Banana-Buttermilk Muffins: A Delightful, Healthful Breakfast Treat
These Banana-Buttermilk Muffins are a must-try if you’re looking for a delicious, healthy breakfast or snack to brighten your morning. This recipe, adapted from the Williams-Sonoma Essentials of Healthful Cooking, combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the tangy richness of low-fat buttermilk. The result? Light, moist muffins that are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making them for a busy weekday breakfast or a lazy weekend brunch, these muffins are sure to be a hit. Plus, they freeze beautifully, so you can prepare them ahead of time and reheat as needed.
Recipe Overview
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 12 muffins
- Category: Quick Breads
- Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 1 cup |
| Whole wheat flour | 3/4 cup |
| Sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Baking powder | 2 teaspoons |
| Baking soda | 1 teaspoon |
| Low-fat buttermilk | 1 cup |
| Ripe banana, mashed | 1 large |
| Canola oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Egg | 1 |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Walnuts, chopped (optional) | 1/2 cup |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 174.8 kcal |
| Fat | 6.4 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.8 g |
| Cholesterol | 16.3 mg |
| Sodium | 193.4 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 26.4 g |
| Fiber | 1.7 g |
| Sugar | 11.1 g |
| Protein | 4.2 g |
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the oven is hot and ready when you’re ready to bake your muffins. -
Prepare the Muffin Tin:
Lightly spray 12 regular muffin cups with non-stick cooking spray. Alternatively, you can line the cups with paper liners for easier cleanup. -
Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup of whole wheat flour, 1/2 cup of sugar, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1 teaspoon of baking soda. Stir gently with a whisk or spoon to distribute the dry ingredients evenly. -
Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of low-fat buttermilk, 1 mashed banana (the riper, the sweeter), 2 tablespoons of canola oil, 1 egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Make sure the mixture is smooth and well-blended. -
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense muffins. The batter should still be a little lumpy. -
Fill the Muffin Cups:
Spoon the muffin batter into the prepared muffin cups. Fill each cup about three-fourths full. If desired, sprinkle the tops with 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts for a little crunch and added flavor. -
Bake the Muffins:
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 15 to 20 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin. If it comes out clean, the muffins are ready. -
Cool the Muffins:
Allow the muffins to cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 15 minutes. Afterward, turn the muffins out onto the wire rack to cool completely. This helps to keep them from becoming soggy at the bottom. -
Serving Suggestions:
These muffins are delicious on their own or can be enjoyed with a dollop of yogurt, a smear of peanut butter, or a drizzle of honey. For a fun twist, serve them warm with a side of fresh fruit. -
Storage and Freezing:
These Banana-Buttermilk Muffins freeze beautifully! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds.
Tips for Perfect Muffins
- Ripe Bananas: The riper the banana, the sweeter your muffins will be. Look for bananas with brown spots on the peel for the best flavor and natural sweetness.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing muffin batter can result in tough muffins. Stir until just combined—lumps are fine!
- Try Other Add-ins: While walnuts are delicious, you can experiment with other add-ins like chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or even coconut flakes for a unique twist.
Why You’ll Love These Muffins
These Banana-Buttermilk Muffins are perfect for anyone looking for a healthy, quick, and satisfying breakfast or snack. The combination of all-purpose and whole wheat flours gives them a hearty, slightly nutty flavor while the ripe bananas and buttermilk keep them incredibly moist. Plus, they’re just the right amount of sweet, making them ideal for those mornings when you want something indulgent yet wholesome.
With their low-fat content, moderate sugar levels, and the added benefits of fiber and protein from the walnuts, these muffins strike the perfect balance between healthful and indulgent. Whether you’re on-the-go or relaxing at home, these muffins will satisfy your hunger and keep you energized.
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Enjoy your baking adventure with these easy and delightful Banana-Buttermilk Muffins!
