Some recipes just feel like a warm hug. For me, these Classic Cherry Banana Muffins are one of them. The smell of them baking takes me right back to my grandma’s kitchen.
It was a simple treat she made to use up ripe bananas. She always said it was a little way to show love. I think you’ll feel that same warmth when you make them, just like with our flaky homemade apple turnovers.
Recipe Overview
- Cuisine: American
- Category: Baked Goods, Dessert
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 12 muffins
The Story Behind This Classic Recipe
My grandma’s recipe box was filled with treasures. This one was written on a faded index card.
She called them her “sunshine muffins.” The bright red cherries peeking out always made us kids smile. It was her go-to for Saturday morning breakfasts.
I remember standing on a stool to help her mix the batter. She would let me place the cherry on top of each one. It felt like a special secret we shared.
What Makes This the *Traditional* Way
This is the real deal, just like grandma made. We don’t use any complicated ingredients or methods here.
The secret is in the simple, honest ingredients. We use real butter and ripe bananas for the best flavor.
We also mix the batter by hand. This keeps the texture just right and prevents tough muffins. It’s the traditional way to make a truly moist banana bread.
Cherry Banana Muffins Recipe
The Classic Ingredients (No Fancy Stuff!)
How to Make It Just Like Grandma Did
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Cherry Banana Muffins Recipe!
Nutrition Information
The Classic Ingredients (No Fancy Stuff!)
Here is everything you’ll need. I bet you have most of it in your pantry right now!
- 3 very ripe medium bananas (about 1 1/2 cups mashed)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup pitted and halved fresh or frozen cherries (do not thaw if frozen)
How to Make It Just Like Grandma Did
Don’t worry if you’re new to baking. These steps are easy to follow for perfect results every time.
- First, heat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease it well.
- In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until mostly smooth. A few small lumps are just fine.
- Pour the melted butter into the bananas. Then stir in the sugar, egg, and vanilla until everything is combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gently add the dry ingredients to the wet banana mixture. Stir with a spatula until the flour disappears. Be careful not to overmix.
- Now, gently fold in the cherry halves. Save 12 nice halves to press on top of the muffins later.
- Divide the batter evenly among the 12 muffin cups. Press a reserved cherry half into the top of each one.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes. They’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
- Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then move them to a wire rack to cool completely.
PREPARATION
If you’re looking for another delicious way to use ripe bananas, you must try our Almond Joy banana muffins with a chocolate coconut twist.
My Tips for Perfecting This Classic
Here are a couple of my best tips to help you get it just right. You’ve got this!
First, make sure your bananas are very ripe. They should be covered in brown spots. This gives you the sweetest flavor and the most moist texture.
Second, don’t overmix the batter. Stir just until you no longer see dry flour. A slightly lumpy batter makes for the best, most tender muffins.
How to Store and Enjoy Later
These muffins are wonderful warm from the oven. But they also keep beautifully for later.
Let them cool completely first. Then, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Just wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and place them all in a freezer bag.
Nutrition Notes
While this is a treat, it’s made with real ingredients. Here’s a basic look at what’s inside.
- Calories: Approx. 210 per muffin
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Protein: 3g
If you’re craving more comfort food with an Asian twist, our slow cooker chicken pad thai noodle bowl is incredibly easy and satisfying.
Your Questions About This Classic Recipe
I love hearing from you. Here are answers to a few common questions.
Can I use frozen cherries?
Yes, you absolutely can! Just use them straight from the freezer. Do not thaw them, or they will turn your whole batter pink.
Can I add chocolate chips?
Of course! If you love chocolate chip banana bread, just swap the cherries for a cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips. It makes a wonderful variation.
Can I make this recipe healthier?
For a more healthy banana bread recipe, you can try a few swaps. Use whole wheat flour and reduce the sugar by a quarter cup. It still makes a delicious and healthy sweets recipe.
I truly hope this recipe brings as much comfort to your home as it does to mine. It’s a simple joy, but sometimes those are the best ones.
There’s nothing quite like sharing a warm muffin and a happy memory. I’d be so happy to hear about your baking experience.
Please let me know how your muffins turned out in the comments below. I read every single one!
