These Apple Banana Muffins are a great treat at any time of year. Moist apple banana muffins combined with cinnamon topping are supremely delish!
Table of Contents
Why You'll Love Apple Banana Muffins
We love a good muffin recipe, and these Apple Banana Muffins are no exception. They are incredibly soft, moist, and full of flavor. Here's why we love this recipe:
- Easy to Make: These muffins are simple to prepare and can be made in just one bowl.
- Perfect for Breakfast: They make for a great grab-and-go breakfast or a quick snack at any time of the day.
- Great for Sharing: These muffins are perfect for potlucks, parties, and family gatherings.
- Kid-Friendly: Children love the flavors of apple and banana, making these a hit with the little ones.
- Healthy: The recipe uses low-fat buttermilk and ripe fruits, making these muffins a healthier option for breakfast or snacks.
Key Ingredients
- Egg – The egg in this recipe acts as a binding agent, helping to hold the other ingredients together while providing moisture and structure to the muffins.
- Low Fat Buttermilk – Buttermilk is a key ingredient as it adds a subtle tangy flavor to the muffins and helps to keep them moist and tender.
- Medium Ripe Bananas – Bananas not only add natural sweetness to the muffins but also contribute to their moist and tender texture.
- Granny Smith Apples – The apple adds a delicious crunch and a sweet-tart flavor to the muffins, making them even more irresistible.
- Cream Cheese Frosting – The cream cheese frosting, while optional, adds a rich and tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweet muffins.
Substitutions and Variations
Here are some of my favorite substitutions and variations:
- Nuts: If you love nuts, consider adding some chopped walnuts or pecans to the muffins. It'll go great with the flavors!
- Fruit: We love the combination of bananas and apples in these muffins, but you can certainly play around with other fruits. Blueberries, raspberries, or even canned pineapple would work well.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: Optional, but highly recommended! It takes these muffins to a whole new level.
How to Make Apple Banana Muffins
Prepare the topping by mixing sugar, room-temperature butter, cinnamon, and flour in a small bowl. Set aside.
Combine dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, baking powder, and sea salt in a small bow. Set aside.
Mix the egg, white sugar, and brown sugar in a large bowl on high for 3 minutes. Add buttermilk and mashed banana mix for 30 seconds.
Next, add the flour mixture and mix until just combined.
Finally, gently fold in the chopped apple.
Evenly distribute the batter into cupcake paper liners lined in a muffin pan, filling each about ¾ full. Sprinkle a teaspoon of the topping on each muffin.
Bake at 350 F for 30 minutes. Let banana apple muffins cool for 5 minutes before removing from the pan.
For a full list of ingredients and instructions, see the recipe card below.
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy these muffins with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk for a quick and satisfying breakfast or brunch.
- They also make a great addition to a breakfast spread when you have guests over.
- Pack them in a lunchbox with some yogurt and fresh fruit for a mid-morning or afternoon snack.
- Serve them as a dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your muffin batter may be lumpy because you overmixed it. Overmixing causes gluten to develop, which can result in a tough, dense texture. To prevent this, mix the batter just until the dry ingredients are incorporated.
Yes, you can use a different type of apple if you prefer. We recommend using a firm, tart apple such as Granny Smith for the best flavor and texture in the muffins.
You can test the doneness of the muffins by inserting a toothpick into the center of one. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the muffins are ready.
How to Store Apple Banana Muffins
- Storing: After baking, let the muffins cool completely. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: These muffins can also be frozen! After they have cooled, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, and pop them in the freezer. They will keep well for up to 2 months.
- Thaw: When you're ready to enjoy your muffins, simply let them thaw at room temperature. This will take about 1-2 hours.
More Muffin Recipes You'll Enjoy
- Raisin Muffins - These raisin muffins are soft, buttery, studded with plump, juicy golden raisins, and feature golden-brown tops that are slightly crisp.
- Strawberry Banana Muffins - These Strawberry Banana Muffins are unbelievably fluffy, delicious, and bursting with fresh bananas and strawberries.
