Mary Berry Banana Muffins Recipe

Banana muffins are a delightful treat, perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. Mary Berry Banana Muffins are not only simple to make but result in moist, fluffy, and delicious muffins every time. If you’ve got some overripe bananas at home, this is the ideal recipe to put them to good use. Plus, the natural sweetness from the bananas means you won’t need much added sugar!

Follow this foolproof step-by-step guide to bake these delectable muffins with ease.

What are Mary Berry Banana Muffins?

Mary Berry Banana Muffins are moist, fluffy, and flavorful muffins made using overripe bananas. They offer a delightful balance of natural sweetness from the bananas, combined with a light, tender crumb. These muffins are a popular choice for breakfast or a quick snack, and they are easy to make, even for beginners.

Other Popular Recipes

• Nigella Dorset Apple Cake
• Mary Berry Raspberry and White Chocolate Muffins
• Mary Berry Apple Muffins

Why You Should Try This Recipe

• Simple to Prepare: The recipe uses basic ingredients found in most kitchens.
• Uses Overripe Bananas: Turn your overripe bananas into something delicious and satisfying.
• Customizable: Add nuts, chocolate chips, or other mix-ins for extra flavor.
• Perfect for All Ages: Both kids and adults love these muffins, making them great for the whole family.
• Great for Meal Prep: Make a batch in advance and store them for quick, grab-and-go snacks.
• Healthy Sweetness: The natural sweetness from bananas means you can cut back on added sugar.
• Freezer-Friendly: Bake a batch and freeze them for later, maintaining their freshness.

Equipment

• Mixing bowls – for combining dry and wet ingredients.
• Whisk – to blend wet ingredients like eggs and sugar.
• Spatula or wooden spoon – for folding the batter.
• Muffin tin – to bake the muffins.
• Muffin cases or liners – to prevent sticking and ease removal.
• Measuring cups and spoons – to ensure accurate ingredient quantities.
• Oven or convection oven – for baking the muffins to perfection.

Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry Banana Muffins

To make about 12 banana muffins, here’s what you’ll need:

Dry Ingredients:

• 225g (1 ¾ cups) self-raising flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
• Pinch of salt

Wet Ingredients:

• 100g (½ cup) caster sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 100g (7 tbsp) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 75ml (¼ cup) milk

Optional Add-ins:

• 50g (⅓ cup) chopped walnuts or pecans
• 50g (⅓ cup) chocolate chips

Instructions to Make Mary Berry Banana Muffins

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Muffin Tin

• Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper cases or grease each cup lightly with butter or oil. This ensures that the muffins don’t stick and come out easily after baking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

• In a large bowl, sift together the self-raising flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon (if using), and salt. This helps to distribute the ingredients evenly and removes any lumps, ensuring your muffins have a light texture.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

• In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar until light and fluffy. Then, add the melted butter, mashed bananas, vanilla extract, and milk. Stir until everything is well combined. The bananas are the star of the show, providing both moisture and sweetness.

Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

• Gradually fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients using a spatula or a wooden spoon. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can make the muffins dense instead of light and fluffy. The batter should be slightly lumpy, with visible streaks of banana.

Step 5: Add the Extras (Optional)

• If you’re feeling adventurous, now is the time to gently fold in the chopped nuts or chocolate chips. These add-ins bring an extra layer of flavor and texture to the muffins, but they’re entirely optional.

Step 6: Fill the Muffin Cups

• Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about two-thirds full. This gives the muffins enough room to rise without overflowing.

Step 7: Bake the Muffins

• Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. The muffins should turn a light golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

• Once baked, remove the muffins from the oven and allow them to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature!

What Goes Well With Mary Berry Banana Muffins?

To complement the delightful taste of these muffins, here are some great pairings.

• Butter Spread: A little butter spread on a warm muffin enhances the flavor, making each bite richer.
• Honey or Maple Syrup: Drizzle on top for added sweetness and richness that complements the natural banana flavor.
• Yogurt: Pair with a dollop of creamy yogurt for a balanced breakfast that contrasts the muffin’s texture.
• Nut Butter: Almond or peanut butter adds a nutty twist to these muffins, creating a delicious contrast in taste.
• Fresh Fruit: Enjoy with berries or apple slices for a refreshing side that brightens the meal.
• Coffee or Tea: A warm beverage makes the perfect companion for these muffins, enhancing the overall experience.
• Smoothies: Pair with a fruit or protein smoothie for a complete, nutritious meal that leaves you feeling satisfied.

Expert Tips for Making the Best Mary Berry Banana Muffins

To ensure your banana muffins come out perfect every time, follow these expert tips for success.

• Use Overripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your muffins will be. Bananas with brown spots are ideal.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Stir the ingredients just until combined to avoid dense, tough muffins. A few lumps in the batter are perfectly fine.
• Measure Ingredients Accurately: For consistent results, use a kitchen scale to weigh your ingredients, especially the flour.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that eggs and butter are at room temperature to help the ingredients blend smoothly and result in a more even texture.
• Test for Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin; if it comes out clean, they’re ready. Overbaking can lead to dry muffins.
• Let Them Cool: Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to finish cooling, which helps them retain their shape.

