Easy Banana Muffins

Prep: Preheat oven to 425°F. Position an oven rack in the middle. Line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners and spray with cooking spray.

Combine wet and dry separately: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together dry ingredients. In a separate bowl or large measuring jug, whisk together wet ingredients until smooth.

Make batter: If using nuts or chocolate chips, stir through dry ingredients now. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and gently fold together until just combined - some lumps are fine.

Fill muffin cups: Divide batter evenly between muffin cups, filling each very full for larger muffins. Sprinkle coarse sugar on top for a crunchy topping, if using.

Bake: Reduce oven temperature to 400°F. Bake muffins at 400°F for 5 minutes, then reduce temperature (without opening oven!) to 350°F and bake for another 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool: Let muffins cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.