There’s something truly magical about hummingbird muffins — their moist texture, balanced sweetness, and delightful hints of banana, pineapple, and warm spices make them an irresistible treat for any time of day.
Originating from the southern United States, these muffins are inspired by the famous hummingbird cake, capturing all of those luscious flavors in a perfectly portable, single-serving delight. Whether you’re looking for a wholesome breakfast, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a crowd-pleasing snack, hummingbird muffins are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
What sets hummingbird muffins apart is their unique combination of fresh fruits and nuts, offering a burst of tropical flavor with every bite. Easy to whip up and wonderfully versatile, these muffins are a fantastic way to brighten your day or impress guests with minimal effort.
Plus, they freeze beautifully, making them ideal for quick snacks on busy mornings or dessert options when unexpected visitors arrive.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This hummingbird muffin recipe is a perfect blend of moistness, spice, and natural sweetness. Made with ripe bananas, crushed pineapple, and a touch of cinnamon and nutmeg, these muffins are bursting with flavor and texture.
The addition of chopped pecans adds a delightful crunch, balancing the softness of the fruit and the tender crumb.
What makes this recipe even better is its straightforward preparation and use of common pantry ingredients. With simple steps and no complicated techniques, even novice bakers can create delicious muffins that rival bakery quality.
They also make for an excellent gift or potluck contribution that’s guaranteed to impress.
For those looking for healthier alternatives, this recipe can easily be adapted to include whole wheat flour or reduced sugar, without sacrificing the rich flavor. And if you enjoy exploring more recipes with wholesome ingredients, you might love checking out these other recipes like Backpacking Dehydrated Vegan Meal Recipes for Easy Camping or Chinese Vegetarian Nasi Lemak Recipe Made Easy and Delicious.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup)
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Equipment
- Muffin tin (12-cup standard size)
- Muffin liners or cooking spray
- Mixing bowls (one large, one medium)
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
- Cooling rack
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease it well with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside. These dry ingredients form the flavorful foundation of your muffins.
- In a separate medium bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, mashed bananas, crushed pineapple, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold them together using a spatula or wooden spoon. Be careful not to overmix — just combine until no flour streaks remain. The batter will be thick and slightly lumpy.
- Fold in the chopped pecans if using, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
- Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full. This ensures they have room to rise beautifully without overflowing.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. Ovens vary, so start checking at 18 minutes to avoid overbaking.
- Remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely. This helps prevent sogginess and keeps the crumb tender.
Tips & Variations
“For perfectly moist muffins every time, make sure your bananas are very ripe — the browner, the better!”
Here are some handy tips and delicious variations to make your hummingbird muffins even more special:
- For extra moisture: Add 1/4 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream to the wet ingredients.
- Nut-free option: Omit the pecans and consider adding shredded coconut for texture.
- Boost the tropical flavor: Add 1/2 cup shredded coconut or substitute walnuts for pecans.
- Make it gluten-free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring it contains xanthan gum for structure.
- Sweetener swap: Use coconut sugar or maple syrup instead of granulated and brown sugar for a natural sweetness.
- Mini muffins: Use a mini muffin tin and adjust baking time to about 12-15 minutes for perfect bite-sized treats.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Muffin |
|---|---|
| Calories | 230 |
| Fat | 10g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.5g |
| Cholesterol | 35mg |
| Sodium | 180mg |
| Carbohydrates | 33g |
| Fiber | 1.5g |
| Sugars | 20g |
| Protein | 3g |
Serving Suggestions
Hummingbird muffins are incredibly versatile and delicious on their own, but here are some ways to enhance your enjoyment:
- Serve warm with a pat of butter or cream cheese for a rich, creamy contrast.
- Pair with a cup of coffee or chai tea for a comforting breakfast or afternoon snack.
- Top with a light drizzle of honey or maple syrup for extra sweetness.
- Add a side of fresh fruit or yogurt to make a balanced and satisfying brunch.
- Try spreading your favorite nut butter on a cooled muffin for added protein and flavor.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this hummingbird muffin recipe is sure to bring joy and deliciousness into your kitchen. Its perfect balance of tropical fruits, warm spices, and crunchy nuts creates a moist, flavorful muffin that feels both indulgent and wholesome.
Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, these muffins are perfect for breakfast, snacks, or sharing with friends and family.
By following this recipe, you’ll master a classic southern treat that’s wonderfully adaptable to your tastes and dietary needs. Don’t forget to experiment with the variations and share your baking adventures with loved ones.
For more inspiring recipes, check out our Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious or dive into hearty meals like the Apple Barn Pigeon Forge TN Vegetable Soup Recipe Guide. Happy baking!
📖 Recipe Card: Hummingbird Muffin Recipe
Description: Deliciously moist muffins bursting with banana, pineapple, and warm spices. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT35M
Servings: 12 muffins
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 large ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line muffin tin with paper liners.
- In a large bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- In another bowl, mix sugars, mashed bananas, pineapple, oil, eggs, and vanilla until combined.
- Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Fold in chopped pecans if using.
- Spoon batter into muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool muffins in pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Nutrition: Calories: 220 | Protein: 3g | Fat: 9g | Carbs: 32g
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