Easy Variations of Mary Berry Banana Muffins

Here are a few ways you can tweak the classic Mary Berry Banana Muffins recipe to suit your taste.

• Add Chocolate Chips: Mix in a handful of chocolate chips for a sweet, decadent twist.
• Swap Nuts for Seeds: Use sunflower or pumpkin seeds instead of nuts for a crunchier texture.
• Make Them Gluten-Free: Substitute the flour with a gluten-free baking mix without affecting the flavor.
• Add Spices: Incorporate cinnamon or nutmeg to introduce a warming spice note to the muffins.
• Top with Streusel: For an extra treat, sprinkle a streusel topping over the muffins before baking.

Best Practices to Store Mary Berry Banana Muffins

Proper storage ensures your muffins stay fresh longer. Here’s how to store them the right way:

• Room Temperature: Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
• Refrigeration: If storing longer, keep them in the fridge, but bring them to room temperature before serving.
• Freezing: Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap and store it in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months.
• Avoid Moisture: Place a paper towel in the container to absorb excess moisture and keep the muffins from getting soggy.

Best Practices to Reheat Mary Berry Banana Muffins

Reheating muffins the right way brings back their fresh-baked goodness.

• Oven Method: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and warm muffins for 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on high for 15-20 seconds, but avoid overheating to keep them soft.
• Air Fryer: Reheat muffins in an air fryer at 160°C (320°F) for 3-5 minutes.
• Stovetop: Slice the muffins in half and toast them lightly in a skillet for a crispy edge.

How Can I Make Mary Berry Banana Muffins Healthier?

If you’re looking to make healthier banana muffins, try these simple swaps:

• Reduce Sugar: Cut the sugar by half or replace it with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.
• Use Whole Wheat Flour: Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
• Add Oats: Mix in rolled oats for a heartier texture and a nutritional boost.
• Swap Butter for Yogurt: Use Greek yogurt or applesauce instead of butter to reduce fat content.
• Include Chia Seeds: Add chia seeds for extra protein, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids.

Nutrition Value (per serving)

• Calories: 180
• Fat: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 10g

FAQs

Can I Freeze Mary Berry Banana Muffins?

Yes, you can freeze Mary Berry Banana Muffins. Simply wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw them at room temperature or reheat them in the oven for a freshly baked taste.

How Do I Make Mary Berry Banana Muffins Healthier?

To make these muffins healthier, you can reduce the sugar by half or substitute it with natural sweeteners like honey. You can also replace some of the flour with whole wheat flour or add ingredients like oats and chia seeds for extra fiber and nutrients. Using Greek yogurt or applesauce instead of butter is another great way to lower the fat content.

Why Are My Banana Muffins Not Rising?

If your banana muffins are not rising, it could be due to outdated baking powder or baking soda. Make sure your leavening agents are fresh for the best rise. Additionally, overmixing the batter can make muffins dense and prevent them from rising properly. Stir the ingredients just until combined to avoid this issue.

How Long Do Mary Berry Banana Muffins Stay Fresh?

Mary Berry Banana Muffins stay fresh for about 3 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want them to last longer, store them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze them for up to 3 months.

Why Are My Banana Muffins Sinking?

Banana muffins often sink because they were either underbaked or the batter was overmixed. Make sure to bake them fully and avoid opening the oven door too early, as sudden temperature changes can cause sinking. Additionally, mix the batter gently to prevent too much air from getting incorporated, which can lead to collapsing.

Why Are My Banana Muffins Sticky?

If your banana muffins are sticky, it’s likely due to excess moisture. Overripe bananas or too much liquid in the batter can cause this issue. Another reason could be storing them before they’ve cooled completely, which traps moisture. Make sure to let the muffins cool fully on a wire rack before storing them.

What Is the Secret to Moist Muffins?

The secret to moist muffins is balancing wet and dry ingredients. Use overripe bananas, which add natural moisture, and ensure you don’t overmix the batter. Adding ingredients like yogurt or oil can also help keep muffins moist. Avoid overbaking, as that can dry out the muffins.

What Not to Do When Making Muffins?

Avoid overmixing the batter, as this can lead to dense muffins. Don’t use outdated leavening agents like baking powder or soda, as this will prevent your muffins from rising properly. Also, don’t overfill the muffin cups, as this can cause them to overflow and not bake evenly.

Final Words

Mary Berry Banana Muffins are a timeless treat, offering a moist texture and rich banana flavor. You can enjoy the classic recipe or try experimenting with different variations to suit your taste. These muffins are simple to prepare, easy to store, and quick to reheat, making them an ideal choice for any occasion.

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• Mary Berry Blueberry Muffins
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