Banana Cream Cheese Muffins
Highlighted under: Dessert Lover’s Collection
Delight in the moist and flavorful Banana Cream Cheese Muffins, perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack.
These Banana Cream Cheese Muffins are a delightful twist on the classic muffin, combining the sweetness of ripe bananas with the creamy richness of cream cheese. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack, they are sure to please everyone!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Moist and fluffy texture with a creamy surprise inside
- Balanced sweetness from ripe bananas and cream cheese
- Quick and easy to make, perfect for busy mornings
The Magic of Bananas
Bananas are not just a delicious fruit; they are also a powerhouse of nutrition. Rich in potassium, they help regulate blood pressure and support heart health. Their natural sweetness makes them a perfect ingredient for baked goods, enhancing flavor without the need for excessive sugar. When you use ripe bananas in your muffins, you not only add taste but also moisture, resulting in a tender crumb that’s hard to resist.
In this recipe, the combination of mashed bananas with cream cheese creates a delightful fusion. The bananas bring a fruity essence while the cream cheese adds a luscious creaminess that elevates the overall flavor profile. This muffin recipe is a wonderful way to use overripe bananas, turning them into a treat that everyone will love.
Cream Cheese: The Secret Ingredient
Cream cheese is often overlooked in baking, but it plays a crucial role in achieving that perfect muffin texture. It contributes to the moistness and adds a subtle tang that balances the sweetness of the bananas. When baked, the cream cheese creates a creamy surprise in the center of each muffin, making every bite a delightful experience.
Beyond its flavor, cream cheese also provides a richness that enhances the overall satisfaction of the muffin. Using softened cream cheese ensures it blends smoothly with the other wet ingredients, resulting in a batter that is both fluffy and flavorful. This is why incorporating cream cheese into your muffins can make a significant difference.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Banana Cream Cheese Muffins are versatile enough to be enjoyed at any time of day. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast option, a midday snack, or a sweet treat to share with friends, these muffins fit the bill. Their delightful flavor and moist texture make them a crowd-pleaser at gatherings, brunches, or even as an afternoon pick-me-up.
Additionally, these muffins freeze well, making them a great make-ahead option. Simply bake a batch, allow them to cool completely, and store them in an airtight container in the freezer. When you’re ready to indulge, just pop one in the microwave for a few seconds, and you’ll have a warm, comforting treat ready to enjoy.
Ingredients
Ingredients
For the Muffins
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Combine all ingredients to create a delicious batter.
Instructions
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, cream cheese, sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Combine Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined.
Fill Muffin Tin
Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 full.
Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool and Serve
Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy your delicious Banana Cream Cheese Muffins!
Tips for Perfect Muffins
To ensure your Banana Cream Cheese Muffins turn out perfectly every time, measure your ingredients accurately. Using the spoon-and-level method for flour helps prevent dense muffins. Additionally, avoid over-mixing the batter; stir until just combined for the best texture.
If you want to add a little extra flair, consider folding in chocolate chips or nuts for added flavor and crunch. These additions can take your muffins to the next level and make them even more satisfying.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your muffins warm, straight from the oven or reheated, for the best experience. They pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea, making them a great addition to your morning routine or afternoon tea.
For a decadent treat, try spreading a little extra cream cheese or butter on top of your muffins before serving. This simple addition enhances the creaminess and adds a touch of indulgence that’s hard to resist.
Nutritional Benefits
These Banana Cream Cheese Muffins not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also provide some nutritional benefits. The bananas offer essential vitamins and minerals, while the cream cheese provides protein and calcium, making these muffins a more balanced snack option.
By choosing to bake with whole ingredients like bananas and cream cheese, you’re making a conscious choice to enjoy treats that are both delicious and nourishing. Enjoy them guilt-free, knowing they have a bit more to offer than your average muffin.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes, you can use frozen bananas. Just thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing.
→ How should I store the muffins?
Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week.
→ Can I freeze the muffins?
Absolutely! Freeze the muffins in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before enjoying.
→ What can I substitute for cream cheese?
You can substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a lighter option, but the flavor and texture may vary slightly.
Banana Cream Cheese Muffins
Delight in the moist and flavorful Banana Cream Cheese Muffins, perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack.
Created by: Emma
Recipe Type: Dessert Lover’s Collection
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 12 muffins
What You'll Need
For the Muffins
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, cream cheese, sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined.
Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 full.
Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 25g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 12g
- Protein: 3g