Banana Caramel Muffins

I usually stray away from making muffins. I am much more a sweet person than a fruity-nutty-semi-savory breakfast person. But I made homemade caramel (recipe coming later) a few days ago and had so much left over I had to use it for something so, under recommendation from my mom,  Banana Caramel Muffins it was.

This recipe only calls for 2 bananas but the flavor wasn't very intense, if you like a lot of banana flavor up the salt a bit and add another banana. This recipe only make 10 muffins, so I tripled it. It was awesome because when I started putting everything together I had only tripled the bananas. But don't worry! I realized my mistake and added everything else too. :)   So here we go!

Banana Caramel Muffins

2 or 3 very ripe bananas, peeled
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter (unsalted is always recommended, but salted is fine too)
1 cup of brown sugar (I always use dark)
1 egg, beaten
1/4 cup milk
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract (NOT imitation vanilla)
1/2 to 1 teaspoon of kosher salt
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
2 tablespoons caramel

1. Preheat the oven to 375F. Line 10 muffin tins with liners, or spray with nonstick spray.
2.Put naked bananas in a large microwave safe bowl and microwave on high for about 1 minute. Add the butter and continue to microwave until butter is soft.
3. Using a potato masher, or fork, mash the bananas and butter together until most lumpiness is gone.
4. Stir in the sugar, beaten egg, milk, vanilla, and salt.

5. Add the dry ingredients, you can measure them right into the bowl and stir or sift them in for a lighter muffin.
    5a. This is where you add the caramel, if caramel chews, melt in microwave first, then stir right into the batter.
6. Fill the muffin tins almost full. Bake until they are dark brown and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out dry.  Total baking time is about 20-25 minutes. 15 if you are making mini-muffins which are also quite enjoyable. :)

  Mini Muffins!

7. Get them out of the pans almost right away and drizzle with caramely goodness.

8. Celebrate with your doggies!