Some recipes just feel like a warm hug. For me, Cherry Banana Muffins are one of them. The smell alone takes me right back to my grandma’s kitchen on a sleepy Saturday morning. If you love banana-based treats, you might also enjoy these irresistible peanut butter banana muffins.
It’s the perfect blend of sweet banana bread and bright, juicy cherries. This isn’t a fancy dessert. It’s a simple, honest comfort food that feels like home.
I think we all need that kind of warmth sometimes. So, let’s make a batch together. I promise, your kitchen will smell amazing.
Recipe Overview
- Cuisine: American
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 22-25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 12 standard muffins
The Story Behind This Classic Recipe
This recipe started with a bowl of overripe bananas and a jar of maraschino cherries. My grandma never let anything go to waste. She saw potential where others saw trash.
One summer morning, she decided to mix the two. The result was this beautiful, speckled batter. We ate them warm, straight from the pan.
Cherry Banana Muffins Recipe
The Classic Ingredients (No Fancy Stuff!)
How to Make It Just Like Grandma Did
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Cherry Banana Muffins Recipe!
Nutrition Information
That memory is baked right into this recipe for me. It’s a lesson in making something wonderful from simple, humble ingredients. I think that’s the heart of true comfort food.
What Makes This the *Traditional* Way
This is the old-school method. We’re not using yogurt or applesauce to cut fat. We’re not swapping for complicated flours.
The goal here is rich flavor and a moist, tender crumb. That comes from real butter, ripe bananas, and a gentle hand when mixing. We fold the cherries in last so they don’t bleed too much.
It’s a straightforward, one-bowl kind of recipe. There’s no need for a mixer. Just a wooden spoon and a bit of love.
The Classic Ingredients (No Fancy Stuff!)
Gathering these simple ingredients is the first step. You likely have most of them in your pantry right now.
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 very ripe, medium bananas (about 1 ½ cups mashed)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup maraschino cherries, well-drained and chopped
- 2 tablespoons reserved cherry juice (or milk)
How to Make It Just Like Grandma Did
Follow these steps, and you’ll have perfect muffins. The key is to not over-mix the batter. A few lumps are just fine!
- Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease it well.
- In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until mostly smooth. A few small chunks are okay.
- Stir the melted butter into the mashed bananas. Then, mix in the sugar, egg, vanilla, and the 2 tablespoons of cherry juice.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet banana mixture. Stop mixing when you no longer see dry flour. The batter will be thick and lumpy.
- Finally, fold in the chopped maraschino cherries. Try to distribute them evenly without over-stirring.
- Divide the batter evenly among the 12 muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full.
- Bake for 22 to 25 minutes. They’re done when the tops are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then, move them to a wire rack to cool completely. Or, enjoy one warm!
My Tips for Perfecting This Classic
A couple of small tricks can make a big difference. They help make sure your muffins turn out perfect every single time.
First, use the ripest bananas you can find. The blacker the peel, the sweeter and more flavorful your muffins will be. This is the secret to that deep banana taste.
Second, make sure to drain the cherries very well. Pat them dry with a paper towel. This keeps them from sinking to the bottom and keeps your batter from getting too pink.
Lastly, don’t skip the step of letting the muffins rest in the pan for 5 minutes. It lets them set up so they don’t fall apart when you take them out.
How to Store and Enjoy Later
These muffins keep wonderfully. They are perfect for making ahead for a busy week.
Once completely cool, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them.
To freeze, wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap. Then, place them all in a large freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature or warm gently in the oven.
Nutrition Notes
This is a treat, meant to be enjoyed in the spirit of homemade comfort. Here’s a basic look at what’s in one muffin.
- Calories: ~220
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Sugar: 22g
Your Questions About This Classic Recipe
Here are answers to a few common questions I get about this family favorite.
Can I use frozen cherries instead?
You can, but I find maraschino cherries give the best classic flavor and color. If you use frozen sweet cherries, thaw and drain them very, very well. Pat them dry completely to avoid a soggy batter.
Can I add chocolate chips to this?
Absolutely! This recipe is a fantastic base. For a chocolate chip banana bread muffin twist, swap out half the cherries for ½ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips. It’s a wonderful combination. If you’re a chocolate lover, you must try these bakery-style banana chocolate chip muffins.
How can I make this a bit healthier?
For a healthier banana bread recipe, you can try a few swaps. Use whole wheat flour for half the all-purpose flour. You can also reduce the sugar to ½ cup. The bananas and cherries add plenty of natural sweetness. For another wholesome option, check out these healthy peanut butter banana muffins perfect for toddlers.
I hope this recipe finds its way into your own family’s routine. There’s something so special about sharing food that comes with a story.
It connects us to our past and warms our present. I’d love to hear if this recipe brings back memories for you, or if you made it with your own little twist.
Did your family love them? Please, let me know in the comments below and give the recipe a rating if you tried it!
