Name: Cinnamon Sugar Banana Muffins Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 large ripe bananas; 5 tbsp butter, melted; ½ cup brown sugar, light or dark; 1 large egg; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 ¼ cup all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking soda; 1 pinch salt; 5 tbsp butter, melted; ⅓ cup sugar; 1 tbsp cinnamon

Imagine biting into a sweet, fluffy muffin with a perfectly golden crust, its warm center bursting with banana flavor and a delicate crunch of cinnamon sugar—yes, these Cinnamon Sugar Banana Muffins truly are the breakfast treat of dreams. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice, this recipe is as approachable as it is irresistible, giving you moist banana muffins kissed with a nostalgic cinnamon sugar topping. The best part? They’re ready in no time, making them a go-to for busy mornings or sweet afternoon cravings. Cinnamon Sugar Banana Muffins will quickly become the happiest addition to your baking repertoire!

Cinnamon Sugar Banana Muffins Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about what makes these muffins truly magical: the perfect lineup of simple, everyday ingredients. Each one plays an important role in building rich flavor, a light crumb, and that unbeatable nostalgic cinnamon sugar finish we can’t resist!

Ripe bananas: The key to moistness and natural sweetness; spots on the peel mean better flavor.
Butter, melted: Adds richness and softness—plus, melted butter in the topping creates a deliciously crisp outside.
Brown sugar: Brings deep, caramel notes and keeps the crumb ultra tender.
Large egg: Binds everything together for a perfectly light muffin.
Vanilla extract: Adds subtle warmth and enhances the banana flavor.
All-purpose flour: The sturdy base for our muffins, giving them structure without being too dense.
Baking soda: Provides lift and ensures a beautifully fluffy crumb.
Salt (a pinch): Balances sweetness and sharpens every flavor.
For the cinnamon sugar topping: An extra 5 tablespoons butter, 1/3 cup sugar, and 1 tablespoon cinnamon combine for that dreamy sweet-spicy top everyone loves.

How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Banana Muffins

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Kick things off by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F—you want an even, steady heat for that perfect muffin rise. Grab a mini muffin pan and give it a quick mist with non-stick baking spray. This little step guarantees your Cinnamon Sugar Banana Muffins pop out beautifully, no sticking or crumbling allowed!

Step 2: Mix Your Wet Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, use a sturdy fork to mash your ripe bananas until they’re completely smooth. Then, whisk in the melted butter, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix everything with your fork until the batter looks glossy and gorgeously combined—no streaks or lumps here!

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients

Sprinkle in the flour, baking soda, and just a pinch of salt for balance. Gently stir until everything is evenly incorporated. Be careful not to overmix; just bring the batter together so your Cinnamon Sugar Banana Muffins stay delightfully tender.

Step 4: Fill and Bake

Use a spoon to fill each muffin cup about two-thirds full—this gives them room to rise into little domes. Slide your pan into the preheated oven and bake for about 12 minutes, or until a toothpick poked into the center comes out clean. The kitchen will smell absolutely heavenly!

Step 5: Cool, Dip, and Roll

Let the muffins rest in the pan for about 5 minutes. While they chill, place the extra melted butter in one small bowl, and whisk together the cinnamon and sugar in another. While the muffins are still warm, dunk their tops (or, go crazy and roll the whole muffin) into the melted butter, letting any extra drip away, then roll blissfully in the cinnamon sugar mixture. For the ultimate taste, enjoy a few while still warm!

How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Banana Muffins

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra cinnamon sugar just before serving makes your Cinnamon Sugar Banana Muffins sparkle. For a fancier touch, add a thin slice of banana or a dainty dusting of powdered sugar on top. Fresh berries or a drizzle of honey pair beautifully with their warm, comforting flavors.

Side Dishes

These muffins are delightfully satisfying on their own, but if you want to round out your breakfast, serve them with creamy Greek yogurt, a colorful fruit salad, or scrambled eggs. A cup of coffee, spiced chai, or even a tall glass of cold milk are perfect companions.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn breakfast into a brunch party: arrange Cinnamon Sugar Banana Muffins on a pretty platter with mini flags or cupcake toppers. Serve them in lined baskets at your next picnic, or box a dozen for a sweet homemade gift. For dessert, warm a muffin, top with vanilla ice cream, and finish with extra cinnamon sugar—trust me, it’s magic!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, these muffins keep wonderfully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. They stay soft and full of flavor—just be sure the lid fits tightly to maintain their lovely texture.

Freezing

Cinnamon Sugar Banana Muffins freeze like a dream. Just place cooled muffins on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to an airtight bag or container. They’ll keep beautifully for up to three months, making them a perfect grab-and-go treat anytime.

Reheating

To bring that fresh-from-the-oven magic back, simply set a frozen muffin on the counter for 30 to 60 minutes to thaw. For an extra-soft center and warm cinnamon aroma, zap one in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or toast gently in a warm oven.

FAQs

Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just thaw your bananas and drain off any extra liquid before mashing. The flavor remains as sweet as ever, and your Cinnamon Sugar Banana Muffins will still be light and moist.

How can I make these as regular-sized muffins?

Simply divide the batter into a standard muffin tin lined with papers, and increase bake time to 18 to 20 minutes. You’ll get about 12 scrumptious muffins—perfect for sharing (or not!).

Can I swap out brown sugar for white sugar?

Brown sugar brings a caramel depth that really shines in this recipe, but white sugar will work in a pinch. Your muffins will be a little lighter in flavor but still tasty!

What if I don’t have mini muffin pans?

No problem! Use a regular muffin pan and adjust the bake time as suggested above. You can even bake them in a loaf pan—just expect a longer bake time and check for doneness with a toothpick.

Are Cinnamon Sugar Banana Muffins dairy-free?

The original recipe calls for butter, but you can use melted coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative with great results. They’ll still be soft, flavorful, and definitely snack-worthy!

Final Thoughts

These Cinnamon Sugar Banana Muffins are the kind of treat that makes friends gather in the kitchen and mornings feel special. With their easy method, wholesome ingredients, and that sparkling cinnamon sugar crown, there’s no reason not to whip up a batch soon. Give them a try—you’ll be amazed how quickly they disappear!

Cinnamon Sugar Banana Muffins Recipe