Caramel Banana Pecan Muffins

By cook_kjacook_kja

Ingredients

• 1/2 C chopped pecans
• 2 Tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp cinammon
• 1-3 oz package crream cheese, softened
• 1/4 C butter, softened
• 2/3 C cugar
• 1 egg
• 1 medium banana, very ripe, peeled and mashed (1/2c)
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 1/4 C flour
• 3/4 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp kosher salt
• Kraft caramel bits
• 1 medium banana, ripe, peele and thinly sliced
• 1 Tbsp butter, melted

Preparation

Step 1

Line 12 cup muffin tins with liners. Spray with Pam. In a small bowl, combine pecans, 2 Tbsp sugar and 1 tsp cinammon. Set aside. In your stand mixing bowl, beat cream cheese , butter and 2/3 C sugar until creamy. Add egg and mix to combine. Beat in the mashed banana and vanilla until just combined. (over mixing muffin batter makes them tough)

In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the flour mixture one spoonful at a time while the mixer is stirring on low umtil just combined. Stir in 1/4C pecan mixture.

Then spoon about a Tbsp of the batter into the muffin cups. Sprinkle some caramel bits and a slice or two of banana. Spoon another Tbsp of batter on top and then sprinkle some of the remaining pecan mixture on each.

Take the melted butter and drizzle on the tops of the muffins.

Bake the muffins at 375F for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 5 minutes and then remove. Serve warm, drizzled with more caramel if you like.