Banana Cream Cheese Muffins

Banana Cream Cheese Muffins: A Delightful Twist on a Classic Favorite

Banana bread is a beloved classic, but when you add a swirl of sweet cream cheese, you take it to a whole new level of deliciousness. These Banana Cream Cheese Muffins are moist, flavorful, and have a rich cream cheese center that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert, these muffins are easy to make and sure to impress anyone who tries them.

Ingredients

For the Muffins:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 4 medium over-ripe bananas, mashed
• ½ cup granulated sugar (Dixie Crystals Extra Fine Granulated Sugar)
• ½ cup packed light brown sugar (Dixie Crystals Light Brown Sugar)
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ½ cup chopped pecans

For the Cream Cheese Swirl:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (Dixie Crystals Extra Fine Granulated Sugar)
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons milk (if needed)

Directions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line a muffin pan with paper liners.

Step 2: Prepare the Muffin Batter

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, mash the over-ripe bananas and mix in the granulated sugar and brown sugar. Beat in the egg, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
3. Gradually add the flour mixture to the banana mixture, stirring just until no lumps remain. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
4. Fold in the chopped pecans, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 3: Fill the Muffin Cups

1. Fill each muffin cup ¾ full with the banana batter.

Step 4: Prepare the Cream Cheese Swirl

1. In a separate medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
2. Add the granulated sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract to the cream cheese, and beat until well combined. If the mixture is too thick, add 1-2 teaspoons of milk to reach the desired consistency.

Step 5: Add the Cream Cheese Swirl

1. Drop about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture on top of each muffin.
2. Use a toothpick to gently swirl the cream cheese into the muffin batter. The swirl won’t look perfectly smooth, but it will bake beautifully.

Step 6: Bake and Serve

1. Bake the muffins for 16-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. Serve the muffins fresh. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. These muffins are best enjoyed at room temperature or slightly chilled.

Recipe Notes

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Baking Time: 16-18 minutes
• Total Time: 31-33 minutes
• Calories: 220 kcal per muffin
• Servings: 12 muffins

Final Thoughts

These Banana Cream Cheese Muffins are a delicious way to enjoy the classic flavors of banana bread with a rich, creamy twist. The combination of the sweet banana muffin with the tangy cream cheese swirl is simply irresistible. Whether you’re serving these at a brunch, packing them in a lunchbox, or enjoying one with your morning coffee, they’re sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Give them a try, and watch them disappear!

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