Single-Bowl Brown Sugar Banana Bread Muffins
Moist banana bread muffins sweetened with brown sugar and baked in a single bowl for an easy, satisfying treat. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 32 minutes layers packed light brown sugar, melted unsalted butter, large egg into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 12, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 3 medium, mashed (about 1 1/2 cups) ripe bananas
- 3/4 cup, packed light brown sugar
- 1/3 cup, melted unsalted butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup, optional chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, mash 3 medium ripe bananas with a fork until smooth, then stir in 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar, 1/3 cup melted unsalted butter, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until well combined.
- Step 3: Add 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon to the banana mixture; stir gently just until combined without overmixing.
- Step 4: Fold in 1/2 cup chopped walnuts if using, distributing evenly.
- Step 5: Divide the batter evenly among the 12 muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full.
- Step 6: Bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the tops are lightly golden.
- Step 7: Cool muffins in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Single-Bowl Brown Sugar Banana Bread Muffins take to make?
Total time is about 32 minutes (10 min prep + 22 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Single-Bowl Brown Sugar Banana Bread Muffins?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Single-Bowl Brown Sugar Banana Bread Muffins?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Single-Bowl Brown Sugar Banana Bread Muffins for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Single-Bowl Brown Sugar Banana Bread Muffins?
American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
