Easiest, Best Banana Muffins Ever

Pin It Mmmmm warm banana muffins.

So yummy. So easy. Such a great way to use brown bananas.

The original recipe came from a website years ago, but I've tweeked it and made it my own, and I swear, these are the best darn banana muffins I have ever had... if I do say so myself.

Ingredients you will need:

• 3 or 4 Large bananas, mashed (the more bananas the moister the muffin, so I recommend using 4) 
• 1 cup of sugar (you can make that half if you prefer less sweetness, but the sweeter the better I say) 
• 1 egg, slightly beaten 
• 1/3 cup melted butter (you could use margarine... but why would you? Butter tastes better and was made by God. Margarine is yucky and was created in a lab - Just saying) 
• 1 teaspoon each baking soda and baking powder 
• 1 1/2 cups flour 
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 
• Last but not least, the secret ingredient. 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. I kid you not, it makes all the difference and really enhances the banana taste. 

Super Easy Instructions:

Mash bananas. Add sugar, butter, and slightly beaten egg and mix until well blended. Gradually add in flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon, mixing as you go until it looks like oatmeal, as pictured above.

This is when I add raisins and chocolate chips, but they taste great plain, and you could certainly add nuts.

Either grease muffin tin with butter or use paper liners and fill to the brim. Cook 20-22 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. The muffins are ready when they are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean of batter.

Set on cooling rack to rest, or if you don't have one, you can use the grill from the top of a roasting pan like I do.

If you make these once, be prepared to be asked to make them again!  They also look awesome in a basket and make for a great inexpensive gift.

Enjoy!

World's Best Strawberry Shortcake Recipe

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Strawberry season is here, and there is absolutely no better way to enjoy them then in a strawberry shortcake... 

I decided to make one for Mickey's 5th birthday last week, and thought I'd share with you.

Some people use pound cake or angel food to make shortcake, but I like a nice white cake from Duncan Hines.  No other brand will do, and no, they did not pay me to say that.  I just looove their cakes... and M&M brownies. (Homer Drool)

Step 1:  Bake cake as instructed on package.

As you can see, I couldn't find my second round cake pan, so I used a square one and trimmed the cake with a knife by tracing around the top half.  The upside here is that I got to sample the cake and no one knew... hahaha

Tip! To keep your cake level, always place the bottom layer top side down.

I also don't have a cooling rack, so I just use the top of a roasting pan upside down.  Works great. Make sure to cool it completely or your whip cream will melt right off!

Step 2:  "Ice" with whipped cream.

There is nothing better than real whipped cream, so while you can use whipped topping, but it's so much better to make your own, especially since it's so easy.

If you have a metal mixing bowl, stick it in the freezer with your beater whips for about 30 minutes, it will make it easier.

Mix 500 ml of 35% whipping cream, 1/4 cup of sugar and half a capful of vanilla extract and beat on high until it stiffens and starts to form soft peeks.  You can also whip by hand with a whisk... but it will take about 15 minutes and it will feel like your arm is about to fall off... so you know, totally up to you.

Work quickly so that your whip cream doesn't melt, adding a generous amount between the layers and all around the cake... you should use all of it.  (Minus a spoonful or two for the cook.)

Step 3:  Decorate with strawberries and voilà!

I recommend sticking it quickly in the fridge and letting it sit for at least an hour so that it sets.

It was a big hit with the boys, earning a thumbs up from Mickey, the house's toughest critic. 

Ummmm my favorite! Reminds me of when my mom used to make them.  Some people use strawberry jam in the middle...

Only 3 steps, but it will look like you slaved for hours!