Oh, the joy of biting into something that’s both tasty and healthy! These apple banana muffins are like little bundles of comfort on a chilly morning, or really, any time you need a pick-me-up.
I remember the first time I made them—my kitchen smelled like a cozy autumn day, with hints of cinnamon and the sweet warmth of baking fruit. You know that feeling when you’re wrapped in a soft blanket and everything just feels right?
Yeah, these muffins are kind of like that.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and prepare 24 muffin cups with paper liners.
- In a bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg, and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon.
- In a separate large bowl, cream together 10 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 1 1/4 cups of sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Gradually add 2 eggs, one at a time, then mix in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1/4 cup of buttermilk while maintaining the same speed.
- Slowly incorporate the dry flour mixture into the wet mixture, beating until blended.
- Gently fold in the diced apples and mashed bananas using a spoon.
- Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each halfway.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Ingredients
- 2 apples, peeled, cored, and finely chopped
- 1 cup ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2/3 cup unsalted butter, softened (equivalent to 10 tablespoons or 1 ¼ sticks)
- ¼ cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
FAQ
- Can I use another type of fruit instead of apples or bananas?
- Absolutely, you can substitute other fruits like pears or peaches, but keep in mind this might alter the texture and taste of the muffins.
- What kind of frosting pairs well with these muffins?
- A cream cheese frosting, especially a Russian style, is a delightful complement to these fruity muffins.
- How can I make these muffins if I only have a 12-cup muffin pan?
- Simply fill the 12-cup pan first, bake those muffins, and then use a small baking dish for the remaining batter.
- Can these muffins be made without a stand mixer?
- Yes, you can use a hand mixer or even mix by hand, though it will require more effort to achieve a light and fluffy batter.
- Are these muffins suitable for freezing?
- Yes, you can freeze them. Just make sure they are completely cooled before placing them in an airtight container for freezing.
Tips
- Ensure that the butter and eggs are at room temperature before starting. This helps them blend more smoothly, resulting in a better texture for the muffins.
- When folding in the diced apples and mashed bananas, do so gently to avoid overmixing, which can make the muffins dense.
- If you only have a 12-count muffin pan, you can use a small baking dish for any remaining batter, ensuring all muffins bake evenly.
- To check if the muffins are done, insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, they are ready.
Equipment
- KitchenAid Stand Mixer (or another brand of stand mixer) – This is used for beating the butter and sugar together and incorporating the other ingredients.
- 24-count Muffin Pan – If you don’t already have a muffin pan that holds 24 muffins, you may need to purchase one.
- Paper Liners for Muffins – These are used to line the muffin cups.
- Mixing Bowls – While many people have these, if you don’t have a large mixing bowl, you might need to purchase one.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons – Essential for accurate measurement of ingredients.
- Cooling Rack – To cool the muffins after baking.
