Description
Delight in these moist and flavorful Cream Cheese Banana Muffins, perfectly blending ripe bananas and a luscious cream cheese swirl for a delicious breakfast treat or snack. The addition of pecans adds a pleasant crunch and enhances the nutty undertones.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 4 medium over-ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla flavoring
Add-ins
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Cream Cheese Topping
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla flavoring
- 2 teaspoons milk (optional, if needed to thin)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin pan with paper liners to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Combine Wet Ingredients and Bananas: In a large bowl, whisk the mashed bananas with granulated sugar and brown sugar. Beat in the egg, vegetable oil, and vanilla flavoring until the mixture is smooth.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Slowly whisk the dry flour mixture into the wet banana mixture, ensuring there are no lumps. Gently fold in the chopped pecans for texture.
- Fill Muffin Tins: Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin liners, filling each about 3/4 full to allow room for rising.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Topping: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla flavoring and mix until well combined. If the mixture is too thick, beat in up to 2 teaspoons of milk to thin it slightly.
- Top and Swirl: Drop about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture on top of each muffin batter. Use a toothpick to swirl the topping into the batter, creating a marbled effect.
- Bake: Bake the muffins in the preheated oven for 16 to 18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The muffins should be golden and set.
- Cool and Serve: Allow muffins to cool slightly before serving. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They are best enjoyed at room temperature or slightly chilled.
Notes
- Make sure bananas are very ripe for natural sweetness and strong banana flavor.
- Softened cream cheese should be at room temperature to blend smoothly with other topping ingredients.
- The cream cheese swirl is optional but adds a beautiful marble effect and creamy texture.
- If desired, substitute pecans with walnuts or omit nuts for a nut-free version.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep muffins tender and fluffy.
- Store muffins refrigerated for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Bakery
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
