Making these muffins is just as easy as gathering the ingredients. Let’s dive into the steps I follow when creating this delicious recipe.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, grease a muffin tin or line it with paper liners. Honestly, I opt for liners because they make cleanup a breeze.

In a mixing bowl, mash the bananas until smooth. Don’t worry if there are a few lumps; they can add character. I usually find it easiest to use a fork to achieve the right consistency.

Add the melted butter and brown sugar to the mashed bananas, stirring until well combined. Then, crack in the eggs and pour in the vanilla extract. Give it a good mix again. The aroma is already inviting.

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. When I do this, I can see and feel the texture of the flour before it meets the wet mixture. It’s all about the process.

Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet mixture. The key here is not to overmix. You want everything to be just combined. It’s okay if a few streaks of flour remain; trust me, this is what keeps the muffins fluffy.

Now comes the fun part! Gently fold in the chopped walnuts and chocolate chips. I have a sweet tooth, so I often add a little extra chocolate to this step.

Using a scoop or a ladle, fill each muffin cup about two-thirds full. I find that this allows enough room for the muffins to rise without overflowing.

In a small bowl, mix the chopped walnuts, brown sugar, and cinnamon. This topping adds a delightful crunch and sweetness. Sprinkle it generously over the muffin batter in the tin.

Pop the muffin tin into the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes. I always start checking around 18 minutes. You want the tops to be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin should come out clean.

Remove the muffins from the oven and let them sit in the tin for a few minutes. After that, transfer them to a cooling rack. The smell wafting through my kitchen at this point is enough to make anyone drool.