Heavenly Banana Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe

Irresistible Banana Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe for Breakfast Joy

Soft, pillowy banana cream cheese muffins dance with tantalizing flavors that make mornings brighter.

These delectable treats blend the rich tang of cream cheese with sweet, ripe bananas into a perfect breakfast companion.

Each bite promises a delightful balance of creamy and fruity notes that will spark joy at your table.

Moist and tender, these muffins emerge from the oven with a golden-brown crown that hints at the deliciousness within.

The gentle swirl of cream cheese creates pockets of silky richness throughout each muffin.

Simple ingredients come together in a recipe that feels both comforting and indulgent.

You’ll want to savor every crumb of these irresistible banana cream cheese muffins that are sure to become a new morning staple.

Ways to Serve Banana Cream Cheese Muffins Fresh

  • Brunch Bliss Companion: Pair these moist banana cream cheese muffins with a steaming cup of fresh coffee or chai tea for a delightful morning treat.
  • Decadent Dessert Transformation: Warm the muffins slightly and top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle with caramel sauce for an indulgent after-dinner sweet.
  • Portable Picnic Pleasure: Pack these muffins in a cute container for a delicious outdoor snack during park trips, beach days, or weekend adventures. Wrap individually in parchment paper for easy transport.
  • Breakfast Meal Prep Magic: Batch bake these muffins and store in the refrigerator for quick grab-and-go breakfasts throughout the week. They stay fresh for 3-4 days and provide a nutritious start to busy mornings.

Keep Banana Cream Cheese Muffins Moist and Fluffy

  • Quick Counter Storage: Keep muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, ensuring maximum freshness and soft texture.
  • Refrigeration Strategy: Place muffins in sealed containers inside the refrigerator for up to 5 days, maintaining their delicious cream cheese swirl and banana flavor.
  • Freezing Technique: Wrap individual muffins tightly in plastic wrap, then store in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months, perfect for make-ahead breakfast treats or unexpected guests.
  • Reheating Magic: Thaw frozen muffins at room temperature for 30 minutes, then warm gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore their soft, tender crumb and enhance the cream cheese's creamy texture.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 18 minutes

Total Time: 33 minutes

Calories: 210 kcal

Servings: 13

Banana Cream Cheese Muffins Ingredient Must-Haves

For Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides sturdy structure and tender crumb for muffins, choose unbleached flour for best flavor and texture.
  • Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Essential leavening agents that help muffins rise and create a light, airy consistency.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness of the muffins.
For Wet and Sweet Ingredients:
  • Bananas: Overripe bananas add natural sweetness, moisture, and rich banana flavor; look for dark spotted peels.
  • Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Creates delightful sweetness and helps with caramelization and moisture retention.
  • Vegetable Oil: Ensures moist, tender muffins with smooth texture and prevents dryness.
  • Egg: Binds ingredients together and provides structure to the muffin.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, complex flavor that complements banana and enhances overall taste.
For Texture and Cream Cheese Swirl:
  • Pecans: Delivers delightful crunch and nutty richness to muffin's texture.
  • Cream Cheese: Creates tangy, creamy swirl that adds luxurious depth to muffins.
  • Egg Yolk: Helps bind cream cheese mixture and adds richness.
  • Milk: Adjusts cream cheese swirl consistency if needed, ensuring smooth spreadability.

Tools to Bake Banana Cream Cheese Muffins Just Right

  • Muffin Pan: 12-cup standard size for perfectly shaped muffins.
  • Mixing Bowls: Two medium bowls for separating wet and dry ingredients.
  • Whisk: Essential for combining dry ingredients smoothly.
  • Electric Mixer or Hand Mixer: Helps beat cream cheese and mix batters efficiently.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements are key for successful baking.
  • Spatula: Great for folding ingredients and scraping batter from bowls.
  • Toothpick: Checks muffin doneness and helps create cream cheese swirls.
  • Paper Liners: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Instructions to Mix and Bake Banana Cream Cheese Muffins

  • Oven Preparation

Warm up the oven and get a muffin pan ready with cozy paper liners.

  • Dry Ingredient Blend

Mix flour, rising agents, and a pinch of salt until they’re perfectly combined.

  • Banana Magic

Crush ripe bananas and blend with sugars until smooth. Add egg, oil, and vanilla for extra flavor.

  • Batter Creation

Fold dry ingredients into banana mixture gently. Sprinkle in chopped pecans for a delightful crunch.

