Showing posts with label bananas. Show all posts

Tuesday, December 23, 2025

Banana Oat Muffins with Cranberries & Walnuts (A Cozy Winter Bake)

Banana oat muffins with cranberries and walnuts are a cozy winter bake made with oats, ripe banana, and warm spices—perfect for breakfast or snacking.

Banana Oat Muffins with Cranberries & Walnuts (A Cozy Winter Bake)

I tend to bake more often during the fall and winter, especially on a cold Saturday morning. The kitchen feels warmer, the time goes a little slower, and I'm easing in to the day. These are the times I turn to making another version of my beloved muffins I've been making for forever.

This time, ripe bananas are mashed into a soft batter, along with oats for heartiness, and dried cranberries bring little pops of tart sweetness. Cranberries are my winter love language. Add in some chopped walnuts for warmth and crunch, while cinnamon ties everything together. As these muffins bake, the house fills with a cozy scent — part banana bread, part oatmeal, and mostly something that feels like winter comfort.

These cranberry banana oat muffins are the kind of baking that works well for a slow weekend morning, but keep well to savor on busy weekdays. Cozy, nourishing, and easy to make, this small batch of six are perfect for winter breakfasts, afternoon snacks, or anytime you want something warm and homemade without a lot of fuss.

Enjoy!

What Ingredients Do I Need?

Name: Banana Oat Muffins with Cranberries & Walnuts (A Cozy Winter Bake)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 28 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 1 ripe banana, mashed; 1 large egg, beaten; ½ cup milk; 2 tablespoons sour cream; ¼ cup canola oil; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ¾ cup all-purpose flour; ½ cup old-fashioned oats; ¼ cup light brown sugar, packed; 2 teaspoons baking powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; ½ cup dried cranberries; ½ cup chopped walnuts

Ripe banana - Adds natural sweetness and moisture; the riper, the better for flavor.

Egg - Helps bind the batter and gives the muffins structure.

Milk -Keeps the batter soft and tender; any milk you have on hand works well.

Sour cream - Adds richness and helps create a soft, moist crumb.

Canola oil - Keeps the muffins tender and light without weighing them down.

Vanilla extract - Enhances the banana flavor and adds warmth.

All-purpose flour - Provides structure while keeping the muffins soft.

Old-fashioned oats - Add heartiness and a cozy, wholesome texture.

Light brown sugar - Brings gentle sweetness with a hint of caramel flavor.

Baking powder - Gives the muffins their rise and fluffy interior.

Salt - Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.

Ground cinnamon - Adds warmth and that classic winter baking aroma.

Dried cranberries - Provide pops of tartness that brighten each bite.

Chopped walnuts - Add crunch and a rich, nutty contrast to the soft muffins.

Substitutions and Variations

Easy Substitutions

Milk: Use almond, oat, or dairy-free milk if needed.

Sour cream: Greek yogurt works perfectly as a swap.

Canola oil: Substitute melted butter or another neutral oil.

Walnuts: Swap with pecans or leave out for a nut-free version.

Cranberries: Dried cherries or raisins can be used in a pinch.

Variations

Orange Cranberry Banana Muffins - Add a bit of orange zest to the batter for a bright, wintery twist.

Extra Cozy Spice Muffins - Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice along with the cinnamon for deeper warmth.

Kitchen Notes and Tips

Mash the banana thoroughly for the smoothest batter.

Stir gently and avoid overmixing to keep the muffins tender.

Filling the muffin cups to the top gives you nicely domed muffins.

To make the tops more bakery-style, sprinkle oats and walnuts just before baking. I left them off of mine to create a more homey rustic feeling.

Let the muffins cool briefly in the pan before transferring to avoid crumbling.

These muffins taste even better slightly warm or the next day once the flavors settle.

Set the Mood

When I make these muffins, I usually keep things simple and cozy. I put on a pot of coffee or tea, let the kitchen warm up while the oven preheats, and take my time mixing the batter. This is the kind of baking that doesn’t feel rushed — perfect for a winter morning or a quiet afternoon at home.

I love serving these muffins slightly warm, with a little butter. They’re great for breakfast table, but they also work just as well as an afternoon snack or something easy to grab on busy mornings. They feel comforting without being heavy, which is exactly what I want this time of year.