- Zucchini Chocolate Chip Muffins - These Zucchini Chocolate Chip Muffins are delicious, tender, and perfect for using up all that summer zucchini. They're also freezer-friendly!
- Pumpkin Cheesecake Muffins - These Pumpkin Cheesecake Muffins have the most delicious flavor combination that perfectly represents fall!
Recipe Card
Apple Banana Muffins (with Cinnamon Topping)
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cup all-purpose flour or Canadian flour
- ½ tsp. baking soda
- 1 tsp. baking powder
- ½ tsp. salt
- 1 egg large
- ½ cup white sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup low fat buttermilk
- 3 ripe bananas medium-size
- 1 Granny smith apple
For the Topping
- 3 tbsp. all purpose flour or Canadian flour
- 2 tbsp. white sugar
- 1 tbsp. ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp. unsalted butter
For the Cream Cheese Frosting (Optional)
- 2 oz. cream cheese
- ½ cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1 tbsp. whole milk
Instructions
- Prepare the topping by mixing sugar, room-temperature butter, cinnamon, and flour in a small bowl. Set aside.
- Combine dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, baking powder, and sea salt in a small bow. Set aside.
- Mix the egg, white sugar, and brown sugar in a large bowl on high for 3 minutes. Add buttermilk and mashed banana mix for 30 seconds.
- Next, add the flour mixture and mix until just combined.
- Finally, gently fold in the chopped apple.
- Evenly distribute the batter into cupcake paper liners lined in a muffin pan, filling each about ¾ full. Sprinkle a teaspoon of the topping on each muffin.
- Bake at 350 F for 30 minutes. Let banana apple muffins cool for 5 minutes before removing from the pan.
- Mix 2 oz. soften cream cheese with half a cup of powdered sugar and a tablespoon of whole milk and drizzle the frosting over hot muffins.
Notes
- I like to use foil or parchment paper cupcake liners for these muffins because they peel easily without getting stuck to the liner.
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This recipe was originally posted on October 20, 2014 (original picture below), and updated for a better user experience. The post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure.
Lindsey @ American Heritage Cooking says
Since when is cream cheese frosting optional? These muffins look amazing! I love the crumble and the little drizzle of frosting! Perfect Fall indulgence.
valya'stasteofhome.com says
Ha-ha-ha! Less calories for you! It's great with or with out frosting. Crumbs is my best part of the muffin. Thanks Lindsey! 😉
Olga Vorobey says
These look and sound amazing...Will make some this weekend...Thanks Valya
valya'stasteofhome.com says
Thanks Olga! Let me know how you guys like them. 🙂
Natasha says
I make banana bread for my kids. I'll have to try this. They love muffins so this would be great. Sounds really good with coffee or tea 😉 thank you for sharing your recipes with us Valya.
valya'stasteofhome.com says
Thank you Natasha! Adding apples makes it taste better and its moister than banana bread it self. I prefer adding fruit if I am making banana bread. 🙂
mira says
These look delicious Valya! I've never done the apple banana combination in muffins, but will have to 🙂
valya'stasteofhome.com says
Thanks Mira! When I tried it couple of years ago, I couldn't believe how good it was. I've been making it ever since. It's worth trying. 🙂
Ksenia @ At the Immigrant's Table says
Apple and cinnamon are definitely a fall favourite of mine, and I love the detailed photos. Thank you, Valya!
valya'stasteofhome.com says
Thanks Ksenia! Fall and cinnamon aroma blend together perfectly. 🙂
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
These muffins look absolutely gorgeous! I love the flavor combination. And that cinnamon topping with the glaze looks incredible! Wish I had one right now! 🙂
valya'stasteofhome.com says
Thank you Gayle! Go for it! I can make you tea or coffee with it if you'd like. 😉
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy says
These muffins look so pretty, Anything with cinnamon is good with me.
valya'stasteofhome.com says
Thanks Dannii! I'm with you! 🙂