Banana S’mores Muffins

These easy Banana S’mores Muffins are a delightful twist on the classic s’mores treat, perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack any time of day. With layers of graham cracker crumbs, rich chocolate chips, and gooey marshmallows, they bring a smile to everyone’s face. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or just indulging in a cozy morning at home, these muffins will satisfy your cravings and impress your guests with their unique flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: These muffins come together in just 20 minutes of prep time, making them perfect for busy mornings.
• Deliciously Decadent: Loaded with chocolate and marshmallows, each bite is a little piece of heaven.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy them as a breakfast item, dessert, or snack throughout the day.
• Kid-Friendly: Kids love the fun flavors and gooey texture, making it a hit for family gatherings.
• Customizable: Feel free to add nuts or dried fruit to give these muffins your personal touch.

Tools and Preparation

To make Banana S’mores Muffins, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. These tools will help streamline the process and ensure that your muffins turn out perfectly every time.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Muffin pan
• Cupcake liners (or nonstick baking spray)
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer (optional)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Muffin pan: Provides even cooking for each muffin, ensuring they rise correctly.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without making a mess.
• Electric mixer: Helps to quickly blend ingredients for a smooth batter.

Ingredients

These easy Banana S’mores Muffins are loaded with graham cracker crumbs, chocolate chips, and marshmallows. They are a delicious way to start out the day.

For the Batter

• 2/3 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2/3 cup mashed ripe banana (2 medium sized)
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon table salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

For the Add-ins

• 3/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 2/3 cup whole milk
• 1 cup miniature chocolate chips, divided
• 1 cup miniature marshmallow bits, divided

How to Make Banana S’mores Muffins

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Place 16 cupcake liners in a muffin pan or spray the pan well with nonstick baking spray.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a mixing bowl:
1. Beat the melted butter and brown sugar together until creamy.
2. Add the egg, vanilla extract, mashed banana, and sour cream. Beat again until well combined.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl:
1. Stir together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and graham cracker crumbs until evenly mixed.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture along with the milk:
– Mix until just combined; do not over-mix for fluffy muffins.

Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips & Marshmallows

Gently stir in:
– 3/4 cup of miniature chocolate chips and 3/4 cup of miniature marshmallow bits by hand until evenly distributed.

Step 6: Fill Muffin Liners

Spoon the batter into prepared muffin liners:
– Fill each about two-thirds full. Sprinkle remaining chocolate chips and marshmallow bits on top.

Step 7: Bake

Place in preheated oven:
– Bake for about 16 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 8: Cool and Store

After baking:
– Let cool in the pan for 3-4 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container once cooled.

How to Serve Banana S’mores Muffins

Serving Banana S’mores Muffins can be a delightful experience. These muffins are not only tasty but also versatile, making them perfect for various occasions. Here are some fun serving suggestions to enhance your muffin enjoyment.

Breakfast Delight

• Pair with fresh fruit: Serve alongside sliced bananas or berries for a refreshing contrast.
• Drizzle with honey: A light drizzle of honey adds extra sweetness and flavor.

Snack Time Boost

• Enjoy with yogurt: Dip or crumble the muffins into a bowl of yogurt for a satisfying snack.
• Add nut butter: Spread peanut or almond butter on top for added protein and richness.

Dessert Option

• Serve warm with ice cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of a warm muffin is a delicious dessert treat.
• Dust with powdered sugar: A light sprinkle adds an elegant touch and extra sweetness.

How to Perfect Banana S’mores Muffins

To make sure your Banana S’mores Muffins turn out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:

• Use ripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your muffins will be.
• Don’t over-mix: Mix just until combined to keep the muffins tender and fluffy.
• Check doneness carefully: Insert a toothpick; it should come out clean or with a few crumbs.
• Cool before storing: Let the muffins cool completely to prevent moisture buildup in storage.

Best Side Dishes for Banana S’mores Muffins

Banana S’mores Muffins pair wonderfully with several side dishes. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the muffins.
2. Greek Yogurt: Creamy Greek yogurt complements the muffins while adding protein to your meal.
3. Maple Syrup: For those who enjoy extra sweetness, serving maple syrup on the side is perfect for drizzling.
4. Nut Mix: A handful of mixed nuts offers crunch and healthy fats, making for a balanced snack.
5. Smoothie: A berry or banana smoothie pairs well, providing hydration and nutrients alongside your muffins.
6. Coffee or Tea: A warm cup enhances the flavors, making it an ideal morning or afternoon treat.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Banana S’mores Muffins, it’s easy to make small errors that can affect the final product. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Skipping the mashed banana: Using whole bananas instead of mashed can lead to uneven texture. Ensure your bananas are well mashed for a smooth batter.
• Overmixing the batter: This can result in dense muffins. Mix until just combined; a few lumps are perfectly fine.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Incorrect measurements can change the texture and flavor. Use measuring cups and spoons for precision.
• Ignoring oven temperature: Each oven is different; check with an oven thermometer to ensure yours is at 400°F for perfect baking.
• Baking too long: Overbaking can dry out your muffins. Keep an eye on them and start checking around the 16-minute mark.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Banana S’mores Muffins in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Banana S’mores Muffins

• Wrap each muffin tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Banana S’mores Muffins

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place muffins on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individually for about 15-20 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, cover and heat for about 5 minutes, checking regularly.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making Banana S’mores Muffins, we’ve got answers!

What makes Banana S’mores Muffins unique?

Banana S’mores Muffins combine classic s’mores flavors with moist banana muffins, making them a delightful breakfast treat.

Can I substitute ingredients in Banana S’mores Muffins?

Yes! You can use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream or swap mini chocolate chips for dark chocolate chunks.

How do I know when my Banana S’mores Muffins are done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs attached, they’re ready!

Are Banana S’mores Muffins healthy?

While they contain sugar and fats, using ripe bananas and whole ingredients makes them a better option than many store-bought muffins.

Final Thoughts

Banana S’mores Muffins are not only delicious but also versatile. Their combination of sweet chocolate, fluffy marshmallows, and banana flavor makes them perfect for breakfast or as an afternoon snack. Feel free to customize by adding nuts or using different types of chocolate. Give this recipe a try; you’ll love the delightful twist on classic flavors!