  • Cream Cheese Surprise

Whip cream cheese with sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla until silky. If too thick, splash in a touch of milk.

  • Swirling Technique

Drop cream cheese dollops on top of each muffin. Use a toothpick to create beautiful marbled patterns.

  • Baking Moment

Slide muffins into the oven and bake until they’re golden and a toothpick comes out clean.

  • Serving Joy

Let muffins cool slightly. Enjoy right away or keep in the refrigerator for later snacking.

Add-In Ideas for Banana Cream Cheese Muffins

  • Cream Cheese Swirl Secrets: Create a gorgeous marbled effect by using a toothpick to gently drag the cream cheese mixture through the batter in zigzag or circular motions.
  • Banana Boost Technique: Use overripe, dark-spotted bananas for maximum sweetness and deeper banana flavor that will make your muffins incredibly moist.
  • Nutty Optional Add-Ins: Experiment with different nuts like walnuts or almonds instead of pecans, or skip nuts entirely for a smoother texture if you prefer.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the muffin batter and cream cheese mixture separately the night before, storing them in the refrigerator to save time during morning baking.
  • Storage Smart Tip: These muffins stay fresh for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and they taste fantastic when warmed slightly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving.
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Heavenly Banana Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe

Heavenly Banana Cream Cheese Muffins


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4.7 from 23 reviews

  • Total Time: 33 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Homemade banana cream cheese muffins offer a delightful breakfast or snack with rich, balanced flavors. Moist banana-infused pastries combine tangy cream cheese and sweet fruit for a perfect morning treat you’ll savor.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 medium over-ripe bananas, mashed
  • 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (100 g) packed light brown sugar
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) vegetable oil
  • 2 tsps vanilla extract
  • ½ cup chopped pecans
  • 4 oz (113 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tbsps granulated sugar
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tsps milk (if needed)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Set oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin pan with paper liners.
  2. Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl until thoroughly blended.
  3. Prepare Banana Base: Mash ripe bananas until smooth, then mix in granulated and brown sugars to create a sweet foundation. Incorporate egg, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract, stirring until the mixture becomes glossy and uniform.
  4. Create Batter: Fold dry ingredients into the banana mixture, carefully eliminating any flour lumps. Gently mix in chopped pecans, ensuring even distribution throughout the batter.
  5. Craft Cream Cheese Topping: Beat softened cream cheese until silky, then blend in granulated sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. If needed, adjust consistency with a splash of milk to achieve a spreadable texture.
  6. Assemble Muffins: Fill each muffin cup three-quarters full with banana batter. Delicately spoon a tablespoon of cream cheese mixture on top, then use a toothpick to create a marbled effect by gently swirling through the batter.
  7. Bake and Cool: Place in preheated oven and bake for 16-18 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick inserted into the center. Allow muffins to cool slightly before removing from the pan.
  8. Serve and Store: Enjoy at room temperature or chilled, storing any remaining muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Notes

  • Ripeness Matters: Use extremely ripe, almost black bananas for maximum sweetness and deep banana flavor, ensuring the most moist and flavorful muffins.
  • Mixing Technique: Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent tough, dense muffins; gently fold ingredients until just combined to maintain a light, tender texture.
  • Cream Cheese Swirl: Keep cream cheese at room temperature for easier blending and smoother swirling, creating a more aesthetically pleasing and evenly distributed topping.
  • Storage Wisdom: Refrigerate muffins due to cream cheese topping, and consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness and taste.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 18 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 14 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Jessica Martin

Jessica Martin

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development, Food Styling and Photography​, Seasonal and Local Ingredients​, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine​, Culinary Education​

Education

Portland Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and food safety. Gained hands-on experience in preparing diverse cuisines and understanding flavor profiles

Oregon Culinary Institute

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking fundamentals, pastry arts, and dessert presentation. Emphasized creativity and precision in crafting baked goods.​

Jessica Martin is a talented food writer and recipe creator who specializes in seasonal cooking and approachable home baking. 

Educated at Portland Community College with additional pastry training from Oregon Culinary Institute, Jessica’s culinary journey spans nearly a decade of creating and sharing flavorful recipes. 

Her deep appreciation for local ingredients shapes each of her recipes, making them both accessible and inspiring. At Beard and Bonnet, Jessica uses her cheerful, down-to-earth writing to help readers effortlessly bring new tastes and creative dishes into their daily routines.

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