Best Cheeses To Pair With Banana Muffins

While it may seem like an unusual combination, cheese and bananas can be a surprisingly delicious pairing. Bananas are often used in baked goods, such as muffins, and adding cheese can create an interesting contrast of sweet and savoury flavours. One type of cheese that is commonly used in banana muffins is cream cheese, which can be swirled into the batter or used as a filling. This adds a creamy texture and a tangy flavour to the muffins. Other types of cheese that can be paired with bananas include mascarpone, camembert, feta, and Monterey Jack.

Cream cheese and banana muffins recipe

Ingredients

• 4 oz (113g) cream cheese, room temperature
• 3 tbsp (36g) granulated sugar (plus 3/4 cup (150g) for the banana muffins mixture)
• 1/2 cup (118ml) vegetable oil
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 overripe bananas
• 7 tbsp sour milk or add 1 tsp vinegar to the milk to sour it
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 2 cups (248g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts, optional

Method

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line muffin pans with paper baking cups.

Make the cream cheese filling by mixing together the cream cheese and 3 tablespoons of sugar until smooth. Set aside.

If you're using milk and vinegar, add 1 teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice and 7 tablespoons of milk to a measuring cup and let it sit for 5 minutes.

Mash the bananas with a fork or potato masher in a large bowl. Stir in oil and sugar with a wooden spoon or a hand mixer.

Add eggs, salt, and baking soda, stirring to combine. Add milk and flour and mix until combined (the batter will be slightly lumpy).

Fill the muffin cups with about 2 tablespoons of the muffin batter. Add about 1/2 teaspoon of cream cheese to the center of each muffin, then top with another 1 tablespoon of batter. Sprinkle with chopped nuts on top, if desired.

Bake for 14-18 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean from the side of a muffin. Cool for 5 minutes in the pan, then remove and allow to cool completely on a rack.

Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to one month.

Other cheeses that go well with bananas

While cream cheese is a popular choice for banana muffins, there are several other cheeses that pair well with bananas.

One option is mascarpone, which has a creamy texture and a sweet flavour that can complement the fruit. Another option is camembert, a soft, creamy cheese with a mild flavour that won't overpower the banana. Fresh feta is another cheese that can go well with bananas, offering a salty contrast to the fruit's sweetness. If you're looking for a melted cheese option, Monterey Jack is a good choice, especially when paired with banana chips or in a grilled cheese sandwich.

For those who prefer sweeter combinations, ricotta whipped with honey and cinnamon can be a delicious pairing with bananas. Creamier cheeses like cream cheese or cottage cheese can also be a good match, especially when blended with sugar or other sweet ingredients. Some people also enjoy the combination of banana and cheddar, either as a snack or in a grilled sandwich.

In terms of specific recipes, some suggestions include banana cheesecake, banana grilled cheese with Monterey Jack, and banana sushi with cream cheese and a drizzle of mango sauce. So, while there are no specific recipes for banana muffins incorporating these cheeses, you can certainly experiment with adding them to your favourite muffin recipe or drawing inspiration from other banana and cheese combinations.

How to make banana muffins moist

There are several ways to ensure your banana muffins are moist and fluffy. Here are some tips and tricks to achieve the perfect texture:

Ingredients

• Use ripe bananas: Ripe bananas with lots of brown spots are sweeter and easier to mash, resulting in a stronger banana flavour.
• Add oil: Oil helps make the muffins more tender.
• Sour milk or buttermilk: The acid in sour milk or buttermilk interacts with baking soda to create a fluffy, moist muffin.
• Cream cheese: Adding a cream cheese filling gives the muffins a soft and moist texture.
• Egg: Eggs provide structure to the muffins.
• Milk: Milk adds necessary moisture to the batter.
• Butter: Using butter as the fat ingredient gives the muffins a denser texture.
• Sugar: Using brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a richer flavour to the muffins.
• Baking powder and baking soda: These ingredients are essential for leavening, helping the muffins rise and giving them a lighter texture.

