Banana S’mores Muffins Recipe

If you love the cozy, nostalgic flavors of campfire treats, then Banana S’mores Muffins are about to become your new favorite indulgence. These muffins bring together the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with melty chocolate chips, soft miniature marshmallows, and crunchy graham cracker crumbs, all baked into tender, fluffy muffins. Whether you’re craving a sweet breakfast, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a delightful snack, Banana S’mores Muffins offer a harmonious blend of gooey, crunchy, and fruity all in one bite. Trust me, these muffins make the classic s’mores experience portable and perfectly breakfast-friendly!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple pantry staples, but each one plays a crucial role in building the perfect Banana S’mores Muffins. From the fluffy texture given by the sour cream and baking soda, to the warm spice of cinnamon, and of course, the classic s’mores trio of graham crackers, chocolate chips, and marshmallows, every ingredient shines in this recipe.

• Light brown sugar: Adds a deep, caramel sweetness that complements the banana flavor perfectly.
• Unsalted butter, melted: Brings richness and moisture for tender muffins.
• Large egg: Binds everything together and helps with structure.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the sweetness and adds warmth.
• Mashed ripe banana: The star of the show, providing natural sweetness and moistness.
• Sour cream: Adds tenderness and a subtle tang to balance the sweetness.
• All-purpose flour: Forms the base of the muffin batter.
• Baking powder and baking soda: Work as leavening agents to give you light, fluffy muffins.
• Table salt: Balances the flavors and intensifies the sweetness.
• Cinnamon: A warm spice to add depth and cozy notes.
• Graham cracker crumbs: The classic s’mores crunch that’s baked in.
• Whole milk: Adds moisture and helps activate the leaveners.
• Miniature chocolate chips: Gives bursts of melty chocolate in every bite.
• Miniature marshmallow bits: Provide gooey pockets of sweetness throughout.

How to Make Banana S’mores Muffins

Step 1: Prepare your pan and oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Line a muffin pan with 16 cupcake liners or spray the pan thoroughly with nonstick baking spray. This step ensures your muffins will bake evenly and come out easily without sticking.

Step 2: Combine wet ingredients

In a mixing bowl, beat together melted butter and light brown sugar until smooth and glossy. Then add the egg, vanilla, mashed banana, and sour cream. Beat again until everything is well combined, creating a rich and creamy base for your batter.

Step 3: Mix dry ingredients

In a separate bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and graham cracker crumbs. This dry mixture is packed with the flavors and lifting agents that make each muffin perfectly tender and flavorful.

Step 4: Combine wet and dry mixtures

Alternately add the dry ingredients and whole milk to the wet mixture, starting and ending with the dry. Stir gently and stop as soon as the flour disappears – over-mixing will make your muffins tough instead of tender.

Step 5: Add chocolate chips and marshmallow bits

Fold in 3/4 cup of miniature chocolate chips and 3/4 cup of marshmallow bits by hand. This soft mixing keeps these treats evenly distributed throughout the batter without smashing them.

Step 6: Fill muffin liners and top

Use a spoon or scoop to fill each muffin liner with batter, then sprinkle the tops with the remaining chocolate chips and marshmallow bits. This top layer will caramelize and give extra gooey, melty texture after baking.

Step 7: Bake and cool

Bake your Banana S’mores Muffins for 16 minutes until golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let them cool in the pan for about 3 to 4 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting lets them set up perfectly while keeping the gooey charm inside.

How to Serve Banana S’mores Muffins

Garnishes

Add a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate on top to elevate the presentation. For an extra festive touch, sprinkle a few extra mini marshmallows and crushed graham cracker crumbs over the top right before serving to keep that s’mores vibe alive.

Side Dishes

Pair these muffins with fresh fruit or a dollop of vanilla Greek yogurt for a balanced breakfast. If serving as a snack, a warm cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or milk makes a perfect companion to these sweet treats.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, cut a Banana S’mores Muffin in half, toast lightly under the broiler to melt the marshmallows and chocolate, then sandwich with a thin layer of peanut butter or Nutella. These “muffin sandwiches” bring a creative flair and an extra burst of richness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Banana S’mores Muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They maintain their softness and flavor best when kept sealed away from air.

Freezing

You can freeze these muffins for longer storage. Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze well for up to 3 months without losing their delicious texture.

Reheating

To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or gently warm in the microwave for about 20 seconds. For that fresh-baked feel, pop them into a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore the melty marshmallow goodness and warm chocolate chips.

FAQs

Can I use mashed bananas that are not very ripe?

Riper bananas are best because they bring more natural sweetness and moisture to your Banana S’mores Muffins. If your bananas aren’t very ripe, the muffins might be less sweet and a bit denser, so try to use soft, spotty bananas for best results.

What can I substitute for sour cream?

If you don’t have sour cream, plain Greek yogurt or buttermilk work as excellent substitutes. Both add moisture and tenderness while preserving the delicate tang that balances the sweetness.

Can I make these muffins gluten-free?

Absolutely! Replace the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend, making sure it contains xanthan gum for structure. Keep the other ingredients the same for equally delicious Banana S’mores Muffins.

What’s the difference between using baking powder and baking soda here?

Both are leavening agents but work differently. Baking soda reacts with the acidic sour cream and banana to create lift, while baking powder provides additional rise for a lighter texture. Using both ensures fluffy muffins with great crumb.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Definitely! Chopped walnuts or pecans add a wonderful crunch that pairs nicely with the banana and s’mores flavors. Just fold in about 1/2 cup along with the chocolate chips and marshmallows.

Final Thoughts

Banana S’mores Muffins are one of those recipes that effortlessly combine comfort, nostalgia, and a hint of adventure all in one bite. They’re a fantastic way to elevate your baking routine and surprise your family or friends with a flavor-packed twist on muffins. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—once you do, these gooey, chocolaty, banana-filled treats will undoubtedly become a beloved staple in your kitchen.