Banana S’mores Muffins

These Banana S’mores Muffins are a delightful combination of flavors that make for a perfect breakfast treat or snack. With layers of graham cracker crumbs, gooey marshmallows, and rich chocolate chips, these muffins bring the joy of s’mores into a convenient muffin form. Ideal for any occasion, from family breakfasts to potlucks, they are sure to impress both kids and adults alike. Enjoy the unique taste that makes these muffins stand out!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal prep time and is simple enough for bakers of all skill levels.
• Delicious Flavor Combo: The blend of banana, chocolate, and marshmallow creates an irresistible flavor that everyone will love.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s breakfast, a snack, or dessert, these muffins fit perfectly into any meal or event.
• Freezer Friendly: You can easily freeze these muffins to enjoy later, making them a great make-ahead option.
• Kid-Friendly: Kids will adore the sweet taste and fun texture of these muffins, making them a hit in lunchboxes.

Tools and Preparation

To get started with your Banana S’mores Muffins, you’ll need some essential tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Muffin pan
• Cupcake liners or nonstick baking spray
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Muffin pan: A good quality muffin pan ensures even baking and helps achieve that perfect fluffy texture.
• Mixing bowls: Using separate bowls keeps your ingredients organized and makes it easier to combine everything smoothly.
• Rubber spatula: This tool helps scrape down the sides of the bowl efficiently, ensuring no ingredient goes unnoticed.

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 Muffins

• 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
• 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. Prepare 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 well combined.
2. Add in one large egg along with vanilla extract, mashed banana, and sour cream. Mix until smooth.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

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

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry mixture alternately with whole milk into the wet mixture:
1. Mix until just combined; be careful not to over-mix as this can affect muffin texture.

Step 5: Add Chocolate Chips and Marshmallows

Gently fold in:
1. 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

Fill each cupcake liner with batter:
1. Top each muffin with remaining chocolate chips and marshmallow bits before baking.

Step 7: Bake

Bake in your preheated oven for about 16 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 8: Cool

Allow muffins to cool in the pan for about 3–4 minutes before transferring them onto a wire rack to cool completely. Store in a sealed container if not enjoyed immediately.

How to Serve Banana S’mores Muffins

Banana S’mores Muffins are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast or as a snack, these muffins can be paired with different accompaniments to enhance their flavor.

With Coffee

• A warm cup of coffee complements the sweet flavors of the muffins perfectly. The bitterness of the coffee balances the sweetness.

With Fresh Fruit

• Serving these muffins alongside fresh fruit adds a refreshing touch. Consider berries or sliced bananas for added flavor.

With Whipped Cream

• Topping your muffin with whipped cream makes it feel like dessert. This adds a light and creamy texture that pairs beautifully.

With Ice Cream

• For an indulgent treat, serve a warm muffin with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The melt-in-your-mouth combination is irresistible!

How to Perfect Banana S’mores Muffins

To ensure your Banana S’mores Muffins turn out perfectly, consider these simple tips that make all the difference.

• Use ripe bananas: Ripe bananas add natural sweetness and moisture, making your muffins tender and flavorful.
• Don’t over-mix: Gently combine ingredients to avoid tough muffins. Over-mixing can lead to dense baked goods.
• Check doneness: Use a toothpick inserted into the center to check if they are done. It should come out clean or with just a few crumbs.
• Store properly: Keep muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for freshness, or freeze them for longer storage.

Best Side Dishes for Banana S’mores Muffins

Pairing side dishes with your Banana S’mores Muffins can elevate your meal experience. Here are some great options:

1. Greek Yogurt: Pairing these muffins with Greek yogurt adds protein and creaminess, making for a balanced breakfast.
2. Honey Drizzle: A drizzle of honey on top enhances sweetness and gives an extra layer of flavor.
3. Nut Butter: Almond or peanut butter provides healthy fats and protein, perfect for dipping or spreading.
4. Oatmeal: A warm bowl of oatmeal offers a hearty side that complements the muffins well.
5. Smoothies: A fruity smoothie serves as a refreshing addition that contrasts nicely with the muffins’ textures.
6. Scrambled Eggs: For a savory option, scrambled eggs provide protein and pair well with the muffin’s sweetness.
7. Cinnamon Sugar Toast: Toast topped with cinnamon sugar creates a delightful crunchy side that echoes the muffin’s flavors.
8. Chia Pudding: This nutritious pudding adds texture and health benefits, making it an interesting contrast to the muffins.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Banana S’mores Muffins can be simple, but there are some common mistakes that can affect the final outcome. Here’s how to avoid them.

• Using unripe bananas: Make sure your bananas are ripe and mashed well. This adds natural sweetness and moisture to your muffins.
• Overmixing the batter: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense muffins instead of light and fluffy ones.
• Not measuring ingredients properly: Use measuring cups and spoons for accuracy. Incorrect measurements can throw off the texture and flavor.
• Skipping the cooling time: Allow muffins to cool slightly in the pan before transferring them. This helps maintain their shape and prevents them from falling apart.
• Ignoring oven temperature: Preheat your oven thoroughly. An unheated oven can result in uneven baking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Banana S’mores Muffins in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 3 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.
• These muffins can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Banana S’mores Muffins

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place muffins on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Place a muffin on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 15-20 seconds for a quick warm-up.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for about 5 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make Banana S’mores Muffins healthier?

You can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour and use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. This will add protein and fiber without losing flavor.

Can I use other flavors in Banana S’mores Muffins?

Absolutely! Feel free to add nuts like walnuts or pecans, or swap chocolate chips for white chocolate or peanut butter chips for a unique twist.

What if I don’t have graham cracker crumbs?

You can use crushed digestive biscuits or vanilla wafer cookies as an alternative to graham cracker crumbs while still keeping that s’mores flavor.

How do I know when my muffins are done baking?

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

Final Thoughts

Banana S’mores Muffins are not only delicious but also versatile enough to be enjoyed at breakfast or as a snack. The combination of banana, chocolate, and marshmallows makes these muffins a delightful treat. Don’t hesitate to customize them with your favorite mix-ins or toppings!