When the sun starts to shine a bit brighter and the days grow longer, there’s nothing like the nostalgic taste of s’mores to transport you back to campfire nights and childhood adventures. Imagine taking that delightful flavor and transforming it into a cozy, warm muffin that fills your kitchen with the aroma of sweet bananas and rich cocoa. That’s exactly what I did when I created these Banana S’mores Muffins.
With just a handful of simple ingredients—like ripe bananas, melty chocolate chips, and fluffy mini marshmallows—this recipe blends the gooey goodness of s’mores with the comforting essence of banana bread. These muffins are perfect for breakfast, snack time, or even dessert, making them wonderfully versatile.
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or someone just looking to elevate your home cooking from the mundane fast-food routine, these muffins promise an exciting experience without any fuss. Let’s get baking and bring the joy of s’mores into your kitchen today!
Why You'll Love This Banana S'mores Muffins
- These Banana S’mores Muffins are incredibly easy to make, requiring just about 30 minutes from start to finish.
- The delightful combination of ripe bananas, chocolate chips, and mini marshmallows creates a flavor explosion that will have everyone coming back for more.
- Their versatility makes them perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even a sweet treat at dessert time.
- Plus, the warm, gooey centers and golden tops make these muffins visually appealing, sure to impress anyone you serve them to.
Banana S’mores Muffins Ingredients
For the Muffin Batter
• Ripe Bananas – the riper, the sweeter; they add natural sweetness and moisture.
• All-Purpose Flour – gives the best texture and structure to your muffins.
• Sugar – enhances the muffin’s sweetness; you can substitute with brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – brings rich chocolate flavor without adding extra sugar.
• Baking Powder – helps muffins rise and achieve that fluffy texture.
• Baking Soda – works with the acid in bananas for extra lift.
• Salt – balances the sweetness for a well-rounded flavor.
For the Mix-ins
• Mini Marshmallows – adds a gooey, sweet surprise in every bite; try using vegan marshmallows for a plant-based version.
• Chocolate Chips – enhances the chocolate flavor; opt for dark chocolate for a richer taste.
For the Wet Ingredients
• Melted Butter – enriches the batter with moisture and flavor; can be swapped with coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
• Large Egg – binds the ingredients together, ensuring a fluffy texture.
• Vanilla Extract – elevates overall flavor with its warm notes; pure vanilla extract is always best.
With these simple yet delightful ingredients, you’re set to create scrumptious Banana S’mores Muffins that will make your kitchen feel like a cozy retreat!
How to Make Banana S’mores Muffins
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for those delightful muffins. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect rise and texture.
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Mash the ripe bananas in a large bowl until smooth. You want them to be creamy and free of lumps, which adds that wonderful natural sweetness and moisture.
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Combine the melted butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract with the mashed bananas. Mix well until everything is thoroughly blended, creating a delicious aroma that fills the kitchen.
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Mix the dry ingredients in another bowl: flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the baking agents for a fluffy muffin.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; it should be slightly lumpy for the best texture.
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Fold in the mini marshmallows and chocolate chips with a gentle hand, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter for those gooey surprises.
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Spoon the batter into a greased muffin tin, filling each cup about two-thirds of the way full. This ensures they have room to rise without spilling over.
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Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. You’ll know they’re ready when the tops are golden brown and fragrant.
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Cool the muffins in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This step allows them to set and makes them easier to handle.
Optional: Drizzle with a bit of melted chocolate for an extra touch of indulgence.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Banana S’mores Muffins Variations
Feel free to let your creativity shine and transform these muffins into your own delightful creations!
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend for a safe, delicious option for gluten sensitivity.
- Nutty Twist: Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunchy texture and nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with chocolate.
- Spicy Kick: Incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper or cinnamon to the dry ingredients for a surprising warmth that enhances the chocolate flavor.
- Fruit Fusion: Swap some of the bananas for 1/2 cup of pureed apples or pears to give a fruity twist that keeps the muffins moist.
- Chocolate Lovers: Increase the chocolate chips to 1 cup and eliminate the marshmallows for an ultra-rich chocolate experience that’s to die for.
- Vegan: Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) and use coconut oil instead of butter for a delectable vegan treat.
- Caramel Drizzle: Once cooled, drizzle some melted caramel over the muffins for added sweetness and an indulgent finish the kids will adore.
- Zesty Upgrade: Add the zest of one orange or lemon to the batter for a refreshing citrus twist that brightens the overall flavor profile.
With these variations, each batch of muffins becomes a new adventure! Enjoy the process and happy baking!
