Easy Banana Nut Muffins

Here you have a no-fail easy banana nut muffins recipe that is delicious and perfect for breakfast or as a snack.

banana nut muffins on a blue plate next to a blue mug filled with coffee

I love baked goods made with older bananas that get a little bit too brown. They fit right up my alley, as I hate wasting food.

There is always something to do with them and repurpose them.

They are perfect for making banana bread, banana cookies, or banana muffins. I even have on my blog a recipe to make doughnuts, people! With old bananas!

How awesome is that?

Why You Should Try These Muffins

Wholesome Ingredients: With real bananas, nuts, and the use of buttermilk, this recipe offers a touch of natural goodness.

Ideal for Ripe Bananas: Have some bananas that are just past their prime? This recipe is a great solution. Utilizing overripe bananas not only minimizes waste but also enhances the banana flavor in the muffins.

A Versatile Treat for Various Occasions: These banana muffins can be a perfect addition to breakfast, a satisfying snack, or even a dessert.

This recipe does not use baking powder or baking soda

The recipe is a little bit different than the regular recipes around. This one doesn't have any baking powder or baking soda.

Why?

This recipe comes from Europe, and on many occasions, the baking powder is replaced by separating the eggs and beating the egg whites.

The muffins will rise if you beat the egg whites stiff, then add them to the rest of the ingredients. The air incorporated in the egg whites ensures the rising of the batter in the oven.

banana nut muffins on a white plate with blue flowers

This was an old method when people did not have access to baking powder or baking soda. It requires a little bit of work, but nowadays, we have mixers to do the job for us.

It doesn't take more than 10 minutes to beat the egg whites anyway, so it is really not a big deal.

If you don't want to beat the egg whites, you will have to add some baking powder. There is no other way around it unless you like flat muffins.

Related: Make these Savory Fresh Cranberry Muffins.

Ingredients

Large Eggs, Separated: The yolks add richness and moisture, while the whites give lightness and structure to the muffins.

Unsalted Butter: It provides flavor and tenderness to the muffins. You could replace it with the same amount of vegetable oil or coconut oil, which will offer a similar texture.

Granulated Sugar: Used for sweetening the muffins, granulated sugar is essential for the flavor balance. It can be replaced with the same amount of light brown sugar or coconut sugar, both of which will add a slight variation in taste.

Salt: A small quantity enhances the overall flavor of the muffins. It is highly indicated in all baked goods, so please don't skip it.

Nuts (Pecans or Walnuts), Chopped: They add a crunchy texture and a delightful nutty flavor. Other nuts like almonds or hazelnuts can be used in the same quantity or omitted if allergies are a concern. If you don't add nuts, replace them with chocolate chips.

All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of the muffin's structure, all-purpose flour can be replaced with the same amount of whole wheat flour or a gluten-free blend for those with dietary restrictions.

Buttermilk: This ingredient adds a tangy flavor and helps with the leavening process. If you need a replacement, regular milk mixed with a small amount of vinegar or lemon juice in the same quantity will work just as well.

Medium Bananas: Essential for moisture and banana flavor in the muffins, they can be tricky to replace in equal parts. However, mashed ripe plantains can work as a substitute with a similar flavor profile.

Storage

Room temperature: Place them in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. They can live on your counter or in a pantry for up to 2-3 days.

Refrigerator: Place them in an airtight container, separating the layers with parchment paper. They will stay fresh for up to a week. Allow the muffins to come to room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.

Recipe faqs

Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen bananas. Thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing and adding to the batter.

Can I double the recipe if I need to make a larger batch?

Yes, you can double the ingredients to make a larger batch. You may need to bake in batches depending on your oven and pan size.

Why are my muffins dense and not fluffy?

Dense muffins might result from overmixing the batter or not beating the egg whites to the proper stiffness.
Following the instructions carefully and folding the ingredients gently will help you get light and fluffy muffins.

These banana nut muffins are super easy to make and pack a real flavor punch with their moist, nutty taste and rich, buttery goodness.

The buttermilk in this recipe? That's the secret to keeping them so moist and tasty. (Want to know more about baking with buttermilk or need more recipes that use it? I got you covered!)

And seriously, what's better on a snowy day than a warm muffin with cream cheese or melty butter on top? Add a cup of tea to the mix, and you've got yourself a little slice of heaven right there!

Happy baking!