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    Home » Recipes » Muffins & Scones

    Published: Jan 9, 2019 · Modified: Sep 16, 2022 by joskitchenlarder · 26 Comments. · This post may contain affiliate links ·

    Healthy Banana Muffins (Vegan)

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe Bookmark Bookmarked!
    Banana muffins on a plate, one torn in half.
    Healthy banana muffins on a plate, coffee, bananas, oats.
    Three vegan banana muffins on a plate with coffee behind.

    Healthy banana muffins make perfect breakfast, snack or lunchbox treat! These easy vegan muffins are moist and delicious and can be made entirely refined sugar-free! Top with some oats for brekkie or add chocolate for more indulgent treat!

    Three vegan banana muffins on a plate with coffee behind.

    These healthy banana muffins have been something of a staple in our house for a while.

    Not only are they super quick and easy to make but they're also moist, fluffy, full of wholegrain goodness and actually good for you (especially if you go for sugar-free version).

    The best thing ever about these vegan muffins is that they're easily customisable so that you can make them as healthy or as indulgent as you wish!

    If you like the sound of my Healthy Banana Muffins, take a look at my Healthy Vegan Banana Bread too! It's good to have options!

    I have first published this recipe back in 2019 and have since adapted it to be vegan. However, if you loved the original recipe and are not vegan yourself you will find the original recipe at the bottom of the post.

    Jump to:
    • ✔️ Why you'll love this recipe
    • 📝 Ingredients and substitutes
    • 🔪 How to make healthy banana muffins
    • 🍽 Equipment
    • 🥡 Storing
    • 💭 Pro tips
    • 🍴 Serving suggestions
    • ❓ FAQs
    • 😋 More banana delights you might enjoy
    • 📋 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    ✔️ Why you'll love this recipe

    • Healthy banana muffins your entire family will love.
    • Super versatile - think breakfast on the go, snack, lunchbox treat, dessert.
    • Full of wholegrains, vegan, refined sugar-free (if you wish).
    • Great freezer staple - ready when you are.
    • Perfect easy bake for using up those overripe bananas.
    • One bowl prep, no food processor needed.
    • Absolute favourite with the kids.

    📝 Ingredients and substitutes

    Here's what you'll need to make my Healthy Banana Muffins:

    Ingredients for making healthy banana muffins.

    Flour - Although you could use plain/all-purpose flour here, swapping some of it for healthier choice of wholemeal variety would be better.

    I like to use mixture of plain/all-purpose flour and wholemeal spelt flour. I find that this combination gives nice and light crumb to the muffins. You could also use regular wholemeal flour instead of spelt.

    I would be inclined to always use half and half white with wholemeal as using wholemeal flour alone will result in yummy but denser muffins.

    Alternatively, you could use white spelt flour instead of plain, which is lighter version of wholemeal spelt. It's more wholesome than plain flour yet lighter.

    For gluten-free version try your favourite gluten-free flour.

    Sugar - If you use really ripe bananas you can leave the sugar out completely for sugar-free banana muffins!

    If you don't want to cut the sugar out completely, use anything between 50-100g (¼-1/2 cup) of brown sugar (depending on your sweet tooth).

    You could also substitute brown sugar with maple syrup but it will slightly change the flavour of the muffins.

    Bananas - Try using really overripe ones which will allow you either to omit or substantially reduce the sugar.

    Oil - I like using light olive oil or cold-pressed rapeseed oil in my baking but coconut oil will work well too.

    If you're not keen on coconut flavour in your bakes simply use refined coconut oil which is neutral in flavour.

    Vegan Yogurt - Any plain vegan yogurt will work well here.

    Soya Milk - My go to when it comes to vegan baking but you could use other neutral(ish) tasting plant milks like oat or even almond.

    Raising Agents - Baking soda and baking powder. Make sure to use gluten-free versions if needed.

    Vanilla Extract - For that touch of vanilla flavour.

    Cinnamon - Completely optional but I wouldn't be myself if I didn't use it in these muffins. I simply love the stuff!

    Extras - I love using dark chocolate chips (make sure they're vegan) but also chopped up nuts of your choice (we love walnuts here), some raisins or perhaps chopped up crystallised ginger for a bit of spice.

    Sprinkling of oats on top before baking will give your muffins that breakfast feel too!

    Banana muffins on a plate, one torn in half.

    🔪 How to make healthy banana muffins

    Ingredient quantities & detailed instructions to be found in recipe card at the bottom of the post.

    Preheat the oven to 180C/350F/Gas Mark 4.

    In a large bowl whisk together all your dry ingredients - flour(s), sugar (if using), baking powder, baking soda and cinnamon (if using). Set aside.

