These delightful Banana Bread Muffins combine the classic comfort of banana bread with the luxurious addition of mascarpone cinnamon frosting. Perfectly moist and studded with crunchy nuts, these muffins are an elevated take on traditional banana bread. The creamy frosting adds a velvety layer of sweetness, making each bite irresistibly smooth and satisfying.
Why You'll Love This: These muffins offer the perfect blend of sweet banana flavor with the warm spice of cinnamon, enhanced by the richness of mascarpone cheese. The nuts provide a satisfying crunch, contrasting beautifully with the soft texture of the muffins and the smooth frosting. This recipe is ideal for using up overripe bananas and is simple enough for a quick baking session yet elegant enough to serve at any gathering.
Perfect Occasion: These Banana Bread Muffins are fantastic for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet treat with afternoon tea or coffee. They're also great for school lunches, bake sales, or as a thoughtful homemade gift. The sophisticated touch of the mascarpone frosting makes them suitable for special occasions like Mother's Day, Easter, or a cozy family gathering.
Decoration Tips: Top each muffin with a sprinkle of chopped nuts or a dusting of cinnamon before serving to enhance their visual appeal. You could also drizzle them with a little honey or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for added sweetness and a professional touch.
Ingredients:
- For the Muffins:
- 2 ripe bananas
- 2 eggs
- 70g sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 100g melted butter
- 200g flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 100g chopped nuts (almonds and walnuts recommended)
- For the Frosting:
- 150ml heavy cream
- 250g mascarpone cheese
- 70g caster sugar
- Additional cinnamon to taste
Recipe Steps:
- Prepare the Muffin Batter:
- In a large bowl, mash the bananas until smooth. Add sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon, mixing until well combined.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring they are fully incorporated.
- Stir in the melted butter.
- Sift together the flour, baking powder, and baking soda, and gently fold into the banana mixture until just combined. Stir in the chopped nuts.
- Bake the Muffins:
- Preheat your oven to 190°C (374°F).
- Line a muffin tin with paper liners and evenly distribute the muffin batter among the cups, filling each about three-quarters full.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool on a wire rack.
- Make the Frosting:
- In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream with caster sugar and cinnamon until soft peaks form.
- Add the mascarpone cheese and whip briefly until smooth and creamy. Be careful not to overmix, as it can cause the frosting to become too thick.
- Assemble the Muffins:
- Once the muffins have completely cooled, use a piping bag or a spatula to top each muffin with a generous amount of mascarpone frosting.
Enjoy your Banana Bread Muffins with Mascarpone Cinnamon Frosting as a delightful treat that marries the comforting taste of home-baked goods with a touch of elegance, perfect for any occasion or simply as a delicious indulgence.