If you’re searching for a wholesome and utterly delicious breakfast treat that feels like a warm hug in muffin form, this Banana Bran Muffins Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining the natural sweetness and moisture of ripe bananas with the hearty texture of bran flakes, these muffins strike the perfect balance between indulgence and nourishment. Whether you’re starting a busy morning or craving a comforting snack, these Banana Bran Muffins are simple to make, delightfully flavorful, and have a tender crumb that’s guaranteed to win hearts at your kitchen table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the first step to baking the perfect batch of Banana Bran Muffins. Each component plays an important role — from the flours that create the structure, to the bananas that add natural sweetness and moisture, to the nuts that provide a satisfying crunch.
- ½ cup wheat flour: Adds whole-grain goodness and a slightly nutty flavor, boosting the muffins’ nutrition.
- ½ cup all-purpose flour: Balances the wheat flour to give the muffins a tender crumb.
- 1 cup bran flakes or Raisin Bran: The star ingredient for that unmistakable bran texture and fiber boost.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Ensures the muffins rise beautifully and stay light.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon: Brings a warm, cozy spice that complements the bananas perfectly.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, making each bite pop.
- 3 medium very ripe bananas (well-mashed, about 1 cup): The natural sweeteners and moisture providers that keep the muffins tender.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and add richness.
- ½ cup Greek yogurt or buttermilk: Adds tanginess and moistness, balancing the sweetness.
- ½ to 2/3 cup maple syrup: Provides natural sweetness and a subtle depth of flavor.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter or pureed ripe avocado, melted: Keeps the muffins moist and tender, while adding healthy fats.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a fragrant hint of sweetness that rounds out the flavors.
- ½ cup walnuts, chopped: Adds crunch and a rich, earthy element that pairs beautifully with banana and bran.
How to Make Banana Bran Muffins Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by heating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Line your muffin tin with cupcake liners and, if you like, give them a light mist of cooking spray to help the muffins release easily after baking. This sets you up for success from the get-go.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine the wheat flour, all-purpose flour, bran flakes, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients first ensures an even distribution of flavors and rising agents throughout your batter, so every muffin bakes up perfectly balanced.
Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients
In a separate large bowl, whisk together the mashed bananas, eggs, Greek yogurt (or buttermilk), maple syrup, melted butter (or avocado), and vanilla extract. The wet mixture will be creamy and fragrant, setting the foundation for moist, flavorful muffins.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry
Gently add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients and stir just until combined. Be careful not to overmix — you want the bran flakes to be fully coated and the batter smooth, but overmixing can make the muffins tough. A few lumps are okay!
Step 5: Fold in the Walnuts
Finally, fold in the chopped walnuts, distributing them evenly without breaking down the batter. The walnuts add a wonderful crunch and a slightly nutty contrast to the soft muffin.
Step 6: Fill and Bake
Fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full with batter. Bake in the preheated oven for 19 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The muffins should be golden on top and smell absolutely irresistible.
How to Serve Banana Bran Muffins Recipe
Garnishes
When serving your Banana Bran Muffins Recipe, a light spread of butter or cream cheese can elevate the experience. A drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of extra chopped walnuts on top adds a lovely touch both visually and for a flavor boost.
Side Dishes
Pair these muffins with a hot cup of coffee or tea in the morning for a cozy start. They also work wonderfully with fresh fruit like berries or a side of Greek yogurt for a well-rounded breakfast or snack.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing a muffin in half and toasting it lightly for a different texture, or serving them alongside a smoothie bowl for a fun breakfast spread. You can even crumble leftover muffins over vanilla ice cream for an unexpected dessert twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftover Banana Bran Muffins Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps them moist and fresh for snacking throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to keep muffins longer, wrap each individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. They freeze beautifully and can be stored for up to three months without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or stored muffins in a toaster oven or microwave for about 20 to 30 seconds to enjoy them warm again. This brings back that freshly baked softness and highlights the muffin’s rich flavors.
FAQs
Can I use regular bran cereal instead of Raisin Bran?
Absolutely! Plain bran flakes work just as well and will give you that satisfying fiber boost without extra sweetness from raisins. Your muffins will still be delicious and wholesome.
What if I don’t have Greek yogurt or buttermilk?
You can substitute with an equal amount of sour cream or a mixture of milk and a teaspoon of lemon juice to mimic the tanginess. This keeps your muffins moist and tender.
Can I replace walnuts with another nut or seed?
Yes, chopped pecans, almonds, or even sunflower seeds make excellent alternatives. Just make sure to chop them finely so they incorporate evenly.
How ripe should the bananas be?
The riper, the better! Look for bananas with lots of brown spots and a very soft texture — these will mash easily and add maximum natural sweetness to the muffins.
Is it okay to use avocado instead of butter?
Definitely! Using pureed ripe avocado keeps the muffins moist with healthy fats and lends a subtle creaminess without changing the flavor drastically. It’s a great option for a dairy-free version.
Final Thoughts
This Banana Bran Muffins Recipe is one of those gems that satisfies on so many levels: nourishing, delicious, and easy to make. I can’t wait for you to try baking these yourself and share them with your loved ones. Enjoy every bite of these cozy, wholesome muffins — your mornings just got a whole lot better!
Print
Banana Bran Muffins Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 13 muffins
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Banana Bran Muffins are a nutritious and delicious treat, perfect for breakfast or a healthy snack. Made with wheat and all-purpose flour, bran flakes, ripe bananas, and a touch of maple syrup, these muffins are loaded with fiber and flavor. The addition of walnuts adds a pleasant crunch, while Greek yogurt ensures moistness and a tender crumb. Quick to prepare and baked to golden perfection, these muffins are an excellent way to start your day with wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- ½ cup wheat flour
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup bran flakes or Raisin Bran
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 3 medium very ripe bananas, well-mashed (~ 1 cup mashed bananas)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup Greek yogurt or buttermilk
- ½ to ⅔ cup maple syrup
- ¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter or pureed ripe avocado, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Add-ins
- ½ cup walnuts, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) to ensure it’s at the perfect temperature for baking the muffins evenly.
- Prepare Muffin Pans: Line muffin pans with cupcake liners and optionally spray the liners lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the wheat flour, all-purpose flour, bran flakes, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Mix well and set aside.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the mashed bananas, eggs, Greek yogurt (or buttermilk), maple syrup, melted butter (or pureed avocado), and vanilla extract until fully combined and smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients and gently stir until combined. Be careful not to overmix; ensure the bran flakes are evenly coated and no lumps of flour remain.
- Add Walnuts: Fold in the chopped walnuts gently until just incorporated into the batter.
- Fill Muffin Liners: Spoon the batter into the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full to allow room for rising.
- Bake Muffins: Bake in the preheated oven for 19 to 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean, indicating they are fully cooked.
Notes
- Use very ripe bananas for natural sweetness and moisture.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep muffins tender and light.
- Maple syrup can be adjusted to taste for sweetness.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute butter with melted avocado and use a non-dairy yogurt.
- These muffins can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- Bran flakes add fiber and texture, but you can substitute with other bran cereals if preferred.