Techniques

• Mixing: Avoid over-mixing the batter as this can make the muffins tough and dense. It is recommended to mix banana muffin batter by hand to avoid over-mixing.
• Baking temperature: Baking the muffins at a higher temperature initially (425°F) and then reducing the temperature (to 350°F) helps the muffins rise tall and maintain a soft texture.
• Cooling: Allow the muffins to cool completely before serving or storing. This helps the muffins retain their moisture and prevents them from drying out.
• Storage: Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days or refrigerate for up to a week. You can also freeze the muffins for longer storage.

How to store banana muffins

While banana muffins are a tasty treat, they can quickly become soggy or dry out if not stored correctly. Here is a detailed guide on how to store banana muffins to keep them fresh for as long as possible:

Storing Banana Muffins for 1-2 Days:

If you plan on eating your banana muffins within 24 hours, you can keep them on a wire rack overnight. Cover them with a paper towel or a clean kitchen towel to prevent the muffins from drying out.

Storing Banana Muffins for 3-4 Days:

To keep banana muffins fresh for up to four days, use an airtight container or a zip-lock bag. Line the container or bag with paper towels to absorb excess moisture and prevent sogginess. Place the muffins in a single layer on top of the paper towels, and then add another layer of paper towels on top of the muffins. Store at room temperature, as refrigeration may alter the texture of the muffins.

Storing Banana Muffins for Longer than Four Days:

If you want to keep your banana muffins for longer than four days, freezing is the best option. Individually wrap each muffin in plastic and place them in a zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing. Frozen muffins will stay fresh for up to three months.

Tips for Storing Banana Muffins:

• Always let the muffins cool completely before storing. Storing warm muffins will result in more condensation, leading to sogginess.
• When using an airtight container or zip-lock bag, ensure the muffins are in a single layer and not stacked.
• If the paper towels become very damp, replace them to maintain the freshness of the muffins.
• To defrost frozen muffins, let them thaw at room temperature or gently rewarm them in the microwave for about 30 seconds.

By following these simple steps, you can enjoy your banana muffins at their best for an extended period!

Nutritional information for banana muffins

Banana muffins are a great way to use up overripe bananas and can be a nutritious snack or breakfast option. They are a good source of potassium and vitamins B6 and C. One medium banana provides 80-90 calories, and a banana muffin typically contains around 175 calories.

The nutritional profile of banana muffins can vary depending on the specific recipe and ingredients used. For example, the addition of cream cheese or chocolate chips will alter the nutritional content. However, as a general guide, banana muffins tend to be relatively high in carbohydrates, with a moderate amount of fat and protein.

Macronutrients:

• Carbohydrates: Banana muffins are typically high in carbohydrates, with carbs making up around 62% of their total calorie content. This is mainly from the flour and sugar used in the recipe.
• Fats: Fats comprise about 30% of the total calories in banana muffins. The type of fat can vary depending on the ingredients used, such as the addition of oil, butter, or cream cheese.
• Protein: Protein accounts for about 9% of the total calories in banana muffins. This can be increased by adding ingredients such as nuts or nut butter.

Micronutrients:

• Potassium: Bananas are a good source of potassium, which is important for heart health and maintaining healthy blood pressure.
• Vitamins: Bananas contain vitamins B6 and C, which are retained in the muffins. Vitamin B6 is involved in energy metabolism and immune function, while vitamin C is an important antioxidant and helps with collagen synthesis.
• Fiber: Bananas provide fiber, which can support digestive health and promote a feeling of fullness.

Calories:

Banana muffins can vary in calorie content depending on their size and the specific ingredients used. Typically, a homemade banana muffin contains around 175 calories, while a larger bakery-style muffin can have 2-3 times the calories, with some containing up to 429 calories per muffin.

It's important to note that while banana muffins can provide some nutritional benefits, they should still be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. The addition of certain ingredients, such as cream cheese or chocolate chips, can also increase the saturated fat and added sugar content, so it's important to be mindful of portion sizes.

Frequently asked questions