Banana Bran Muffins Recipe
Overview:
Indulge in the delightful aroma and comforting taste of freshly baked Banana Bran Muffins! These wholesome treats are perfect for breakfast, a midday snack, or whenever you’re craving a tasty homemade delight. Bursting with the goodness of bananas, crunchy walnuts, and sweet raisins, these muffins are sure to become a family favorite. Plus, they’re quick and easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time. Let’s dive into the recipe and create some mouthwatering magic!
Recipe Details:
- Name: Banana Bran Muffins
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Prep Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Servings: 12 muffins
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 1/2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 cups bran cereal
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 3/4 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 276.4
- Fat Content: 12g
- Saturated Fat Content: 5.5g
- Cholesterol Content: 55.6mg
- Sodium Content: 249.3mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 41.2g
- Fiber Content: 2.2g
- Sugar Content: 25.5g
- Protein Content: 4.1g
Instructions:
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Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your muffins bake evenly to perfection.
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Prepare Muffin Cups: Line a muffin tin with paper liners. This step prevents the muffins from sticking to the pan and makes for easy cleanup.
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Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the butter and sugar until creamy and well combined. This creates the base for your muffin batter, imparting richness and sweetness.
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Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs, mashed bananas, and any optional flavorings, such as a splash of orange juice or zest, to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat until smooth and fully incorporated. The ripe bananas lend natural sweetness and moisture to the muffins, while the eggs provide structure.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, bran cereal, baking soda, and salt. This dry mixture forms the backbone of your muffin batter, providing structure and texture.
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Add Mix-ins: Gently fold the flour mixture, raisins, and chopped walnuts into the wet ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense muffins. The raisins add bursts of sweetness, while the walnuts contribute a delightful crunch.
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Fill Muffin Cups: Using a spoon or scoop, fill each muffin cup about 3/4 full with the batter. This allows room for the muffins to rise and develop a beautiful domed top during baking.
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Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. Keep an eye on them towards the end to prevent over-browning.
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Enjoy: Once baked to golden perfection, remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature, and enjoy the irresistible combination of flavors and textures in every bite!
Serving Suggestions:
These Banana Bran Muffins are delightful on their own, but you can take them to the next level with a few serving suggestions:
- Spread with a dollop of creamy butter or your favorite nut butter for extra richness.
- Enjoy alongside a cup of hot coffee or tea for a cozy morning treat.
- Serve as part of a brunch spread alongside fresh fruit, yogurt, and other breakfast favorites.
- Pack them in lunchboxes or take them on-the-go for a satisfying snack anytime, anywhere.
Storage Tips:
To prolong the freshness of your Banana Bran Muffins:
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, freeze the muffins in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Simply thaw at room temperature or reheat in the microwave before enjoying.
Conclusion:
With their irresistible flavor, moist texture, and wholesome ingredients, these Banana Bran Muffins are sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire. Whether you whip them up for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack, they’re guaranteed to satisfy your cravings and leave you reaching for seconds. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to delight your taste buds with these delicious homemade muffins!