Classic Cinnamon Swirl Banana Muffins Recipe

These Classic Cinnamon Swirl Banana Muffins take the comforting flavors of banana bread and elevate them with a warm cinnamon-sugar swirl and a buttery crumble topping. The moist banana muffin base is perfectly balanced with brown sugar, vanilla, and ripe bananas, making every bite soft and flavorful. Serve them warm with butter or a drizzle of honey for the ultimate cozy treat. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack!

Ingredients

For the Muffin Batter:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• 3 ripe bananas (mashed)
• ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup milk (or buttermilk for extra tenderness)

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

For the Crumble Topping:

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (cold, cubed)

Preparation Tips

• Use overripe bananas for the best sweetness and flavor.
• Layer the cinnamon swirl evenly to get a beautiful marbled effect in every bite.
• Don’t overmix the batter—stir just until combined to keep the muffins light and fluffy.
• Chill the crumble topping for a few minutes before sprinkling—it helps create a bakery-style crunch.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Muffin Batter

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease lightly.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.

3. In a large bowl, whisk together mashed bananas, melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla, and milk until smooth.

4. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.

Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Swirl

5. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar and cinnamon.

Step 3: Layer the Muffins with Cinnamon Swirl

6. Fill each muffin cup halfway with batter, then sprinkle about 1 teaspoon of cinnamon swirl mixture over it.

7. Add more batter on top to fill the muffin cups about ¾ full. Use a toothpick or skewer to gently swirl the cinnamon mixture into the batter.

Step 4: Prepare the Crumble Topping

8. In a small bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add cold cubed butter and use a fork or your fingers to mix until crumbly.

9. Sprinkle a generous amount over each muffin.

Step 5: Bake & Cool

10. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

11. Let muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving Suggestions

• Enjoy warm with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey.
• Pair with a hot cup of coffee or spiced chai for a cozy breakfast.
• Serve as part of a brunch spread with fresh fruit and yogurt.

Make-Ahead & Storage

• Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze for up to 3 months—wrap each muffin individually and thaw as needed.
• Reheat in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to enjoy warm.

Conclusion

These Classic Cinnamon Swirl Banana Muffins bring warm, spiced goodness to a classic banana muffin, making them irresistibly soft, flavorful, and bakery-worthy. The cinnamon swirl and crunchy crumble topping make them extra special, perfect for cozy mornings or afternoon treats. Try them out and explore more homemade comfort bakes on Cozy Cadence! 🍌✨