If you’re searching for a delightful twist on a classic baked good, this Peanut Butter Banana Muffins Recipe is an absolute game-changer. Bursting with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and the rich, nutty flavor of creamy peanut butter, these muffins are perfectly soft, moist, and utterly irresistible. With wholesome ingredients like whole wheat flour and Greek yogurt making a cameo, you’re treating yourself to a snack that feels indulgent but actually brings a little nutrition to the table. Bonus points? Mini chocolate chips and a peanut butter drizzle make these muffins an extra-special treat that’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even a cozy dessert.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential to achieving the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color in the Peanut Butter Banana Muffins Recipe. Each element plays a role in creating the soft crumb, subtle sweetness, and extra moistness that makes these muffins stand out.
- Whole wheat flour (1 and 3/4 cups): Adds a nutty flavor and hearty texture while boosting fiber content.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Brings warmth and a gently spicy aroma that complements the bananas perfectly.
- Baking soda and baking powder (1 teaspoon each): Work together to give the muffins a light, tender rise without any heaviness.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors, balancing sweetness and richness.
- Mashed bananas (1 cup): Naturally sweet and moist, they’re the star of the show that makes these muffins so soft.
- Honey (1/2 cup): A natural sweetener that brings floral notes and helps keep the muffins moist.
- Plain Greek yogurt (1/2 cup): Provides a creamy tang and tender crumb, plus a protein boost.
- Coconut oil (2 tablespoons): Adds healthy fats and helps the muffins stay wonderfully moist.
- Large egg (1): Binds ingredients together while adding richness.
- Unsweetened almond milk (1/3 cup): Keeps the batter smooth and achieves that perfect muffin texture, dairy or nondairy milk works fine.
- Creamy peanut butter (1/2 cup): Infuses each bite with that irresistible peanut flavor and velvety texture.
- Pure vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Enhances sweetness and rounds out the flavors beautifully.
- Mini chocolate chips (optional, 1/2 cup): Give a little melty chocolate surprise that pairs like a dream with peanut butter and banana.
- Creamy peanut butter for drizzling (optional, 1/4 cup): Adds a finishing touch of gooey peanut butter goodness.
How to Make Peanut Butter Banana Muffins Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Muffin Tin
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (218°C) — a high initial heat helps create a lovely rise. Spray or line a 12-muffin pan to ensure these beauties come out cleanly and with perfect shape. Getting this step right makes your muffin experience stress-free from the get-go.
Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients Together
In a medium bowl, combine whole wheat flour, ground cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Whisking these ingredients ensures the leaveners and spices are evenly distributed so that each muffin bakes up light, fluffy, and flavorful.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk your mashed bananas, honey, Greek yogurt, melted coconut oil, egg, and almond milk until they’re combined into a smooth, inviting batter. Next, whisk in the peanut butter and vanilla extract — this is where the rich, creamy heart of the Peanut Butter Banana Muffins Recipe comes alive.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Without Overmixing
Pour the dry ingredients into the wet and gently stir with a spatula until just combined. The batter will be thick and slightly chunky with banana — that’s perfect! If using, fold in the mini chocolate chips now. Remember, overmixing leads to tougher muffins, so a gentle hand is your best friend here.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Fill each muffin cup to the top with batter, then bake at 425°F for 5 minutes. Keep the muffins in the oven but reduce the temperature to 350°F (177°C), continuing to bake for another 15 minutes. This two-stage oven method gives a high initial rise and then a gentle finish to thoroughly cook each muffin through without drying them out. Use a toothpick test to confirm they’re done; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs.
Step 6: Cool and Optional Drizzle
Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. If you’re feeling indulgent, drizzle with melted creamy peanut butter—the finishing touch that truly brings this Peanut Butter Banana Muffins Recipe to the next level of yum.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Banana Muffins Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of cinnamon or a light smear of extra peanut butter can add extra flavor depth and a beautiful presentation. Fresh banana slices or a sprinkle of chopped nuts are delicious options that boost texture and visual appeal without overwhelming the muffins’ natural goodness.
Side Dishes
Serve these muffins alongside a dollop of Greek yogurt or a fruit salad for a wholesome breakfast spread. A hot cup of coffee, tea, or a smoothie complements the peanut butter and banana flavors beautifully, making any morning feel extra special.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn these muffins into a fun dessert by slicing them in half and sandwiching rich peanut butter and honey between layers. Or toss a few chopped muffins into a bowl with yogurt and fresh berries for a layered parfait that feels decadent but is surprisingly healthy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Peanut Butter Banana Muffins Recipe leftovers stay fresh at room temperature when covered tightly for 2 to 3 days. After that, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week to maintain moisture and flavor. Storing properly ensures every bite stays as delicious as the first.
