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Cream Cheese Banana Muffins Recipe

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3.8 from 13 reviews

These Cream Cheese Banana Muffins are moist and flavorful, combining the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with a luscious cream cheese swirl. Perfect for breakfast or a snack, these muffins feature chopped pecans for a delightful crunch and a soft, tender crumb that melts in your mouth.

Ingredients

Muffin Batter

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 4 medium over-ripe bananas, mashed
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans

Cream Cheese Swirl

  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoons milk (if needed)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin pan with paper liners to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined. Set this mixture aside for later use.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients and Batter: In a large bowl, whisk mashed over-ripe bananas with granulated sugar and light brown sugar until smooth. Beat in the large egg, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract thoroughly. Gradually add the reserved dry ingredients into the wet mixture, whisking until there are no lumps. Gently fold in the chopped pecans for additional texture.
  4. Fill Muffin Tins: Spoon the batter into the lined muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full to allow room for rising.
  5. Prepare Cream Cheese Swirl: In a separate medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add granulated sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until combined well. If the mixture feels too thick to swirl easily, add up to 2 teaspoons of milk to thin it slightly.
  6. Swirl Cream Cheese into Muffins: Drop about one tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture onto each muffin batter portion. Using a toothpick or skewer, gently swirl the cream cheese into the batter to create a marbled effect. It doesn’t need to be perfectly smooth; the swirl will bake beautifully.
  7. Bake Muffins: Place the muffin pan in the preheated oven and bake for 16-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the muffins are cooked through.
  8. Cool and Serve: Let the muffins cool slightly before serving. They are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Serve at room temperature or slightly chilled for optimal flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Use over-ripe bananas for the sweetest flavor and best texture.
  • Ensure cream cheese is softened for easier mixing and smoother swirls.
  • If the cream cheese mixture is too thick, add milk gradually to thin it without making it runny.
  • Do not overmix the muffin batter to keep the muffins tender and fluffy.
  • Store leftover muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 3-4 days for freshness.
  • For a nut-free version, omit the pecans or substitute with seeds.

Find it online: https://cookedbygrace.com/cream-cheese-banana-muffins-recipe/