Banana S’mores Muffins

If you’re looking for a breakfast treat that’s both delightful and easy to whip up, you’ve come to the right place! These Banana S’mores Muffins are a magical blend of flavors that will make your mornings brighter. Packed with the sweetness of ripe bananas, rich chocolate chips, and fluffy vegan marshmallows, they remind me of cozy campfire nights spent with friends. Whether you need a quick breakfast before school or a sweet snack for family gatherings, these muffins are sure to be a hit.

What makes this recipe so special is not just its delicious taste but also its simplicity. Even on busy mornings, you can throw these together in no time. Plus, the kids will love helping out in the kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps, you’ll have warm muffins ready in under 40 minutes.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves the combination of banana and s’mores; it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
• Wholesome Ingredients: Each muffin is made with nutritious ingredients, making them a great start to your day.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: From weekday breakfasts to weekend brunches, these muffins fit right in.
• Make Ahead Convenience: Bake a batch ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Banana S’mores Muffins are made with simple and wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Muffin Batter

• 2/3 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2/3 cup mashed ripe banana (about 2 medium sized)
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon table salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

For the S’mores Flavor

• 3/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 2/3 cup whole milk
• 1 cup miniature chocolate chips, divided
• 1 cup miniature vegan marshmallow bits, divided

Variations

The beauty of these Banana S’mores Muffins is their flexibility! Here are some fun ways to mix things up:

• Add Nuts: Throw in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
• Use Different Chips: Swap out chocolate chips for peanut butter or butterscotch chips if you’re feeling adventurous.
• Try Other Fruits: Replace some banana with applesauce or even pumpkin puree for different flavors.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free option.

How to Make Banana S’mores Muffins

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. This step is crucial because it ensures that your muffins bake evenly and rise perfectly.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, beat together the melted butter and brown sugar until well combined. Then add the egg, vanilla extract, mashed banana, and sour cream. Mixing these ingredients well creates a moist base that keeps your muffins soft.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and graham cracker crumbs. This mixture adds flavor and structure to your muffins.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients while alternating with milk. Mixing carefully here is key—over-mixing can lead to dense muffins!

Step 5: Fold in Chocolate and Marshmallows

Gently fold in 3/4 cup of chocolate chips and marshmallow bits by hand. This step ensures that every muffin has that gooey s’mores goodness inside.

Step 6: Fill & Bake

Spoon the batter into your lined muffin pan. Sprinkle the tops with remaining chocolate chips and marshmallows for that irresistible topping. Bake for about 16 minutes until golden brown.

Step 7: Cool & Enjoy

Once baked, let your muffins cool in the pan for about 3-4 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling period helps them firm up and makes them easier to handle. Store any leftovers in a sealed container (if there are any left!).

Enjoy every bite of these delightful Banana S’mores Muffins!

Pro Tips for Making Banana S’mores Muffins

Making these delightful Banana S’mores Muffins is a breeze, especially with a few handy tips to ensure your baking experience is as sweet as the muffins themselves!

• Use Overripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your muffins will be. This natural sweetness enhances the overall taste without needing extra sugar.

• Don’t Over-Mix: When combining your wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Over-mixing can lead to dense muffins instead of light and fluffy ones.

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs and sour cream are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter, resulting in evenly baked muffins.

• Experiment with Mix-Ins: Feel free to add chopped nuts or different types of chocolate chips. This allows you to customize the flavor profile of your muffins according to your preferences.

• Cool Completely Before Storing: Allow the muffins to cool on a wire rack before sealing them in a container. This prevents excess moisture from making them soggy.

How to Serve Banana S’mores Muffins

These Banana S’mores Muffins are not only delicious but also versatile! Here are some fun ways to serve them for breakfast or as a snack.

Garnishes

• Light Dusting of Powdered Sugar: A sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness and an elegant look.
• Drizzle of Chocolate Sauce: A light drizzle over the muffins enhances their s’mores appeal and adds a rich chocolatey flavor.

Side Dishes

• Fresh Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and freshness that complements the richness of the muffins.
• Yogurt Parfait: Layering yogurt with granola and fresh fruit makes a delightful side that pairs well with the muffins for a balanced breakfast.
• Smoothie Bowl: A creamy smoothie bowl topped with nuts and seeds offers a refreshing contrast to the warm muffins.
• Coffee or Herbal Tea: A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea creates a cozy atmosphere, perfect for enjoying these delightful treats any time of day.

With these serving suggestions, your Banana S’mores Muffins will surely be a hit whether it’s breakfast or snack time!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Banana S’mores Muffins are perfect for meal prep! You can easily whip up a batch ahead of time, making breakfast or snack time a breeze throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the muffins to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to a week.

Freezing

• Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Label the bags with the date to keep track of freshness.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat from frozen, simply microwave each muffin for about 30-45 seconds until warm.
• If refrigerated, microwave for about 15-20 seconds.
• Alternatively, you can warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making Banana S’mores Muffins!

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for Banana S’mores Muffins?

Yes! You can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour. Just note that it may change the texture slightly and make them denser.

What can I substitute for vegan marshmallows in Banana S’mores Muffins?

If you can’t find vegan marshmallows, try using mini chocolate chips or even diced dried fruits like apricots or figs to add sweetness and texture.

How do I ensure my Banana S’mores Muffins are moist?

Make sure to use ripe bananas as they provide natural sweetness and moisture. Also, be careful not to overmix the batter, which can lead to dry muffins.

Can I add nuts to my Banana S’mores Muffins?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans would make a great addition and provide extra crunch.

What makes Banana S’mores Muffins special?

These muffins combine the classic flavors of s’mores — chocolate, graham crackers, and marshmallows — with the wholesome goodness of bananas. They’re a delightful twist that brings joy to any breakfast or snack time!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delicious Banana S’mores Muffins as much as I do! They’re not just tasty; they’re also a fun way to mix things up at breakfast. Whether you’re enjoying them fresh out of the oven or saving some for later, I know they’ll bring a smile to your face. Happy baking!