Moist Banana Muffins with Sweet Streusel Topping are warm, soft, and full of banana flavor right from the first bite. These muffins smell like home baking—sweet bananas and golden butter—and they make mornings feel cozier. You’ll want to bake them when you have ripe bananas and a few minutes to spare. If you like a simple sweet treat alongside a savory bite, try our Sweet Pears & Crispy Pancetta recipe for a nice contrast: https://www.majesticrecipes.com/sweet-pears-crispy-pancetta-with-peas/.
Why Make This Recipe
- Quick & easy: simple mixing, no fancy tools.
- Family favorite: kids love the soft crumb and crunchy streusel.
- Budget-friendly: uses overripe bananas and pantry staples.
- Make-ahead friendly: freezes well and warms up beautifully.
This recipe stands out because the streusel gives a crunchy, sugary top to an otherwise very tender muffin. It brings comfort and small joy—perfect for weekend breakfasts or an after-school snack. If you enjoy muffin baking, you might also like this sweet potato muffins idea for another cozy batch: https://www.majesticrecipes.com/sweet-potato-muffins-recipe-easy-delicious/.
Ingredients
For the muffins:
- 1 1/2 cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2–3 medium bananas)
- 1/4 cup sour cream or plain yogurt (adds moisture)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the streusel topping:
- 1/3 cup (65 g) brown sugar, packed
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 tbsp cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
Helpful notes:
- Use overripe bananas with brown spots for the best sweetness and flavor.
- Unsalted butter lets you control saltiness; use salted if that’s what you have and skip added salt.
How to Make Moist Banana Muffins with Sweet Streusel Topping
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease the cups. (Why: a hot oven gives a nice rise and helps set the crumb.)
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. (Why: dry ingredients mix evenly this way, so the leavening works right.)
- In a larger bowl, beat the sugar and melted butter until blended. Add the eggs one at a time, then stir in mashed bananas, sour cream, and vanilla until smooth. (Tip: don’t overmix—stop when you see no dry streaks.)
- Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture with a spatula. Mix gently until combined. The batter should be thick but spoonable. (Why: gentle folding keeps muffins tender.)
- Spoon the batter into the muffin cups, filling about 3/4 full. This gives room for the muffins to rise without spilling.
- Make the streusel: in a small bowl, mix brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Cut in cold cubed butter with a fork or pastry cutter until the mix looks crumbly and pea-sized. (Tip: cold butter makes crisp crumbs.)
- Sprinkle a generous pinch of streusel over each muffin. Press lightly so it sticks.
- Bake 18–22 minutes, until tops are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. You’ll smell warm banana and cinnamon as they bake.
- Cool muffins in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. They will be soft inside with a crunchy sweet top when warm.
How to Serve Moist Banana Muffins with Sweet Streusel Topping
- Serve warm straight from the oven for a tender, fragrant muffin with melting streusel.
- Add a pat of butter or a thin smear of cream cheese to cut the sweetness.
- Pair with a hot mug of coffee, tea, or chilled milk for a cozy breakfast or snack.
How to Store Moist Banana Muffins with Sweet Streusel Topping
- Room temperature: keep cooled muffins in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Place a paper towel under the lid to absorb moisture.
- Refrigerator: store up to 5 days in an airtight container; bring to room temp or warm gently before serving.
- Freezer: wrap individual muffins in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or microwave 20–30 seconds from frozen.
To reheat: warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 8–10 minutes or microwave for 15–30 seconds until warm.
Tips to Make Moist Banana Muffins with Sweet Streusel Topping
- Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor and natural sweetness.
- Measure flour by spooning into the cup and leveling—don’t pack it.
- Keep the butter for streusel cold for a crumbly, crunchy topping.
- Don’t overmix batter; stopping when the flour disappears keeps muffins light.
- Test doneness with a toothpick—some moist crumbs are okay.
Variation
- Gluten-free: swap the flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend and add 1/4 tsp xanthan gum if your blend lacks it.
- Add-ins: fold in 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips for texture and extra flavor.
FAQs
Can I use brown bananas that are very soft?
Yes. Very soft, brown-spotted bananas are perfect—they mash easily and give more banana flavor and sweetness.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
You can mix the batter and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Let it sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before baking for best rise.
What if my streusel melts into the muffin?
If streusel melts, your butter was too warm. Use cold butter and cut it in quickly so the crumbs stay separate and crunchy.
Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes. You can reduce the granulated sugar by 2 tablespoons and the brown sugar in the streusel by 1–2 tablespoons if you prefer less sweetness.
Conclusion
These Moist Banana Muffins with Sweet Streusel Topping bring warm, buttery banana aroma and a little crunchy sugar on top—perfect for simple mornings, after-school treats, or sharing at a casual get-together. They bake fast, freeze well, and give the comfort of home in every bite. If you want another take on banana streusel, check this related recipe for inspiration: Banana Streusel Muffins – Life In The Lofthouse. Please leave a comment and a star rating to tell us how they turned out, and pin or share this recipe on Pinterest or Facebook so family and friends can enjoy them too. What twist did you try? Let us know below!