There’s something about the smell of warm cinnamon and ripe bananas that pulls you in, even on the busiest mornings. These banana muffin streusels have that exact effect—soft, moist muffins topped with a crumbly cinnamon-sugar crunch that feels like a small celebration with every bite.
I remember the last time I baked a batch. The kitchen was a little chaotic—my phone kept buzzing, and I was half-distracted by a podcast. Somehow, I got the streusel topping a bit heavier on one side of the muffins, and instead of tossing it, I just embraced the imperfection. Those muffins disappeared faster than I expected, and that uneven streusel? It made each bite a little surprise.
Why You’ll Love It:
- They’re moist and flavorful, with banana flavor shining through but not overpowering.
- The cinnamon streusel adds a satisfying crunch that contrasts perfectly with the soft muffin.
- It’s simple—and that’s kind of the point. No complicated ingredients or techniques, just straightforward comfort.
- Great for breakfast or an anytime snack when you need a quick pick-me-up.
- They hold up well for a couple of days, but honestly, they rarely last that long in my house.
Sometimes, I’m a little worried about muffins drying out, but these stay tender thanks to a little something extra in the batter that keeps them from feeling dense or heavy.
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Banana Muffin Streusel
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins 1x
Description
Moist and flavorful banana muffins topped with a crunchy cinnamon streusel, perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 ripe bananas, mashed
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease the cups.
In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, granulated sugar, and egg. Mix until well combined.
Add the melted butter, vanilla extract, and sour cream to the banana mixture. Stir until smooth.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, folding gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
In a small bowl, prepare the streusel topping by combining brown sugar, 1/3 cup flour, and ground cinnamon.
Cut the cold butter into the streusel mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Spoon the muffin batter evenly into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 full.
Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over each muffin.
Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes.
Transfer the muffins to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Kitchen Notes: You don’t need any fancy gadgets to make these—just a mixing bowl and a muffin tin will do. I usually line my tin with paper liners to keep things easy, but greasing works just as well. For serving, these muffins go great with a slather of butter or even a smear of cream cheese if you’re feeling indulgent. If you’re curious about variations, I’ve tried swapping the cinnamon for nutmeg or adding chopped nuts to the streusel; it’s not my favorite, but it might suit your taste better. Sometimes I toss in a handful of chocolate chips for a sweeter twist, but honestly, the banana and cinnamon combo is hard to beat.
FAQ:
Can I freeze these muffins? Yes! They freeze well for up to two months. Just thaw them at room temperature before enjoying.
Will the streusel get soggy? Not if you eat them within a day or two. If you’re storing longer, keep them airtight to maintain crunch.
Can I use overripe bananas? Definitely. The riper, the better—they add the most flavor and natural sweetness.
Ready to make your mornings a little cozier? These banana muffin streusels might just become your go-to treat.