Banana muffins made with ghee have a subtly nutty, rich flavour that vegetable oil versions simply do not. Ghee's clarified milk solids contribute Maillard compounds during baking that deepen the banana flavour rather than competing with it. The result is a muffin that tastes more of banana than any oil version — because the fat is adding complexity rather than introducing a neutral or slightly rancid background note.
For school lunchboxes, this recipe produces 12 muffins that travel well, stay moist for 3 days at room temperature, and are recognisably a treat rather than health food — which means children eat them.
Ghee Banana Muffins Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 very ripe bananas (skins should be mostly black)
- 80ml (⅓ cup) ghee, melted and cooled slightly
- 150g (¾ cup) caster or white sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 240g (2 cups) plain flour
- 1.5 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp fine sea salt
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
Method
- Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F). Line a 12-hole muffin tin with paper cases.
- Mash the bananas thoroughly in a large bowl.
- Stir in the melted ghee, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until well combined.
- Add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Fold until just combined — 10-12 folds maximum. Lumps are fine.
- Divide the batter evenly between the 12 muffin cups — each should be about ¾ full.
- Bake for 20-22 minutes until golden on top and a skewer inserted in the centre comes out clean.
- Cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack.
Is this recipe seed oil free?
Yes. Ghee is the only fat.
How long do they keep?
3 days at room temperature in an airtight container. 5 days refrigerated. 3 months frozen — freeze individually for easy lunchbox packing.
Can I add extras?
Yes — walnuts (40g), dark chocolate chips (60g), or blueberries (80g) all work. Fold in with the dry ingredients.
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