Moist Banana Muffins with Streusel Topping Recipe

Want a dessert that feels like a fancy bakery treat but costs pennies to make? This recipe for Moist Banana Muffins with Streusel Topping is my secret weapon. It turns those sad, brown bananas on your counter into something truly special. If you love bakery-style treats, you might also enjoy these Bakery-Style Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins.

You don’t need expensive ingredients to eat well. In fact, the best banana desserts often come from the most humble pantry staples. I’m going to show you how to make a batch of muffins that are tender, flavorful, and topped with a buttery, crunchy streusel that makes them irresistible.

Recipe Overview

Here’s the quick look at what you’re making. It’s straightforward and satisfying.

• Cuisine: American
• Category: Dessert / Snack
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-22 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 12 standard muffins

Why This Recipe Saves You Money

This recipe is a masterclass in budget baking. It’s built on principles I use every week to keep my grocery bill low.

First, it’s a zero-waste hero. Those overripe bananas most people toss are the star. The browner they are, the sweeter and more flavorful your muffins will be. You’re literally saving money by not throwing food away.

Second, the ingredient list is simple. There are no exotic flours or expensive extracts. Everything is a basic baking staple you likely already have. The streusel topping uses the same flour, sugar, and butter as the muffin base, so there’s no extra cost for that bakery-style finish.

My Tips for Smart Shopping on a Budget

I’ve learned a few tricks over the years that make baking affordable all the time.

Always buy the store-brand version of baking staples like flour, sugar, and baking soda. The quality is identical. For spices like cinnamon, check the bulk bins—you can buy just what you need for a few cents.

Don’t shy away from store-brand butter or oil. They work perfectly. I also keep a bag of frozen “baking bananas” in my freezer. When bananas get too ripe, I peel them, pop them in a bag, and freeze them for recipes just like this one. They’re perfect for whipping up a batch of easy Mini Banana Muffins too.

Recipe

Moist Banana Muffins with Streusel Topping Recipe

Make Moist Banana Muffins with Streusel Topping Recipe with simple ingredients and clear steps. Prep, cook, and enjoy—perfect for cozy evenings.

Author: [email protected]

Prep: 15 min | Cook: - | Total: 40 min

Serves: - 4 + bites

★ Rate 🖨 Print

The Budget-Friendly Ingredient List

• 3 large, very ripe bananas (about 1 1/2 cups mashed)
• 1/3 cup neutral oil (like vegetable or canola)
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

How to Make It (Step-by-Step)

1

Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease it well.

2

In a large bowl, mash your ripe bananas with a fork until mostly smooth. A few small lumps are just fine. Then, whisk in the oil, egg, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until everything is well combined.

3

In a separate bowl, whisk together the 1 1/2 cups of flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This makes sure the leavening is evenly distributed for a good rise.

4

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet banana mixture. Mix just until the flour disappears. Overmixing is the enemy of tender muffins! A slightly lumpy batter is what you want.

5

Make the streusel. In a small bowl, use a fork or your fingers to mix the 1/4 cup flour, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons cold butter, and 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon. Work it until it forms crumbly, pea-sized pieces.

6

Divide the muffin batter evenly among the 12 prepared cups. They should be about 2/3 to 3/4 full. Generously sprinkle the streusel topping over each one, pressing it down lightly so it sticks.

7

Bake for 20 to 22 minutes. They’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

8

Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Try to wait at least 10 minutes before eating—the streusel will be very hot!

Notes

Enjoy your homemade Moist Banana Muffins with Streusel Topping Recipe!

Nutrition Information

Calories: ~220

Fat: 8g

Carbohydrates: 36g

Fiber: 1g

Sugar: 19g

Protein: 3g

Did You Make This?

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The Budget-Friendly Ingredient List

Check your pantry first! You might already have everything.

• 3 large, very ripe bananas (about 1 1/2 cups mashed)
• 1/3 cup neutral oil (like vegetable or canola)
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Streusel Topping:

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons cold butter, cubed
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

How to Make It (Step-by-Step)

Follow these steps for perfect muffins every single time.

1. Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease it well.
2. In a large bowl, mash your ripe bananas with a fork until mostly smooth. A few small lumps are just fine. Then, whisk in the oil, egg, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until everything is well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the 1 1/2 cups of flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This makes sure the leavening is evenly distributed for a good rise.
4. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet banana mixture. Mix just until the flour disappears. Overmixing is the enemy of tender muffins! A slightly lumpy batter is what you want.
5. Make the streusel. In a small bowl, use a fork or your fingers to mix the 1/4 cup flour, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons cold butter, and 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon. Work it until it forms crumbly, pea-sized pieces.
6. Divide the muffin batter evenly among the 12 prepared cups. They should be about 2/3 to 3/4 full. Generously sprinkle the streusel topping over each one, pressing it down lightly so it sticks.
7. Bake for 20 to 22 minutes. They’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
8. Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Try to wait at least 10 minutes before eating—the streusel will be very hot!

How to Use Up Every Last Bit (No Waste!)

Smart cooking means getting the most from every ingredient. Here’s how I do it.

If you have leftover brown sugar that’s hardened, place it in a container with a slice of bread or a damp paper towel. It will soften overnight. Any extra mashed banana can be frozen in tablespoon portions on a tray, then stored in a bag for smoothies or future muffins.

Don’t wash that bowl yet! If you have a few tablespoons of batter left, bake it in a small ramekin for a personal treat. Leftover muffins freeze beautifully. Wrap them individually and grab one for a quick breakfast or dessert.

Nutrition Notes

While this is a dessert, it’s made with real food. Here’s a basic breakdown per muffin.

• Calories: ~220
• Fat: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 19g
• Protein: 3g

Common Questions About This Recipe

I get asked these questions a lot. Here are my practical answers.

Can I make this into a loaf of banana bread instead?

Absolutely! Pour the batter into a greased 9×5 loaf pan. You might need to double the streusel topping to cover the larger surface. Bake at 350°F for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

How can I make these muffins healthier?

For a healthier twist, you can replace half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. You can also reduce the total sugar to 1/2 cup. The bananas provide a lot of natural sweetness, so you might not miss it.

My bananas aren’t ripe enough. What can I do?

No problem! Place unpeeled bananas on a baking sheet and bake at 300°F for 15-20 minutes, until the skins are black. Let them cool, and you’ll have perfectly soft, sweet bananas for mashing. It’s a fantastic kitchen shortcut.

See? Creating a beautiful, satisfying dessert doesn’t require a fancy budget. It just needs a little know-how and those forgotten bananas. This recipe proves that the best treats are often the simplest and smartest. For another decadent and quick option, try these dreamy Banana Cream Cheese Muffins.

I hope this becomes your go-to method for using up bananas. It’s a recipe that feels generous without straining your wallet. Let me know your own money-saving twists for these muffins in the comments below! Did you add nuts or chocolate chips? Please leave a rating!