The Delia Smith Banana Muffins are a classic, simple, and delicious treat that’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. With the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, these muffins are moist, flavorful, and easy to prepare. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting, this recipe is ideal for anyone looking to whip up a batch of homemade muffins in no time.
What are Delia Smith’s Banana Muffins?
Delia Smith’s Banana Muffins are soft and fluffy muffins made using ripe bananas. The bananas not only add natural sweetness but also help keep the muffins moist. These muffins are quick to make and require simple, everyday ingredients, making them a great option for a fuss-free bake.
Other Popular Recipes
- Nigella Blueberry Muffins
- Jamie Oliver Blueberry and Banana Muffins
- James Martin Chocolate Chip Muffins
Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: These muffins can be made in under 30 minutes.
- Great Use for Ripe Bananas: Perfect for using up overripe bananas.
- Moist and Delicious: The bananas keep the muffins soft and flavorful.
- Beginner-Friendly: Simple ingredients and steps make this recipe accessible for all skill levels.
- Versatile: You can add nuts, chocolate chips, or spices to enhance the flavor.
Ingredients Needed to Make Delia Smith Banana Muffins
- Ripe bananas: 2 large, mashed, for sweetness and moisture.
- Plain flour: 250g (9 oz), for the muffin base.
- Baking powder: 2 teaspoons, to help the muffins rise.
- Caster sugar: 100g (3.5 oz), for sweetness.
- Egg: 1 large, to bind the ingredients.
- Butter: 75g (2.6 oz), melted, for richness.
- Milk: 100ml (3.5 fl oz), to keep the muffins moist.
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon, for flavor.
- Salt: A pinch, to balance the sweetness.
Instructions to Prepare Delia Smith Banana Muffins
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan)/350°F/gas mark 4. Line a 12-hole muffin tin with muffin cases.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, sift together the plain flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir in the caster sugar.
3. Mash the Bananas
In a separate bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
4. Combine the Wet Ingredients
Add the melted butter, egg, milk, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas and whisk until well combined.
5. Mix the Batter
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold them together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in dense muffins.
6. Fill the Muffin Cases
Use a spoon or ice cream scoop to divide the batter evenly among the muffin cases, filling each about two-thirds full.
7. Bake the Muffins
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool and Serve
Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature.
What Goes Well With Delia Smith Banana Muffins
- Butter: Spread a little butter on a warm muffin for extra indulgence.
- Honey or maple syrup: Drizzle some honey or syrup over the muffins for added sweetness.
- Greek yogurt: Pair with a dollop of yogurt for a balanced breakfast.
- Fresh fruit: Serve alongside fresh berries or sliced fruit for a healthy snack.
- Tea or coffee: Enjoy with a hot cup of tea or coffee.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Delia Smith Banana Muffins
- Use ripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful the muffins will be.
- Don’t overmix the batter: Stir the ingredients just until combined to avoid tough muffins.
- Add-ins: Feel free to add chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or even a pinch of cinnamon for extra flavor.
- Check for doneness: Insert a skewer into the center of a muffin—if it comes out clean, the muffins are done.
Easy Variations of Delia Smith Banana Muffins
- Banana nut muffins: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavor.
- Banana chocolate chip muffins: Stir in chocolate chips for a sweeter, more indulgent treat.
- Cinnamon banana muffins: Add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Banana oat muffins: Stir in a handful of oats to add texture and fiber to the muffins.
- Banana and blueberry muffins: Add fresh or frozen blueberries for a fruity twist.
Best Practices to Store Delia Smith Banana Muffins
- Room temperature: Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: The muffins freeze well. Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Best Practices to Reheat Delia Smith Banana Muffins
- Oven: Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 5 minutes to enjoy warm muffins.
- Microwave: Warm individual muffins in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a quick snack.
FAQs
Can I freeze Delia Smith banana muffins?
Yes, banana muffins freeze well. Let the muffins cool completely, then wrap them individually in cling film or place them in an airtight container. You can freeze them for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Why are my banana muffins dense?
Banana muffins can become dense if the batter is overmixed. To avoid this, gently fold the wet and dry ingredients together until just combined. Overmixing can cause the gluten in the flour to develop, leading to a denser muffin.
How ripe should bananas be for muffins?
For the best flavor and texture, use very ripe bananas with brown spots. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful the muffins will be, as they add natural sweetness and moisture to the batter.
Can I make banana muffins without sugar?
Yes, you can reduce or omit the sugar in banana muffins. If you want a healthier option, replace the sugar with natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or mashed dates for added flavor and moisture.
Nutrition Value (per muffin)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Sugar: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
Final Words
The Delia Smith Banana Muffins are a simple yet delicious recipe that’s perfect for using up overripe bananas. With their moist texture and sweet banana flavor, these muffins are a great choice for breakfast, a snack, or a dessert. Easy to make and full of flavor, they’re sure to become a favorite in your household!
More By British Baking Recipes
- Delia Smith Lemon Drizzle Cake
- Mary Berry Bara Brith
- Jamie Oliver Blueberry Muffins
- Mary Berry Date Slices
Delia Smith Banana Muffins Recipe
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 25
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
Delia Smith’s Banana Muffins are soft and fluffy muffins made using ripe bananas. The bananas not only add natural sweetness but also help keep the muffins moist. These muffins are quick to make and require simple, everyday ingredients, making them a great option for a fuss-free bake.
Ingredients
- Ripe bananas: 2 large, mashed, for sweetness and moisture.
- Plain flour: 250g (9 oz), for the muffin base.
- Baking powder: 2 teaspoons, to help the muffins rise.
- Caster sugar: 100g (3.5 oz), for sweetness.
- Egg: 1 large, to bind the ingredients.
- Butter: 75g (2.6 oz), melted, for richness.
- Milk: 100ml (3.5 fl oz), to keep the muffins moist.
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon, for flavor.
- Salt: A pinch, to balance the sweetness.
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan)/350°F/gas mark 4. Line a 12-hole muffin tin with muffin cases.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, sift together the plain flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir in the caster sugar.
3. Mash the Bananas
In a separate bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
4. Combine the Wet Ingredients
Add the melted butter, egg, milk, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas and whisk until well combined.
5. Mix the Batter
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold them together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in dense muffins.
6. Fill the Muffin Cases
Use a spoon or ice cream scoop to divide the batter evenly among the muffin cases, filling each about two-thirds full.
7. Bake the Muffins
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool and Serve
Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature.
