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Cinnamon swirl banana muffins on a wooden board.
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5 from 1 vote

Cinnamon Swirl Banana Muffins

Soft, moist banana muffins with a buttery cinnamon swirl and a cinnamon-sugar topping. These bakery-style muffins bake up tall at 375°F and are easily made in one bowl, perfect for beginner bakers.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Course: Breakfast, Snack
Cuisine: American
Servings: 12 muffins
Calories: 285kcal
Author: Ashley Boyd

Ingredients

Banana Muffins

Cinnamon Swirl

Topping

  • Melted butter
  • Cinnamon sugar

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin pan with tulip-style or parchment cupcake liners. These liners work best because they help the muffins bake tall without overflowing.
  • In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas until mostly smooth. A few small lumps are perfectly fine.
  • Whisk in the melted (and cooled) butter, oil, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture looks smooth and glossy.
  • Add the eggs, Greek yogurt, and vanilla extract. Whisk again until fully combined.
  • Sprinkle the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon evenly over the wet ingredients.
  • Using a spatula, gently fold everything together just until no dry flour remains.
  • Do not overmix to keep the muffins soft and tender.
  • In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter for the cinnamon swirl.
  • Spoon the batter into the prepared liners, filling each one about halfway. Add a spoonful of the cinnamon swirl mixture to each muffin, then divide the remaining batter evenly on top.
  • Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the cinnamon mixture into the batter. Just a couple of turns is enough.
  • Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the tops are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
  • Remove the muffins from the oven. While they are still hot, brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle generously with cinnamon sugar.
  • Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

  • Use very ripe bananas with plenty of brown spots
  • Let melted butter cool slightly before mixing
  • Mix just until combined—overmixing leads to dense muffins
  • Tulip or parchment liners are key for tall muffins that don’t overflow
  • Brush with butter and cinnamon sugar while hot so it melts into the tops
  • Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
  • Refrigerator: Keeps up to 5 days; warm before serving
  • Freezer: Freeze cooled muffins for up to 3 months
  • To Reheat: Microwave 15–20 seconds for that fresh-from-the-oven texture

Nutrition

Serving: 1muffin | Calories: 285kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 55mg | Sodium: 210mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 22g