Banana Crumb Muffins

Bananas and breakfast are meant to be together. They're like Cory and Topanga. Doug and Patti Mayonnaise. The 90s and stirrup pants. They're just so right. 

Few breakfasts pass me by without some form of banana. Whether it's slices in my cereal (the usual), whipped into my oatmeal (for those chilly winter mornings), or warm banana muffins (a special treat), the banana is a staple in my breakfast rotation. 

I've been looking for awhile for a good banana muffin recipe, and this is definitely the best I've tried so far. The muffins themselves are tender and moist with just the right amount of banana flavor. But really this recipe is all about the crumb topping. That buttery, slightly crunchy, sweet crumb topping. Gracious Heavens. It's divine. 

I made the mistake of using the little bit of extra batter I had to make a few mini muffins sans the crumb topping. I thought it would save me the extra calories. Bad idea. Bite size muffins are a cruel trick that gets you to think you're just snacking when you're actually consuming half a day's worth of calories in one sitting....But I digress. 

I actually thought these were best the day after I made them, so why not go ahead and whip up a batch this afternoon so you can enjoy some banana goodness for breakfast tomorrow...just like it was meant to be. 

Banana Crumb Muffins
Yield: 12 muffins
Recipe adapted from Allrecipes.com


Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Dash nutmeg (optional)
3 bananas
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup white sugar
1 egg, lightly beaten
1/3 cup butter (or just over 2 1/2 Tablespoons), melted

2/3 cup brown sugar
4 Tablespoons flour
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
2 Tablespoons butter

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray muffin pan with cooking spray or line with muffin cups.
2. In a large bowl sift together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
3. In another bowl, mash bananas then add sugar, egg, and melted butter. Beat well.
4. Stir the banana mixture into the flour mixture until just combined.
5. Spoon into prepare cups.
6. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. With a pastry cutter or two forks, cut in butter until mixture becomes crumbly. Sprinkle over muffins.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.