Make Ahead Options
These Banana S’mores Muffins are a fantastic option for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy their deliciousness with minimal effort. You can prepare the batter up to 24 hours in advance; simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh and prevent the bananas from browning. If you prefer, you can also mix the dry ingredients (flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt) and keep them in a sealed container for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to bake, just combine the wet ingredients with the prepped dry mix and fold in the mini marshmallows and chocolate chips. Bake as directed, and you’ll have warm, delightful muffins ready in no time, perfect for a busy weeknight treat!
What to Serve with Banana S’mores Muffins?
Imagine a delightful breakfast or snack spread that perfectly complements the sweet, chocolaty goodness of your muffins.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A medley of vibrant fruits adds a refreshing contrast to the rich muffins, balancing flavors and colors on your plate. Think juicy strawberries, tart blueberries, and zesty oranges.
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Creamy Yogurt Parfait: Layering yogurt with granola and fruit creates a lovely texture contrast, while its creaminess pairs beautifully with the muffins’ chewy marshmallows.
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Nutty Granola: The crunch of nutty granola offers a satisfying texture offsetting the soft muffins, making each bite a delightful experience.
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Chocolate Milk: Nothing says comfort like a glass of rich chocolate milk alongside these muffins, echoing the chocolatey flavors and turning snack time into a treat.
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Coffee or Tea: A cup of warm coffee or herbal tea enhances the muffins’ cozy nature, highlighting the delightful scent of vanilla and banana.
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Ice Cream Scoop: For dessert lovers, serve these muffins warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream drizzled in chocolate sauce for an indulgent finish. The heat of the muffins will melt the ice cream perfectly!
These delightful pairings create a memorable experience, ensuring your Banana S’mores Muffins shine brightly at any meal time.
How to Store and Freeze Banana S’mores Muffins
Room Temperature: Keep your Banana S’mores Muffins at room temperature for up to 3 days in an airtight container to maintain their moisture and softness.
Fridge: If you prefer to extend their freshness, store the muffins in the fridge for up to a week. Just remember to wrap them well to prevent them from drying out.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the muffins in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Make sure to label them so you can easily find them later!
Reheating: To enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge and then pop them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds to enjoy that fresh-baked taste again.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When making Banana S’mores Muffins, ensure your bananas are very ripe for optimal sweetness and moisture.
- Avoid overmixing the batter; a slightly lumpy mixture will yield fluffier muffins.
- For the best baking results, make sure to properly measure your flour and other dry ingredients to prevent dense muffins.
- Bake them until a toothpick inserted comes out clean, as baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven.
Banana S’mores Muffins Recipe FAQs
What ripeness of bananas should I use for the muffins?
Absolutely! The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your Banana S’mores Muffins will be. Look for bananas that are well-spotted with brown flecks—these indicate maximum sweetness and moisture, which is perfect for baking.
How should I store leftover muffins?
To maintain their delightful texture, store your Banana S’mores Muffins at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you’re looking to keep them fresh longer, wrap them well and store in the fridge for about a week, which will help prevent them from drying out.
Can I freeze these muffins, and how do I do it?
Absolutely! Freezing your Banana S’mores Muffins is a great option for long-term storage. Allow the muffins to cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Always label the bags with the date for easy reference. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge and warm them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds!
What should I do if my muffins are too dense or heavy?
If your Banana S’mores Muffins come out a bit dense, it might be due to overmixing the batter. When adding the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mix just until incorporated. A slightly lumpy batter will produce a lighter and fluffier muffin. Additionally, be sure to measure your flour correctly—too much flour can also lead to density.
Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of?
Yes, if you’re baking for someone with allergies, be mindful that this recipe contains common allergens such as gluten and dairy. For a gluten-free option, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. If you’re looking for a dairy-free version, melted coconut oil can be used instead of butter, and you can opt for vegan mini marshmallows!
What can I use as a substitute for chocolate chips?
Very! If chocolate chips are not to your taste or if you want to try something different, consider adding peanut butter chips, white chocolate chips, or even chopped nuts for an extra layer of flavor and texture in your Banana S’mores Muffins.
Banana S'mores Muffins
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mash the ripe bananas in a large bowl until smooth.
- Combine the melted butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract with the mashed bananas.
- Mix the dry ingredients in another bowl: flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined.
- Fold in the mini marshmallows and chocolate chips.
- Spoon the batter into a greased muffin tin, filling each cup about two-thirds of the way full.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the muffins in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
