Cherry Banana Muffins – Moist, Easy, and Bursting with Flavor

The Sweetest Duo in a Muffin Tin

Some of my fondest memories are of sun-drenched summer mornings at my nonna’s kitchen table, watching her effortlessly whip together batches of fruity baked goods with whatever ripe produce was on hand. One day it was peaches, the next it was berries—but when overripe bananas and juicy cherries collided, magic happened. That flavor pairing inspired what I now call Cherry Banana Muffins, a recipe that brings those nostalgic mornings right back to life. These Cherry Banana Muffins are more than just baked goods—they’re a warm, fluffy tribute to simple joys, bursting with sweet banana richness and the tangy bite of cherries in every bite.

Why You’ll Love These Cherry Banana Muffins

You’re going to love this one—imagine the burst of juicy cherries meeting the creamy richness of mashed bananas, all baked into perfectly moist and fluffy Cherry Banana Muffins. This easy muffin recipe is a go-to for busy mornings, a sweet mid-day pick-me-up, or a light and fruity dessert. Best of all, it’s incredibly beginner-friendly and endlessly customizable. Want more fruity inspiration? Discover dozens of fruity muffin ideas on our Pinterest page.

Expert Tips & Tricks for Perfect Muffins Every Time

Here are my top tips to make these muffins bakery-worthy:

• Use overripe bananas—the spottier, the better! They add incredible natural sweetness and keep your Cherry Banana Muffins extra moist.
• Don’t overmix the batter. Gently fold the ingredients together just until combined to maintain a soft, tender crumb.
• Frozen cherries? Absolutely! Use them straight from the freezer. Skipping the thaw prevents too much liquid from saturating the batter.
• Sprinkle a little sugar on top before baking. It creates a gorgeous, golden crust with a satisfying crunch.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F, and start checking for doneness around the 18-minute mark using a toothpick—it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

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Recipe Variations & Substitutions

There’s plenty of room to make these your own:

• Swap the cherries with other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or even finely chopped strawberries for a fun twist on your classic Cherry Banana Muffins.
• Add crunch and depth by folding in chopped walnuts or pecans—they bring a delightful texture that complements the soft, fluffy base.
• Go vegan with a flax egg and your favorite plant-based milk, such as almond or oat, without sacrificing that moist muffin texture.
• Spice it up with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg for a cozy, warming flavor that pairs beautifully with banana.
• Turn them into dessert with a drizzle of simple glaze—just whisk together powdered sugar and milk for a glossy, sweet finish.

Looking for a cozy variation? Don’t miss a cozy twist on cherry muffins you’ll love.

Serving & Pairing Suggestions

• Serve warm with butter or honey for a cozy, no-fuss breakfast that’s both nourishing and satisfying.
• Pair with coffee, chai, or cherry herbal tea for the ultimate afternoon treat—ideal for relaxing or entertaining.
• Elevate them to dessert status with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a generous dollop of whipped cream—it’s simple, elegant, and absolutely irresistible.

They’re perfect for lunchboxes, road trips, or cozy mornings on the couch.

Storage & Reheating Tips

These muffins are meal prep champions:

• Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days—perfect for quick, grab-and-go snacks.
• Refrigerate to keep them fresh for up to a week; just let them come to room temp before serving.
• Freeze individually on a tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 3 months.
• Reheat in the microwave for about 15 seconds or warm them in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes to bring back that fresh-baked goodness.

Recipe FAQs

Still wondering what to do with those browning bananas? Try these creative ways to bake with overripe bananas.

Ingredients List

Here’s everything you’ll need:

• 1 cup mashed overripe bananas (about 2–3 medium)
• ¾ cup pitted and chopped cherries (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup melted unsalted butter
• 1 large egg (or flax egg for vegan option)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans, 1 tsp cinnamon

Instructions

Let’s get baking:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with liners or lightly grease each cup.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, stir together the mashed banana, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Gently fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Don’t overmix—just stir until no streaks of flour remain.
5. Fold in the chopped cherries and optional nuts for added texture and flavor.
6. Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full. Sprinkle a little sugar on top for a deliciously crispy crust.
7. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the tops are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes & Optional Add-Ins

• Want a sweet glaze? Mix ½ cup powdered sugar with 1 tbsp milk and drizzle over cooled muffins.
• Add a tsp of cinnamon or nutmeg for depth.
• A topping of oats and brown sugar gives a hearty, crunchy finish.

Need something chilly? Try the refreshing cherry banana combo in smoothie form.

Nutrition Information (Per Muffin)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	233
Total Fat	12g
Saturated Fat	5g
Cholesterol	36mg
Carbohydrates	30g
Sugar	16g
Protein	3g
Fiber	1g
Sodium	145mg

Related Recipes

• Spread with our homemade cherry vanilla jam for spreading or baking
• Try a cozy twist on cherry muffins you’ll love
• Don’t toss those bananas! Explore creative ways to bake with overripe bananas
• Cool down with a refreshing cherry banana combo in smoothie form

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