Name: Never Fail Whole Wheat Banana Walnut Muffins Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 22 min
Total time: 37 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups whole-wheat flour; ¾ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon baking powder; 2 eggs; ½ cup butter (melted (1 stick)); ⅓ cup pure maple syrup; 2 bananas (very ripe, and peeled (the riper they are the sweeter they’ll be)); ½ cup walnuts (chopped (optional))

Jump to Recipe

Oh, muffins! Is there anything better than a warm, homemade muffin first thing in the morning? Especially when you know you’re starting the day with something that’s actually good *for* you? I’ve been baking for as long as I can remember, and I’ve tried a zillion muffin recipes. But trust me, these Whole Wheat Banana Walnut Muffins? They’re special.

See, I wanted something that felt like a treat but didn’t leave me feeling guilty. And these are it! My kids love them, and I feel good knowing they’re getting whole grains and natural sweetness. Plus, the smell of bananas and walnuts baking? It fills the whole house with this cozy, happy vibe. Seriously, even if you think you can’t bake, you can totally nail these. Let me show you how!

Why You’ll Love These Whole Wheat Banana Walnut Muffins

Quick and Easy Baking

Seriously, this recipe is foolproof. I’m not kidding! You don’t need any fancy equipment or mad baking skills. Just a couple of bowls, a fork, and you’re good to go. If I can do it (and I’ve had my share of kitchen oops!), you definitely can.

Healthy and Wholesome

Okay, so we’re using *whole wheat* flour here, which is way better for you than the white stuff. And the sweetness? That’s all thanks to the bananas! No refined sugar overload. It’s like a hug in muffin form…a healthy hug!

Perfect for Any Occasion

These Whole Wheat Banana Walnut Muffins are amazing for breakfast, obviously. But they’re also perfect for a quick snack, or even a light dessert. I’ve even packed them in lunchboxes! They’re just so versatile. You really can’t go wrong!

Ingredients for Your Whole Wheat Banana Walnut Muffins

Alright, let’s talk ingredients! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these amazing Whole Wheat Banana Walnut Muffins. I usually grab Bob’s Red Mill whole-wheat flour – it gives a nice, slightly nutty flavor. You’ll need 1 ½ cups of that. Then ¾ teaspoon of baking soda, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of baking powder. For the wet stuff, 2 large eggs, ½ cup of melted unsalted butter (that’s one stick!), and ⅓ cup of pure maple syrup. Don’t skimp on the syrup, it makes a difference! And of course, 2 *very* ripe bananas, mashed until they’re almost liquid. Lastly, ½ cup of chopped walnuts. I love walnuts, but they’re totally optional!

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How to Make Whole Wheat Banana Walnut Muffins: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, here’s where the magic happens! Don’t worry, it’s not complicated at all. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a batch of amazing Whole Wheat Banana Walnut Muffins in no time!

Preparing the Muffin Batter

First things first, grab a big bowl. Whisk together the 1 ½ cups of whole-wheat flour, ¾ teaspoon of baking soda, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of baking powder. Make a little well (like a little hole!) in the center. Now, drop in your 2 eggs, the ½ cup of melted butter, and the ⅓ cup of maple syrup. Mix it all with a fork until it *just* comes together. Don’t overmix! We’ll deal with the bananas in a sec.

Baking Your Whole Wheat Banana Walnut Muffins

Alright, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. This is important! Then, line a muffin pan with paper or silicone liners. Those silicone ones are great, by the way – nothing sticks! Now, gently fold in the mashed bananas and the ½ cup of walnuts (if you’re using them) into the batter. Spoon the batter evenly into the muffin cups. Bake for about 20 to 22 minutes for regular-sized muffins, or 12 to 14 minutes for mini muffins. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. If it doesn’t, give ’em another minute or two. Just keep an eye on them!

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Cooling and Serving

Once they’re baked, let the Whole Wheat Banana Walnut Muffins cool in the pan for a few minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. I know it’s tempting to eat them right away, but trust me, they’re even better when they’ve cooled down a bit! Serve them warm or at room temperature with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey. Yum!

Tips for the Best Whole Wheat Banana Walnut Muffins

Okay, so you’ve got the basics down, but want to make these Whole Wheat Banana Walnut Muffins *perfect*? I’ve got a few little tricks up my sleeve that I’m happy to share. These will make a real difference!

Using Ripe Bananas

Seriously, this is HUGE. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and moister your muffins will be. I’m talking bananas that are practically black! Don’t toss ’em! That’s when they’re at their peak for baking. They add so much natural sweetness, you won’t believe it. Plus, they make the muffins super moist. Win-win!

Don’t Overmix the Batter

This is another big one. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can make your muffins tough and chewy. Not what we want! Mix until the ingredients are *just* combined. A few streaks of flour are totally fine. Seriously, a little lumpy is better than overmixed in this case!

Variations on These Whole Wheat Banana Walnut Muffins

Okay, so the original recipe for these Whole Wheat Banana Walnut Muffins is pretty darn perfect, if I do say so myself. But hey, sometimes you wanna mix things up, right? I totally get it! Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing. Trust me, they’re all delicious!

Adding Chocolate Chips

Alright, who doesn’t love chocolate chips? I know my kids go crazy for them! Just toss in about ½ cup of your favorite chocolate chips (milk, dark, semi-sweet – whatever floats your boat!) along with the bananas and walnuts. It turns these healthy-ish muffins into a total treat. Go on, you deserve it!

Using Different Nuts

Walnuts are classic, but don’t be afraid to experiment! Pecans would be amazing in these Whole Wheat Banana Walnut Muffins! Or how about some chopped almonds for a little crunch? You could even use a mix of different nuts! Just make sure they’re chopped so they distribute evenly. So good!

Frequently Asked Questions About Whole Wheat Banana Walnut Muffins

Can I use regular flour instead of whole wheat flour?

Yep, you totally can! But just know that your muffins will have a slightly different texture. They’ll be a bit lighter and less dense if you use all-purpose flour. I personally love the nutty flavor that whole wheat flour brings, but it’s your call! Just swap it out measure for measure.

How do I store these muffins?

Easy peasy! Just pop your cooled Whole Wheat Banana Walnut Muffins into an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for about 2-3 days. If you live in a super humid place, you might want to stash them in the fridge to prevent them from getting soggy.

Can I freeze these muffins?

Absolutely! This is a great way to make them last longer (if they even *last* that long, haha!). Let the muffins cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap or foil. Pop them into a freezer bag, squeeze out the air, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat one, just thaw it at room temperature or zap it in the microwave for a few seconds. Warm Whole Wheat Banana Walnut Muffins anytime – yes, please!

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Storing and Reheating Your Whole Wheat Banana Walnut Muffins

Got leftovers? Lucky you! To keep ’em yummy, just toss your Whole Wheat Banana Walnut Muffins in an airtight container. They’re great at room temp for a couple of days. Wanna warm one up? A few seconds in the microwave does the trick! So easy!

Estimated Nutritional Information for Whole Wheat Banana Walnut Muffins

Okay, so you’re curious about the nutritional info, right? I get it! Just keep in mind that these are estimates, but each Whole Wheat Banana Walnut Muffin clocks in around 200 calories, 10g fat, 4g protein, and 25g carbs. There’s also about 10g sugar, 200mg sodium, and 3g fiber. Cholesterol is around 40mg. Not too shabby for a yummy treat!

Enjoy Your Homemade Whole Wheat Banana Walnut Muffins!

Alright, you did it! Now go enjoy those amazing Whole Wheat Banana Walnut Muffins! And hey, if you loved this recipe, leave a comment and let me know! Share a pic on social media, too! I’d love to see your creations!