If you’re searching for a delightful treat that’s both wholesome and bursting with flavor, this Easy Banana & Walnut Muffins Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine soft, moist muffins infused with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and the warm crunch of toasted walnuts, all wrapped in a tender crumb that feels like a comforting hug. Whether you’re baking for breakfast, a cozy snack, or a casual get-together, these muffins bring simplicity and joy to your kitchen with every bite.

The image shows six muffins placed on a silver cooling rack, which is sitting on a folded orange cloth over a white marbled surface. Each muffin is in a white paper liner and topped with a generous layer of chopped nuts. The muffins have a golden-brown color with a slightly rough texture dotted with tiny air holes. The nuts on top add a light beige and brown contrast to the warm muffin tops. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Easy Banana & Walnut Muffins Recipe lies in its simplicity and thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role—from the rich darkness of muscovado sugar that deepens flavor, to the wholesome spelt flour that gives a subtle nuttiness and tender texture. Together, they create a balanced blend that’s both nourishing and delicious.

Dark muscovado sugar (1/2 cup | 100g): Adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness that elevates the muffins’ flavor complexity.
Butter (3.2 oz. | 90g, room temperature): Provides richness and moisture for a tender texture.
Large egg (1): Binds the ingredients and helps the muffins rise beautifully.
Vanilla extract (1 tsp.): Enhances the sweetness and adds a warm, inviting aroma.
Very ripe bananas (2 medium, mashed): The star ingredient that brings natural sweetness and moistness.
Spelt flour (1 cup | 130g): Offers a slightly nutty flavor and lighter texture, perfect for muffins.
Baking powder (1 tsp.): Ensures the muffins rise to fluffy perfection.
Salt (1/4 tsp.): Balances sweetness and intensifies flavor.
Oat milk (1 tbsp., or similar): Adds just enough moisture for a smooth batter without heaviness.
Walnuts (1.8 oz. | 50g, chopped): Brings a satisfying crunch and earthy note inside the muffins.
Walnuts (0.7 oz. | 20g, finely chopped, for decoration): Sprinkled on top for extra texture and visual appeal.
Additional dark muscovado sugar (for sprinkling): Creates a delicate caramelized crust once baked.

How to Make Easy Banana & Walnut Muffins Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Walnuts

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. Chop your walnuts next: keep some coarser for the batter’s pleasing crunch and finely chop others for an attractive sprinkle on top. Setting these aside will streamline the baking process.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, combine the dark muscovado sugar and softened butter. Beat them together until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale. This step is crucial because it traps air, creating those lovely muffin nooks once baked.

Step 3: Add Egg, Vanilla, and Bananas

Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. Then, fold in the mashed ripe bananas gently but thoroughly. This mixture allows the bananas’ natural sweetness and moisture to infuse the batter, giving muffins that iconic banana flavor and tender crumb.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the spelt flour, baking powder, and salt. These dry ingredients provide structure and help the muffins rise just right, while the salt enhances all the flavors.

Step 5: Bring it All Together

Slowly add the dry ingredients mixture and oat milk to your wet banana mixture. Stir gently with a spatula just until combined—overmixing can lead to dense muffins, and we want fluffiness! Finally, fold in the chopped walnuts, distributing the nutty crunch evenly through the batter.

Step 6: Fill Muffin Tin and Bake

Divide the batter evenly across your lined muffin tin. Sprinkle the tops with finely chopped walnuts and a pinch of muscovado sugar to create a delightful caramelized topping as they bake. Place the tray in the oven and bake for 20-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow them to cool on a wire rack so they hold their shape and finish setting beautifully.

How to Serve Easy Banana & Walnut Muffins Recipe

Seven muffins are placed on a wooden cutting board over a white marbled surface, each muffin sitting in white paper liners. The muffins are golden brown with a rough texture on top, covered with small chopped walnuts that give a crunchy look. The cutting board is light brown with natural wood grain lines, and an orange cloth is partly visible under the board. Scattered walnut pieces are spread around the board on the white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To take your Easy Banana & Walnut Muffins Recipe to the next level, consider dusting a bit of powdered sugar or drizzling with a light honey glaze. You can also add a few extra toasted walnut halves on top for that wow factor and additional crunch.

Side Dishes

These muffins pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making them perfect for breakfast or afternoon snack time. For a fuller meal, serve alongside creamy yogurt or a fresh fruit salad to balance the nutty, sweet flavors with a refreshing contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your muffins in a charming basket lined with a colorful cloth for a picnic or brunch setup. For special occasions, stack them high on a tiered cake stand, garnished with fresh banana slices and walnut clusters. It’s not only delicious but makes for an Instagram-worthy presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These muffins stay fresh when kept covered at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, place them in an airtight container to maintain their softness without drying out.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these Easy Banana & Walnut Muffins Recipe baked goods later on, freeze them individually wrapped in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to three months, making them a perfect ready-to-go treat whenever the craving hits.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw frozen muffins at room temperature or warm them gently in a microwave for 20-30 seconds. You can also pop them in a warm oven for a few minutes to refresh their texture and bring back that fresh-baked aroma.

FAQs

Can I substitute spelt flour with all-purpose flour?

Absolutely! While spelt flour gives a nuttier flavor and slightly lighter texture, all-purpose flour will work just fine. You may notice a slight difference in taste and density, but your muffins will still be delicious.

How ripe should the bananas be?

For the best flavor and sweetness, choose bananas that are very ripe—ideally covered with brown spots and soft to the touch. These give the muffins their natural sweetness and moisture, making each bite perfectly tender.

Can I use another type of nut instead of walnuts?

Yes! Pecans, almonds, or even hazelnuts can be great substitutes, offering their own unique flavor and texture. Just be sure to chop them similarly so they blend nicely into the batter and garnish.

Is it possible to make these muffins dairy-free?

Definitely. Replace the butter with a plant-based alternative like coconut oil or vegan margarine, and make sure to use oat milk or any other plant-based milk to keep the recipe dairy-free without sacrificing moisture or flavor.

How do I know when the muffins are fully baked?

The best test is the toothpick method: insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin, and if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, they’re done. If batter sticks to it, give them a few more minutes and check again.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about making these Easy Banana & Walnut Muffins Recipe at home—it’s a simple yet rewarding way to fill your space with warm aromas and share a wholesome, tasty treat with those you love. I hope this recipe inspires you to bake often and enjoy every bite. Trust me, once you try these muffins, they’ll become a beloved classic in your recipe collection.

Easy Banana & Walnut Muffins Recipe