    Mixing dry ingredients in a bowl.

    In a large jug mix/whisk together mashed bananas, yogurt, soya milk, oil and vanilla extract.

    Mixing wet ingredients in a jug.

    Make a well in the middle of your dry ingredients and pour in your wet mixture.

    Mix everything together with wooden or silicon spoon until well incorporated. Try and mix in one direction to prevent overmixing.

    Add extras of your choice - chopped chocolate, nuts, raisins etc and gently fold them into the batter until incorporated.

    Process of mixing banana muffins batter.
    Healthy banana muffins batter in a bowl.

    Gently grease or line muffin tin with paper cases and divide batter evenly between 12 cases.

    Sprinkle with some oats (if you wish) and bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the skewer inserted in the centre of the muffins comes out clean.

    Remove to the cooling rack to cool completely and enjoy!

    Scooping muffin batter into muffin cases.
    Baked banana muffins in a tin on a cooling rack.

    🍽 Equipment

    Nothing much is required here but a bowl, large jug, a whisk and wooden or silicone spoon.

    One thing that is a must if you are a regular baker is electronic scale as accuracy is everything when it comes to successful baking.

    I use silicone muffin tins and these large paper cases sometimes too.

    🥡 Storing

    These banana muffins can be stored in the airtight container for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

    To freeze, simply wrap them tightly in some aluminium foil and pop in the freezer for when needed.

    They defrost really quickly at room temperature so can be taken out in the morning to be ready as a lunchbox snack.

    Healthy banana muffins on a plate, coffee, bananas, oats.

    💭 Pro tips

    Use kitchen scales and oven thermometer for best results. Both will ensure the accuracy, you would be surprised how inaccurate built in oven thermostats are.

    Use really, really overripe bananas to help you reduce or omit the sugar.

    If you don't have overripe bananas you can speed up the ripening process by roasting them in their skins on the tray in the oven preheated to 150C/300F/Gas Mark 2 for approx 30min. Make sure you allow your bananas to cool a bit after roasting as the flesh is piping hot!

    Use good quality dark vegan chocolate (if adding chocolate) for best results. I'm a huge fan of 70% chocolate but you can use slightly less dark variety if you like. Having said that, I wouldn't recommend vegan milk chocolate here.

    Don't overmix the batter as this will incorporate too much air into it and make muffins rise rapidly and then collapse.

    Make sure your oven is preheated and ready to go so that you can pop your muffins in as soon as they're ready.

    🍴 Serving suggestions

    These lovely vegan banana muffins are perfect as they're but we do like to shake things up sometimes and might occasionally have one with a touch of vegan butter (especially at breakfast).

    Peanut and almond butters are our other favourite companions that work so well with these muffins together with extra banana slices (because why not?).

    Healthy vegan banana muffin torn in half.

    ❓ FAQs

    Do I need to omit the sugar?

    It's entirely up to you. It is just a suggestion to make these muffins without sugar which is possible especially when using really overripe bananas which provide a lot of natural sweetness.

    What's so healthy about these muffins?

    They're made with less or no refined flour and low or no sugar which makes them much more wholesome than your standard muffins.

    Are these muffins moist?

    Yes they are! They're beautifully moist thanks to bananas and also addition of vegan yogurt.

    Have you tried my Healthy Banana Muffins?
    Please consider giving it ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating in recipe card below and share your views or tips in the comments.

    😋 More banana delights you might enjoy

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      Vegan Chocolate Banana Cake
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      Oat Milk Smoothie (Blueberries, Banana & Pear)
    • Close up of cut side of pumpkin banana bread.
      Pumpkin Banana Bread (Vegan)
    • Banana flapjacks decorated with banana slices.
      Healthy Banana Flapjacks

    📋 Recipe

    Close up of three banana muffins on a plate, coffee and a banana.
    Print Pin
    5 from 15 votes

    Healthy Banana Muffins (Vegan)

    Healthy banana muffins make perfect breakfast, snack or lunchbox treat! These easy vegan muffins are moist and delicious and can be made entirely refined sugar-free! Top with some oats for brekkie or add chocolate for more indulgent treat!
    Course Breakfast, Muffins, Treats
    Cuisine American, British, International
    Keyword banana muffins, healthy, vegan

    Equipment

    • Kitchen Scales*
    • Large Glass Bowl*
    • Glass Measuring Jug 1ltr*
    • Whisk*
    • Wooden Spoon*
    • Silicone Spatula*
    • Silicone Muffin Tins*
    Prep Time 10 minutes
    Cook Time 25 minutes
    Total Time 35 minutes
    Servings 12 muffins
    Calories 177kcal
    Author Jo Allison

