This delicious Giada Banana Muffin with Mascarpone Cream Frosting is an easy dessert prepared using bananas, mascarpone cheese, cream cheese, walnuts, and cinnamon.

More like her Apple Crostata and Chocolate Amaretti Cookies, Giada dessert recipes are always a hit when I make them for my family or friends.

Why This Recipe Works

Imagine waking up to the smell of freshly baked banana muffins wafting through your home. These aren’t just any muffins—they’re the perfect blend of comfort and indulgence, with a rich mascarpone cream frosting that adds a luxurious touch.

What makes this recipe shine is its simplicity paired with a little bit of flair. The ripe bananas bring natural sweetness and moisture, while a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg adds warmth. But the real star is the frosting: smooth, creamy, and just sweet enough to turn these muffins into a treat you won’t want to share.

Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself, these muffins are a guaranteed hit. They’re easy to whip up, and the result is a bakery-quality delight that’s sure to impress.

Recipe Ingredients

• Bananas: Use 4 ripe bananas that are peeled and coarsely mashed. The ripeness of the bananas gives the muffins their natural sweetness and soft texture. If you prefer a stronger banana flavor, use slightly overripe bananas with brown spots.
• All-Purpose Flour: You’ll need 3 cups to provide the structure for the muffins. You can also experiment with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture, but keep in mind it may alter the taste slightly.
• Vegetable Oil: 1 cup of vegetable oil keeps the muffins moist and tender. You can substitute with melted coconut oil if you prefer a hint of coconut flavor.
• Sugar: 2 cups of sugar give these muffins their sweetness. For a less sweet option, consider using 1 cup of sugar and 1/2 cup of honey or maple syrup.
• Eggs: 3 large eggs help bind the ingredients together and add richness to the muffins. For a lighter version, you can use egg whites, but it might affect the texture slightly.
• Mascarpone Cheese: This Italian cream cheese adds a luxurious creaminess to the frosting. You’ll use 1/3 cup at room temperature for easy mixing.
• Cream Cheese: 3 ounces of cream cheese at room temperature will give the frosting a tangy richness that complements the sweetness of the muffins.
• Chopped Walnuts: 1/2 cup of toasted walnuts add a delightful crunch to the frosting. If you have a nut allergy, you can skip this or use sunflower seeds as an alternative.

Note: The rest of the ingredients can be found in the recipe card below.

Step-by-Step Directions

Step One – Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line 18 muffin cups with paper liners to prepare for baking.

Step Two – In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.

Step Three – In a large mixing bowl, beat together the sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. Stir in the mashed banana until fully incorporated.

Step Four – Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step Five – Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.

Step Six – Place the muffin tray on the middle rack of your preheated oven. Bake for approximately 25 minutes or until the tops are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step Seven – Allow the muffins to cool on a wire rack. If desired, beat the cream cheese, butter, mascarpone cheese, and honey until fluffy, then spread the frosting over the cooled muffins and sprinkle with chopped walnuts.

How To Serve

• Start your day right by serving these banana muffins with a warm cup of coffee or tea. The rich mascarpone cream frosting makes them the perfect companion to your morning brew.
• Looking for a satisfying snack? These muffins are great on their own, but you can take it up a notch by pairing them with a fresh fruit salad or a dollop of Greek yogurt on the side.
• Want to turn these muffins into a full dessert? Serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle some honey over the top for an extra layer of sweetness. For a bit of crunch, sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on the frosting.

Recipe FAQs and Variations

Check out More Giada dessert Recipes:

• Giada De Laurentiis Chia Seed Pudding
• Giada De Laurentiis Apricot Oat Bars
• Giada Baked Blueberry French Toast Casserole
• Giada De Laurentiis Vegan Apple Crisp