Banana Cream Cheese Muffins

Ingredients

For the Muffins:

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/3 cup melted butter
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• Pinch of salt
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Muffin Batter

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it lightly.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the mashed bananas with melted butter. Stir in the baking soda and salt.
3. Add Sugar and Egg: Add the granulated sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract to the mixture, stirring until combined.
4. Incorporate Flour: Gently fold in the all-purpose flour until just combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are okay.

Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

1. Mix Filling Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Assemble the Muffins

1. Fill Muffin Tin: Spoon a tablespoon of muffin batter into the bottom of each muffin cup.
2. Add Cream Cheese: Add a dollop of the cream cheese mixture on top of the batter, then cover with more muffin batter until the cups are about 3/4 full.
3. Repeat: Continue this process until all the muffin cups are filled.

Step 4: Bake

1. Bake Muffins: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the muffin (avoiding the cream cheese) comes out clean.
2. Cool: Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Success

• Ripe Bananas: Use very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and flavor.
• Cream Cheese Temperature: Ensure the cream cheese is softened for easier mixing and a smoother filling.
• Storage: Store any leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Conclusion

These Banana Cream Cheese Muffins are a delicious and indulgent way to enjoy a classic flavor combination. With their moist texture and creamy filling, they are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them. Perfect for breakfast on the go or a sweet treat during the day, give these muffins a try and enjoy the delightful flavors! Happy baking! 🍌🧁✨