If you are ready to indulge in a truly comforting and irresistible treat, this Banana Muffins with Crumb Topping and Vanilla Glaze Recipe is exactly what you need. These muffins bring together the rich, natural sweetness of ripe bananas with a crunchy, buttery crumb topping that adds delightful texture in every bite. Then, a smooth vanilla glaze drizzled on top finishes them off with a subtle sweetness and eye-catching shine. They are perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert, and once you try this recipe, these moist, flavorful muffins will quickly become a beloved favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these muffins stand out, you don’t need anything complicated. Each ingredient plays a key role in creating that perfect harmony of flavor, crumbly texture, and moistness that defines this Banana Muffins with Crumb Topping and Vanilla Glaze Recipe.
- Cold butter (½ cup, cubed): Essential for the crumb topping to create those delicious, pea-sized crumbles.
- Brown sugar (1 cup): Adds a deep caramel sweetness and moisture to the crumb topping.
- Unbleached flour (2 cups total): The base for both the muffins and topping, providing structure and softness.
- Baking powder (½ teaspoon): Helps the muffins rise beautifully and become fluffy.
- Cinnamon (½ teaspoon): Adds a warm, subtle spice that complements the bananas perfectly.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances flavors and enhances sweetness.
- Ripe bananas (2–3): The hero ingredient, delivering natural sweetness and moisture.
- Lemon juice (2 tablespoons): Keeps the bananas from browning and adds a fresh zing.
- Unsalted butter (¼ cup, softened): Adds rich flavor and tenderness to the muffin batter.
- Sugar (1 cup): Sweeter companion to bananas, ensuring perfect taste balance in the muffins.
- Egg (1, room temperature): Binds everything together and adds a tender crumb.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Infuses the batter with a sweet, floral aroma.
- Milk (½ cup): Keeps the batter moist and silky.
- Powdered sugar (½ cup): Used in the glaze to create that smooth, sweet topping.
- Water (2 tablespoons): Combines with powdered sugar to form the perfect drizzle consistency.
How to Make Banana Muffins with Crumb Topping and Vanilla Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Get the oven ready
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures the perfect temperature for baking these muffins evenly with a moist center and a golden crumb topping.
Step 2: Prepare the crumb topping
Start by combining brown sugar and flour in a food processor, pulsing until well mixed. Then add the cold, cubed butter and pulse again until the mixture turns into small, pea-sized crumbles. Transfer the crumb topping to a bowl and chill it in the refrigerator until you are ready to use it. This step is what provides the glorious crunchy texture on top of each muffin.
Step 3: Mix dry ingredients
In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Setting this aside ensures that when you add it later, it incorporates evenly and avoids overmixing your batter.
Step 4: Prepare the banana base
Return to your food processor and blend the ripe bananas with lemon juice until smooth and creamy. The lemon juice keeps the bananas bright and fresh-tasting within your muffins.
Step 5: Combine wet ingredients
Add softened butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract to the banana mixture. Pulse or blend until everything is fully combined and smooth, creating a rich base for the muffins.
Step 6: Incorporate dry ingredients and milk
Gradually pulse in your prepared flour mixture and milk, alternating to keep the batter smooth and free from lumps. Be careful not to overmix to maintain the tender crumb you want for your muffins.
Step 7: Fill the muffin liners
Line a cupcake pan with liners. Scoop batter into each cup to fill halfway. Then add a tablespoon of crumb topping on top of the batter before adding another layer of batter, almost filling the liner. Finally, finish by piling a generous amount of crumb topping on the very top to create a beautiful, textured mound.
Step 8: Bake, cool, and glaze
Bake for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the muffins cool for 10 to 15 minutes in the pan before you prepare the simple vanilla glaze by mixing powdered sugar and water. Drizzle this glaze over the warm muffins, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Banana Muffins with Crumb Topping and Vanilla Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
For extra flair, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or finely chopped nuts on top of the glaze. A few banana chips or a light dusting of powdered sugar can also add an inviting finishing touch that delights the eyes and the palate.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with a creamy spread like softened butter, honey, or even a smear of nut butter. For a balanced breakfast, serve alongside fresh fruit, yogurt, or a cup of your favorite coffee or tea.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging these banana muffins on a beautiful wooden board or tiered platter for brunch or parties. Wrapping individual muffins in decorative parchment tied with twine adds charm when gifting these sweet treats to friends or family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay moist and delicious for up to 3 days. Storing them properly preserves that amazing crumb topping and keeps the glaze from becoming sticky or soggy.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these Banana Muffins with Crumb Topping and Vanilla Glaze Recipe any time, they freeze beautifully. Once completely cooled, wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. They can last for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature.