Freezing
You can freeze these muffins for longer storage, up to 3 months. Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap and place in an airtight container or freezer bag. When you want a quick treat, simply thaw a muffin overnight in the fridge or leave it on the counter for a couple of hours.
Reheating
To enjoy your Peanut Butter Banana Muffins Recipe warm, microwave for 20 to 30 seconds or pop in a toaster oven for a few minutes until heated through. This little step revives the softness and enhances the peanut butter aroma like fresh-baked muffins straight from the oven.
FAQs
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of whole wheat?
Absolutely! This Peanut Butter Banana Muffins Recipe works perfectly with all-purpose flour or a combination of all-purpose and whole wheat, depending on your texture and nutrition preference.
Is it necessary to add chocolate chips?
Chocolate chips are optional but highly recommended for a sweet surprise that pairs wonderfully with peanut butter and banana. You can skip them if you prefer a more straightforward flavor or need to keep it nutty and simple.
Can I substitute peanut butter with another nut butter?
Yes, almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter can be swapped in to create a new flavor profile while maintaining the creamy texture and wholesome fat content.
How ripe should the bananas be?
For the best natural sweetness and moisture, use bananas that are very ripe with plenty of brown spots. This ensures your muffins are soft, sweet, and naturally flavorful.
What if I don’t have Greek yogurt?
You can use regular yogurt with any fat content as a substitute. It still adds moisture and tenderness without drastically changing the texture.
Final Thoughts
This Peanut Butter Banana Muffins Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that feels like a little love baked into every bite. Whether you’re fueling a busy morning or indulging in a wholesome snack, these muffins offer a perfect balance of comfort and nutrition that’s hard to beat. Give the recipe a try and watch how quick it becomes a kitchen favorite for you and everyone you share it with!
Print
Peanut Butter Banana Muffins Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Peanut Butter Banana Muffins are a wholesome and delicious treat made with whole wheat flour, Greek yogurt, and naturally sweetened with honey and ripe bananas. Soft and moist with a delightful hint of cinnamon, peanut butter, and optional mini chocolate chips, they provide a nutritious snack or breakfast option. The muffins are baked to perfection, starting at a high temperature for a quick rise, then reduced to ensure tender crumb texture. A drizzle of melted peanut butter on top adds extra richness and flavor.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 and 3/4 cups (220g) whole wheat flour or all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled), or a mix of both
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup (230g) mashed bananas (about 3 medium or 2 large ripe bananas)
- 1/2 cup (170g) honey (or pure maple syrup)
- 1/2 cup (120g) plain Greek yogurt (or regular yogurt; any fat content)
- 2 Tablespoons (28g) coconut oil, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1/3 cup (80ml) unsweetened almond milk (or your preferred type of milk, dairy or nondairy)
- 1/2 cup (125g) creamy peanut butter (non-oily natural style is OK)
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Optional
- 1/2 cup (113g) mini chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup (63g) creamy peanut butter, melted (for drizzling)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Prepare a 12-count muffin pan by spraying it with nonstick spray or lining it with cupcake liners. Set aside.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined. Set aside.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the mashed bananas, honey, Greek yogurt, melted coconut oil, egg, and almond milk together until well combined. Then whisk in the peanut butter and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth.
- Add Dry Ingredients to Wet: Pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients bowl and gently stir until just combined. Start mixing with a whisk and then switch to a spatula as the batter thickens. Be careful not to over-mix to keep the muffins soft. Fold in mini chocolate chips if using.
- Fill Muffin Cups and Bake: Spoon the batter evenly into the muffin cups, filling each to the top. Place the pan in the oven and bake at 425°F for 5 minutes. Then lower the oven temperature to 350°F (177°C) and bake for another 15 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—it should come out clean.
- Cool and Drizzle: Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. If desired, drizzle the cooled muffins with melted peanut butter for extra flavor and richness.
- Storage: Keep muffins fresh covered at room temperature for a few days, or store in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Notes
- You can substitute all-purpose flour if preferred, but whole wheat flour adds more fiber and nutrients.
- Use ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture.
- If you don’t have coconut oil, you may substitute with another mild-flavored oil like vegetable or canola oil.
- For a dairy-free version, use non-dairy yogurt and milk alternatives as suggested.
- Mini chocolate chips add sweetness and texture but can be omitted to keep muffins less sweet.
- Be careful not to overmix the batter to avoid tough muffins.
- Make sure to cool muffins completely before drizzling with melted peanut butter to prevent it from melting off.