Banana Bread Muffins and Banana Bread Cinnamon Swirl Muffins

"So good!"

Banana bread is by far my most favorite thing to eat ever.  You can't go wrong with it.  I introduced it to V a while ago, and he fell in love with it.  We've started doing a banana bread/fruitcake mix now, which isn't too bad.  He loves it, but I'm not a big fan of the candied fruits, but hey.  It's still delicious!

What's good about this recipe is that they don't take an hour to bake like normal banana bread, and you can save them and bring them for a snack, or pack in your kids' lunch boxes!

Not down with the muffin theme?  This recipe also makes enough for a regular sized banana bread.  Just grease a bread pan and bake for about an hour or so!

For vegans: if someone tries this recipe out by replacing the one egg with a banana, could you tell me if it works out?

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This recipe is vegetarian: yes!

This recipe is vegan: no

Serves: 16

Calories per serving: 182

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What you'll need:

- 250g 2 C all purpose flour --> You can also do a mix of flour, ground almonds and ground hazelnuts (we all know I love it!)
- 125g (1 stick) of butter (really soft)
- 200g (1 C) sugar
- 1 egg
- 4 bananas (the riper the better!)
- 1 TSP vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
- 2 TSP Baking Powder
- 1/2 C walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1 TSBP Cinnamon + 80g (1/3 C) Sugar (optional)

Let's get cooking!

- Preheat your oven to 180C (350F)

- In a bowl cream together the butter and sugar.  (If you don't have an electric mixer, see this video!  It's got a cute Australian woman and everything!)

-Add the egg, vanilla and the bananas.  There are so many bananas, because I've found that taking out an egg and adding a banana in its place makes for a really soft and tender banana bread.

-When all that's light and fluffy, add the flour (or flour and ground nuts) and salt little by little, making sure the mixture is well incorporated before adding the next bit.  (If you've got an electric mixer, just use it to mix everything.  It makes for a really light and fluffy bread)

- When it's all well mixed, add the nuts if you'd like.

-If you're making the cinnamon swirl muffins or bread, put the mix in until it comes halfway up the side, then sprinkle a good amount of cinnamon sugar, cover and sprinkle again.

- Fill your cupcake pan with mix, leaving a little space for the muffin to rise!

- Put in the pre-heated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick, when stich in the middle, comes out clean!