Banana Muffin Tops Recipe Easy and Delicious Treats

Updated On: October 12, 2025

Delicious Banana Muffin Tops Recipe

If you love the sweet, comforting aroma of ripe bananas and the delight of fresh-baked treats, then banana muffin tops are about to become your new favorite snack! These little golden delights capture the best part of a traditional banana muffin — the crispy, caramelized tops — without the extra bulk.

Perfectly soft and tender inside with a slightly crunchy, sugary crust on top, they’re ideal for breakfast on-the-go or an afternoon pick-me-up. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is simple, quick, and uses everyday ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.

Plus, muffin tops are a fun way to enjoy all the flavor of banana bread in a bite-sized form that’s easy to share or savor yourself.

Ready to whip up a batch of irresistibly tasty banana muffin tops? Let’s dive into why you’ll absolutely love this recipe and how to make these treats that everyone will ask for again and again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This banana muffin tops recipe is a game changer for several reasons. First, it captures the best texture contrast — a lightly crisp top with a moist, soft interior.

Unlike full muffins, muffin tops bake faster and are easier to portion, making them perfect for busy mornings or quick snacks.

Another reason to love these muffin tops is their versatility. You can customize them with nuts, chocolate chips, or oats to suit your taste.

They’re also a fantastic way to use up overripe bananas, turning them into something delicious and wholesome without waste.

Finally, this recipe is straightforward and foolproof. It doesn’t require fancy equipment or complicated steps, making it accessible for bakers of all levels.

Plus, they freeze well, so you can make a big batch and enjoy them anytime!

Ingredients

  • 3 ripe bananas (medium-sized, mashed)
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter (melted)
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional but recommended)
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar (for topping)

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls (one large, one medium)
  • Electric mixer or whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Baking sheet (lined with parchment paper or silicone mat)
  • Spoon or cookie scoop (for forming muffin tops)
  • Cooling rack
  • Oven (preheated to 350°F/175°C)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or use a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
  2. Mash the ripe bananas in a large mixing bowl until smooth but still slightly chunky for texture.
  3. Add the melted butter to the mashed bananas and stir to combine. The butter adds richness and moisture.
  4. Mix in the sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer or whisk until the mixture is smooth and slightly fluffy.
  5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agent and spices.
  6. Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet banana mixture. Be careful not to overmix — just combine until no large streaks of flour remain.
  7. Gently fold in the chopped nuts if using. They add a wonderful crunch and nutty flavor.
  8. Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop heaping tablespoons of batter onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each slightly to mimic the muffin top shape.
  9. Sprinkle the tops with the brown sugar. This will caramelize during baking to create that signature crispy crust.
  10. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  11. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  12. Enjoy warm or at room temperature! Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.

Tips & Variations

For an extra moist texture, try adding 1/4 cup of Greek yogurt or sour cream to the batter.

If you prefer a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.

To add a chocolatey twist, fold in 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips before baking.

For a tropical vibe, add 1/4 cup shredded coconut or swap nuts for chopped macadamia nuts.

Make sure your bananas are very ripe — the browner, the better — for maximum sweetness and flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per Muffin Top
Calories 120 kcal
Carbohydrates 18 g
Protein 2 g
Fat 5 g
Saturated Fat 3 g
Fiber 1 g
Sugar 10 g
Cholesterol 20 mg
Sodium 120 mg

Serving Suggestions

Banana muffin tops are wonderfully versatile. Serve them warm with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey for a comforting breakfast.

They also pair perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea as an afternoon snack.

For a more indulgent treat, top with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of cinnamon or chopped nuts. They can also be served alongside a fresh fruit salad for a light brunch.

Looking for more wholesome snack ideas? Check out these recipes:
Best Vegan Kale Dip Recipe for Easy Healthy Snacking,
Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious, and
Banoffee Recipe Vegan: Easy, Delicious, and Dairy-Free Treat.

Conclusion

Baking banana muffin tops is a delightful way to enjoy the beloved flavors of banana bread in a fun, bite-sized form. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly satisfying with its perfect balance of moistness and crispiness.

Whether you’re making them for a quick breakfast, a snack, or a party treat, these muffin tops are sure to please kids and adults alike.

Don’t be afraid to get creative with add-ins like nuts, chocolate chips, or coconut to make these your own. And remember, the best part of baking is sharing your delicious creations with loved ones.

So grab your ripe bananas and get baking today — your taste buds will thank you!

📖 Recipe Card: Banana Muffin Tops

Description: Deliciously moist and fluffy banana muffin tops perfect for a quick snack or breakfast treat. Made with ripe bananas and a hint of cinnamon for extra flavor.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT35M

Servings: 12 muffin tops

Ingredients

  • 2 ripe bananas, mashed
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Optional: 1/4 cup chopped walnuts

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  3. In a bowl, mix mashed bananas, melted butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla.
  4. In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
  5. Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
  6. Fold in walnuts if using.
  7. Spoon batter onto the baking sheet in small rounds to form muffin tops.
  8. Bake for 18-20 minutes until golden and set.
  9. Allow to cool before serving.

Nutrition: Calories: 150 kcal | Protein: 2 g | Fat: 6 g | Carbs: 22 g

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Marta K

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