If you’re looking for a cozy winter bake that’s simple, satisfying, and easy to keep on hand, these banana oat muffins are a great place to start. They come together quickly, freeze well, and make mornings feel a little more put together — even on busy days.

If you give them a try, I’d love to hear how you serve them or if you make any swaps. And if you’re in the mood for more cozy winter baking, be sure to check out my Orange Cranberry Waffles for another warm, seasonal breakfast idea.

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RECIPE IS DOWN BELOW👇

Thursday, July 31, 2025

Golden Croissant French Toast with Honeyed Ricotta & Bananas

Savor the flavors of summer with this Golden Croissant French Toast, filled with honeyed ricotta and bananas. A perfect al fresco brunch recipe for sunny patio mornings and leisurely weekends.

Golden Croissant French Toast with Honeyed Ricotta & Bananas

I love the magic of slow summer mornings—the kind that invite you to linger a little longer, sip tea beneath a large umbrella, and let the day unfold at its own pace. For us, we love starting our weekends with a quiet breakfast outdoors, poolside, while the air is still cool, the birds are still chirping, and the world hasn’t quite stirred. It’s our little ritual—a pause before the heat and hustle of the day—and the perfect excuse to make something a little special.

Enter this Golden Croissant French Toast with Honeyed Ricotta & Bananas—a dish that feels elegant enough for a garden brunch but is casual and simple enough to make any weekend morning feel like a celebration. Buttery mini croissants are gently stuffed with a creamy ricotta-honey filling and slices of ripe banana, then dipped in vanilla-scented custard and crisped to golden perfection in a skillet. It’s rich, comforting, and just fancy enough to make you feel like you’re dining at your favorite café—without ever leaving the patio.

Whether you’re hosting friends or simply treating yourself, this easy, elevated French toast brings the sunshine straight to your plate. All you need is a shady spot, your favorite mug, and someone to share a second helping with.

Enjoy!

Ingredients for Golden Croissant French Toast with Honeyed Ricotta & Bananas:

This elegant yet easy French toast recipe uses simple ingredients you may already have on hand—but when combined, they create a brunch dish that feels straight from a café. Below is everything you’ll need to bring this golden croissant magic to life.

Mini croissants – 8 of them, preferably a day or two old for best texture
Ricotta cheese – for the creamy, lightly sweet filling
Honey – adds floral sweetness to both the filling and as a drizzle on top
Bananas – sliced thin, folded into the filling and layered on top
Eggs – the base of your vanilla custard dip
Whole milk – makes the custard rich and silky
Vanilla extract – adds warmth and depth to the French toast custard
Butter – for browning the French toast to golden perfection
(Optional toppings: powdered sugar, maple syrup, chopped nuts)

Substitutions and Variations

Substitutions

Need to work with what’s already in your kitchen? No problem! This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, and a few thoughtful substitutions can help you customize it to suit your taste, dietary needs, or pantry situation. Here are some easy swaps to keep in mind:

Croissants - Use instead:

Brioche buns or thick-cut brioche slices
Challah rolls or sliced challah
Day-old soft rolls or Hawaiian buns (slightly sweet works best)

Ricotta Cheese - Use instead:

Mascarpone (for a richer, silkier filling)
Cream cheese (softened and slightly sweetened)

Honey - Use instead:

Maple syrup
Agave nectar
Brown sugar (mixed into the ricotta filling)

Bananas - Use instead:

Fresh berries (for a lighter, tangier option)

Whole Milk - Use instead:

Half & half or heavy cream (for a richer custard)
Any unsweetened plant milk (such as almond, oat, or soy)

Variations

Once you’ve mastered the classic, try putting your own spin on this stuffed croissant French toast! Whether you’re looking to highlight seasonal fruit or explore new flavor profiles, these simple variations are just as indulgent and easy to pull off.

Summer Stone Fruit & Mascarpone - Swap out the bananas for thinly sliced peaches, nectarines, or plums, and use mascarpone in place of ricotta. Add a touch of almond extract to the custard for a subtle, nutty finish.
Chocolate Hazelnut & Berry - Spread a thin layer of chocolate hazelnut spread inside each croissant along with the ricotta, and add fresh raspberries or strawberries instead of banana. Dust with powdered sugar and serve with a few dark chocolate shavings on top for a decadent brunch twist.

