Banana Cinnamon Yogurt Muffins

Name: Banana Cinnamon Yogurt Muffins
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12 muffins
Ingredients: 3 ripe bananas, mashed; 1 cup plain yogurt; 1/2 cup sugar; 1/4 cup vegetable oil; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon salt

Highlighted under: Golden Kitchen

I absolutely adore making these Banana Cinnamon Yogurt Muffins on lazy Sunday mornings. The sweet aroma of ripe bananas mingling with fragrant cinnamon fills my kitchen, making it feel like a cozy bakery. The yogurt adds a delightful moisture that keeps these muffins tender, and they disappear quickly once they come out of the oven. With an easy preparation and nutrient-rich ingredients, these muffins are a guilt-free indulgence that my family loves. They’re perfect for breakfast or even as an afternoon snack, and they freeze beautifully!

Created by

Bethan Rowcroft

Last updated on 2026-01-19T23:25:35.035Z

When I first experimented with these Banana Cinnamon Yogurt Muffins, I knew I wanted a recipe that was both delicious and healthy. The combination of ripe bananas and thick yogurt not only enhances the flavor but also keeps the muffins moist without needing excess oil. Plus, using yogurt allows for a lighter texture, which I truly appreciate during breakfast time.

One unique tip I've discovered is to slightly overripe the bananas for maximum flavor. The natural sugars caramelize beautifully, giving the muffins a rich sweetness that pairs perfectly with the warm cinnamon. If you’re looking for a delightful way to start your day, these muffins will not disappoint!

Why You'll Love These Muffins
Soft and fluffy texture with a hint of spice
Healthier alternative thanks to the yogurt
Quick and easy to make, perfect for busy mornings

The Role of Yogurt

In this recipe, yogurt plays a crucial role not just in flavor but also in texture. The acidity of the yogurt contributes to a tender crumb, resulting in muffins that are soft and fluffy. This ingredient also helps to keep the muffins moist, which is especially important when baking with bananas that can dry out. If you're looking to reduce sugar, consider using a Greek yogurt, which has a tangy flavor and can enhance the muffins’ overall taste while maintaining that delightful moisture.

Additionally, yogurt acts as a binding agent alongside the eggs, which gives the muffins structure without making them heavy. If you’re dairy-free or looking for alternatives, unsweetened almond yogurt or coconut yogurt can replace traditional yogurt, providing similar moisture and binding properties without compromising on the taste.

Baking Tips for Success

When mixing the wet and dry ingredients, it's essential to stir gently until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense muffins, which is the opposite of what we're aiming for. You'll know you're done mixing when the batter is slightly lumpy but no dry flour remains. This will yield a light texture that complements the flavors of the banana and cinnamon beautifully.

Another key tip is to pay attention to the baking time. Ovens can vary widely, so starting with a toothpick check at the 20-minute mark is vital. If the toothpick comes out with wet batter, continue baking and check every couple of minutes until it comes out clean. Your muffins should also have a golden-brown top before removing them from the oven.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make these delicious muffins:

For the Muffins

3 ripe bananas, mashed
1 cup plain yogurt
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt

Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature for best results.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your muffins:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it lightly.

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix the mashed bananas, yogurt, sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing.

Fill Muffin Tin

Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 full.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Let the muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy these muffins warm or store them in an airtight container for later!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider mixing in some chopped walnuts or chocolate chips into the batter before baking.

Make-Ahead and Storage

These Banana Cinnamon Yogurt Muffins can easily be made ahead of time, which is perfect for busy mornings or snacks. After baking, allow the muffins to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Individually wrap each muffin in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag, where they will keep well for up to three months.

To reheat from frozen, simply pop the muffins in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This method will maintain their fluffy texture while reviving the delightful banana-cinnamon aroma. For quick options, you can also microwave them for about 30 seconds, though the oven method is preferable for best results.

Flavor Variations

Feel free to experiment with the flavor profile of these muffins! Adding a handful of walnuts or pecans can provide a delightful crunch that complements the soft texture of the muffins. If you're in the mood for something extra, consider adding chocolate chips or dried fruits like cranberries or raisins for a sweet twist.

You can also adjust the spices to suit your taste. Adding nutmeg or even a pinch of cardamom can elevate the overall flavor profile. Just remember to balance the spices with the cinnamon to avoid overpowering the banana flavor. I often play around with these variations, tailoring them to what I have on hand or what my family enjoys.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes, frozen bananas work great! Just make sure to thaw and drain excess liquid before mashing.

→ Can I substitute yogurt with something else?

You can use applesauce or a non-dairy yogurt if you prefer. It may slightly alter the texture.

→ How do I store leftover muffins?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.

→ Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Just ensure you have enough muffin tins or bake in batches.