Reheating
For a quick warm-up, pop a muffin in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or warm in a preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 to 7 minutes. This revives the soft, cozy texture and melts the glaze slightly for an irresistible fresh-baked taste.
FAQs
Can I use overripe bananas for this recipe?
Absolutely! Overripe bananas are perfect for this banana muffin recipe because they are naturally sweeter and mash easily, giving your muffins extra moisture and flavor.
Is it necessary to use a food processor?
While a food processor makes it quicker to blend the crumb topping and banana mixture, you can absolutely mix by hand with a fork and pastry cutter. Just take your time to get the crumb topping to the right texture.
Can I substitute the milk?
Yes, you can substitute regular milk with any plant-based milk such as almond, soy, or oat milk. Just make sure it’s unsweetened to keep the balance of flavors.
How should I store the glazed muffins to prevent the glaze from melting?
Store the muffins in a single layer at room temperature. Avoid stacking them until the glaze is fully set and cooled. If you need to refrigerate, do so in an airtight container, but allow them to come back to room temperature for the best texture.
Can I make these muffins gluten-free?
To adapt this Banana Muffins with Crumb Topping and Vanilla Glaze Recipe to be gluten-free, substitute the unbleached flour with a gluten-free baking flour blend. Keep in mind the crumb topping texture might vary slightly.
Final Thoughts
There is nothing quite like the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked Banana Muffins with Crumb Topping and Vanilla Glaze Recipe filling your kitchen. This recipe combines wholesome ingredients with a touch of indulgence that will have you reaching for seconds (and maybe thirds). I encourage you to try this recipe soon—it’s perfect for sharing with loved ones or simply treating yourself to a moment of pure delicious joy.
Print
Banana Muffins with Crumb Topping and Vanilla Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously moist banana muffins layered with a sweet crumb topping and finished with a light powdered sugar glaze. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack, these muffins combine ripe bananas with warm cinnamon and a buttery crumb for added texture and flavor.
Ingredients
Crumb Topping/Filling
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup unbleached flour
- 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
Muffin Batter
- 2–3 ripe bananas
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup unbleached flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk
Glaze
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the muffins.
- Make Crumb Topping: In a food processor, combine 1 cup brown sugar and 1 cup flour until mixed.
- Add Butter to Crumb: Add 1/2 cup cold, cubed butter to the food processor and pulse until pea-sized crumbs form.
- Chill Crumbs: Transfer the crumb mixture to a bowl and refrigerate until needed to keep it firm.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
- Prepare Banana Mixture: In the food processor, blend 2-3 ripe bananas with 2 tablespoons lemon juice until smooth.
- Add Wet Ingredients: To the banana mixture, add 1/4 cup softened butter, 1 cup sugar, 1 room-temperature egg, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, blending to combine.
- Combine Batter: Gradually pulse in the dry flour mixture and 1/2 cup milk into the wet banana mixture until a smooth batter forms.
- Prepare Muffin Pan: Line a cupcake pan with liners, ready for batter and crumb layering.
- Layer Batter and Crumbs: Fill each cupcake liner halfway with batter, then add about 1 tablespoon of crumb filling as a layer.
- Add More Batter: Spoon another layer of batter over the crumb layer, filling liners nearly to the top.
- Top with Crumbs: Add a generous scoop or two of crumb topping on top, creating a mounded top.
- Bake Muffins: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and muffins are set.
- Cool Muffins Slightly: Let the muffins cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before glazing.
- Make Glaze: Mix together 1/2 cup powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons water until smooth.
- Glaze Muffins: Drizzle the glaze over each muffin for a sweet finishing touch.
- Cool Completely: Remove muffins from the pan and place on a wire rack to cool fully before serving.
Notes
- Use ripe bananas for the best natural sweetness and moisture.
- Chilling the crumb topping helps it hold its shape during baking.
- You can substitute milk with any plant-based milk for a dairy-free version.
- Ensure the egg is at room temperature to better incorporate into the batter.
- For a stronger banana flavor, mash the bananas separately instead of blending.
