovely domed tops come right out of the pan.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, oil, and eggs until smooth and well combined. This base ensures your muffins turn out supremely moist and fluffy.

Step 3: Add Bananas and Vanilla

Mash your overripe bananas until mostly smooth, then add them to the bowl with the vanilla extract. Give everything a good whisk—this brings that sweet banana flavor front and center right from the start.

Step 4: Blend in the Dry Ingredients

Add the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt directly to the wet ingredients. Gently fold the batter with a spatula just until no dry streaks remain—don’t overmix if you want super-tender muffins!

Step 5: Fill and Bake

Spoon the batter evenly into your prepared muffin cups, filling each almost to the top (they’ll rise into gorgeous, tall muffins). Bake for 16–21 minutes, or until the tops are set and springy, and a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool and Dip in Cinnamon Sugar

Let the muffins cool for about 5 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a rack. Melt the butter, then separately mix the cinnamon and sugar. When the muffins are just warm, dip their tops in butter and then roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture—this is when the magic happens!

Pro Tips for Making Cinnamon Banana Bread Muffins

  • Banana Ripeness is Key: The browner and spottier your bananas, the more natural sweetness and banana punch you’ll get in your muffins—don’t be shy!
  • Just-Mixed Batter Magic: Stir the flour in gently and stop as soon as the dry streaks vanish, which keeps the muffins from turning tough or dense.
  • Test for Doneness Like a Pro: Muffins are perfectly baked when the tops spring back if lightly pressed, and a toothpick comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are ok!).
  • Dip While Warm: Letting the muffins cool just enough to handle before dipping in butter and cinnamon sugar ensures the topping sticks and soaks in perfectly.

How to Serve Cinnamon Banana Bread Muffins

Cinnamon Banana Bread Muffins Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Dress up your Cinnamon Banana Bread Muffins with a light dusting of extra cinnamon sugar just before serving, or add a little drizzle of honey or maple glaze for a touch of sticky-sweet luxury. For special brunches, a sprinkle of chopped toasted nuts brings even more cozy flavor and a little crunch.

Side Dishes

Pair these muffins with a creamy yogurt parfait, fresh berries, or fluffy scrambled eggs for a well-rounded breakfast. They also shine on a brunch board with fruit salad, nut butters, or even alongside your favorite latte or chai.

Creative Ways to Present

For an adorable look, bake the muffins in decorative parchment tulip liners or arrange them on a vintage cake stand for brunch gatherings. Stack and wrap them in parchment for a cozy breakfast gift, or pack them individually for a lunchbox treat that’s sure to be the highlight of any day.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keeps your Cinnamon Banana Bread Muffins soft and moist by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. You can add a paper towel underneath to help absorb any excess moisture and maintain their tender crumb.

Freezing

These muffins are ideal for freezing! Once completely cooled, pop them into a resealable freezer bag (with as much air pressed out as possible) and freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze before dipping in butter and cinnamon sugar, then finish the topping after reheating.

Reheating

To refresh muffins, warm them gently in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or in a low oven (300°F) for a few minutes until just heated through. This brings back their softness and makes the cinnamon sugar coating extra aromatic!

FAQs

  1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose?

    Absolutely! You can swap up to half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat for added fiber and a subtle nutty flavor. Just know the muffins may be a bit heartier and slightly less tender.

  2. What’s the best way to mash bananas for Cinnamon Banana Bread Muffins?

    The easiest way is to use an overripe banana and mash it with a fork on a plate until it’s mostly smooth, with just a few small lumps for texture. You can also use a potato masher or hand mixer in a pinch.

  3. Can I add other spices besides cinnamon?

    Definitely! Nutmeg pairs beautifully with cinnamon in these muffins, or try a touch of ginger or cardamom for a unique twist on the classic flavor.

  4. Should I use liners or just grease the muffin tin?

    Either works well! Liners are convenient and pretty for serving, but spraying the pan directly delivers maximum golden crust and easier cinnamon sugar dipping. Use whichever method you prefer or have on hand.

Final Thoughts

If you love the charm of banana bread and the joy of oven-fresh muffins, these Cinnamon Banana Bread Muffins are simply irresistible. Whip up a batch, share them with someone special, and watch them disappear—warm, fragrant, and oh-so-comforting, they might just become your new favorite way to start the day!

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Cinnamon Banana Bread Muffins Recipe

Cinnamon Banana Bread Muffins Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 696 reviews
  • Author: Jessica
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 18 minutes
  • Total Time: 33 minutes
  • Yield: 12 muffins 1x
  • Category: Breakfast, Snack
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Delicious and moist cinnamon banana bread muffins topped with a sweet cinnamon sugar coating. Perfect for breakfast or as a snack!


Ingredients

Units Scale

Banana Bread Muffins

  • 2/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup vegetable or canola oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2/3 cup mashed ripe banana (about 2 small bananas)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Cinnamon & Sugar Topping

  • 3 tablespoons salted butter melted
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Heat oven to 375 degrees. Prepare muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray or liners.
  2. Mix Wet Ingredients: Combine sugar, oil, eggs, mashed bananas, and vanilla extract in a bowl.
  3. Add Dry Ingredients: Stir in flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt until just combined.
  4. Fill Muffin Cups: Divide batter evenly among muffin tins.
  5. Bake: Bake for 16-21 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
  6. Cool and Dip: Let muffins cool, then dip tops in melted butter and cinnamon sugar mixture.

Notes

  • Bananas: Use very ripe browned bananas for the best flavor.
  • Serving Temperature: Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
  • Baking Tips: Adjust baking time based on individual oven variations. Muffins should be fully cooked to avoid sinking in the middle.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 muffin
  • Calories: 240
  • Sugar: 16g
  • Sodium: 200mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg

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