Kitchen Tips & Notes

A few extra tips can make all the difference when turning a simple brunch into something memorable. Here’s what I’ve learned from making this cozy dish a few too many times (in the best way):

Choose slightly stale croissants:  Day-old croissants work best—they’re a bit firmer and hold up beautifully to the custard without falling apart. If your croissants are super fresh, you can dry them out slightly by placing them in a low oven (300°F) for about 5–7 minutes.
Don’t overstuff:  It’s tempting to load them up with filling, but keeping the stuffing light ensures they seal properly and cook through evenly without spilling in the skillet.
Low and slow is best:  Cook the croissants on medium to medium-low heat. This allows the custard to set inside without burning the outside too quickly.
Use a nonstick skillet or well-seasoned griddle:  You want a golden, even sear without tearing the delicate croissant crust. A bit of butter in the pan helps create that perfect browning.
Warm your filling for extra indulgence:  For a melty center, microwave the ricotta mixture for just 10–15 seconds before stuffing. It makes the contrast between warm filling and crisp exterior extra satisfying.

Brunch Accents: Drinks & Dishes to Complement the Main Event

While this Golden Croissant French Toast shines on its own, a thoughtfully curated side or refreshing drink can turn your morning into a true brunch experience. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or simply enjoying a quiet meal on the patio, here are a few ideas to elevate your plate:

Fresh & Fruity Sides

Refreshing Melon Salad - cool mix of sweet melons, onion, feta, over baby spinach. A great compliment to the rich French toast.

Stone Fruit Salad with Mint & Lime – Peaches, Nectarines, and Plums sliced and tossed with the zest and juicy of 1 lime , a drizzle of honey, and chopped mint.

Savory Balance

Crispy Bacon or Prosciutto – Adds a salty bite that pairs beautifully with the creamy ricotta filling.

Tomato-Mozzarella Scrambled Eggs - Healthy & delicious eggs with tomatoes, mozzarella and herbs bring a gentle savory contrast.

Asparagus and Tomato Frittata – For guests who love a heartier brunch plate.

Sips & Sparkles

Freshly Brewed Tea or Cold Brew Coffee –

Peach Bellini or Citrus Mimosa – Lightly bubbly and just sweet enough for a celebratory touch.

Tropical Green Tea Cooler – A non-alcoholic refreshing summer tea.

A small vase of garden flowers, linen napkins, and a playlist of soft acoustic tunes will set the perfect backdrop. Brunch doesn't need to be elaborate—just thoughtfully delicious.

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Thursday, July 3, 2025

Triple the Chips, Triple the Fun: Chunky Monkey Muffins

Moist and fluffy banana muffins packed with milk, dark, and bittersweet chocolate chips. This small-batch Chunky Monkey Muffin recipe makes just 8 indulgent treats—perfect for breakfast, snacking, or dessert!

Triple the Chips, Triple the Fun: Chunky Monkey Muffins

If you’ve been around my kitchen—or my blog—for any length of time, you know muffins are kind of my thing. From fruity bursts to spiced classics, I’ve built quite the lineup of small-batch muffin recipes for every craving. But some mornings (or afternoons, or let’s be honest—late-night kitchen raids) call for something decadent. Something melty and chocolate-studded and worthy of those big bakery-style domed tops. Enter: Chunky Monkey Muffins.

These beauties are a chocolate lover’s dream wrapped in the warm hug of ripe banana. We’re talking three kinds of chocolate chips—milk, dark, and bittersweet—folded into a moist, tender banana muffin batter that comes together in one bowl. That’s right: no fancy steps, no mixer, and minimal cleanup. Just stir, scoop, and bake your way to muffin magic.

What I love most about these muffins (besides how fast they disappear) is how comforting they are. They’ve got that nostalgic banana bread warmth, paired with rich chocolate pockets that melt into every bite. And thanks to a tall fill and the right oven temp, they rise into those gorgeous golden domes that make you feel like you picked them up from a corner bakery—only better, because you made them yourself.