    Ingredients

    Metric - US Customary
    • 125 g plain (all-purpose) flour see notes
    • 125 g wholemeal spelt flour see notes
    • 3 very ripe bananas - approx. 300g/10.5oz peeled weight peeled and mashed
    • 50 g light brown sugar see notes
    • 1.5 teaspoon baking powder
    • 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 1 teaspoon cinnamon optional, see notes
    • 100 ml soya milk see notes
    • 150 g vegan yogurt (plain)
    • 100 ml oil of your choice light olive oil, cold-pressed rapeseed, coconut oil, sunflower oil
    • 50-75 g chopped vegan chocolate or chocolate chips, chopped nuts, raisins etc. optional
    • oats for sprinkling on top before baking

    Instructions

    • Preheat the oven to 180C/350F/Gas Mark 4.
    • In a large bowl whisk together all your dry ingredients - flour(s), sugar (if using), baking powder, baking soda and cinnamon (if using). Set aside.
    • In a large jug mix/whisk together mashed bananas, yogurt, soya milk, oil and vanilla extract.
    • Make a well in the middle of your dry ingredients and pour in your wet mixture. 
    • Mix everything together with wooden or silicone spoon until well incorporated. Try and mix in one direction to prevent overmixing.
    • Add extras of your choice - chopped chocolate, nuts, raisins etc. and gently fold them into the batter until incorporated.
    • Line muffin tin with paper cases (if using) and divide batter evenly between 12 cases. 
    • Sprinkle with some oats if you wish and bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the skewer inserted in the centre of the muffins comes out clean. 
    • Remove to the cooling rack to cool completely and enjoy!

    Notes

    • Nutritional information is approximate, per muffin without sugar and extras and should be treated as a rough guideline only.
    • FLOUR OPTIONS: You can use variety of flours to make these muffins including plain (all-purpose) flour, wholewheat flour (muffins will have slightly denser texture) or the mixture of both. I like using mixture of plain and wholemeal spelt. See: Ingredients and substitutes for more details.
    • SUGAR: Feel free to use anything between 50-100g (¼-1/2 cup) of sugar or leave it out altogether (as long as you're using really overripe bananas, your muffins should be sweet enough). For more details and other possible substitutes see: Ingredients and substitutes.
    • I absolutely adore cinnamon and usually add really heaped teaspoon instead of the level one which works for me but you can leave it out if you want. 
    • PLANT MILK - Soya milk is my preferred plant milk to use in vegan baking but you can use other milks like oat or almond if you prefer. 
    • EXTRAS: Use any extras you want - vegan dark chocolate, chopped nuts, raisins, chopped crystallised ginger etc. Keep within 50-75g (⅓-1/2 cup).
    • STORING: Muffins will keep in the airtight container for up to 4 days. Freezer friendly for up to 3 months. 
    TIPS: 
    Use kitchen scales and oven thermometer for best results. Both will ensure the accuracy, you would be surprised how inaccurate built in oven thermostats are.
    Use really, really overripe bananas to help you reduce or omit the sugar.
    Use good quality dark vegan chocolate (if adding) for best results. I'm a huge fan of 70% chocolate but you can use slightly less dark variety if you like. Having said that, I wouldn't recommend vegan milk chocolate here.
    Don't overmix the batter as this will incorporate too much air into it and make muffins rise rapidly and then collapse.
    Make sure your oven is preheated and ready to go so that you can pop your muffins in as soon as they're ready.

    Nutrition

    Nutrition Facts
    Healthy Banana Muffins (Vegan)
    Amount Per Serving
    Calories 177 Calories from Fat 72
    % Daily Value*
    Fat 8g12%
    Saturated Fat 1g5%
    Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
    Monounsaturated Fat 6g
    Sodium 53mg2%
    Potassium 202mg6%
    Carbohydrates 23g8%
    Fiber 2g8%
    Sugar 4g4%
    Protein 3g6%
    Vitamin A 50IU1%
    Vitamin C 4mg5%
    Calcium 58mg6%
    Iron 1mg6%
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
    Tried this recipe?Tag me @Joskitchenlarder or use hashtag #joskitchenlarder!

    Old (Non-Vegan) Recipe:

    I originally published this recipe in 2019 and have since updated and veganised it. For all of you who loved the original recipe I have included it below.

    INGREDIENTS:

    • 250 g plain flour (or mixture of plain and wholemeal spelt)
    • 3 very ripe bananas (approx 300g/10.5 oz peeled weight)
    • 100 g light brown sugar
    • 2 teaspoon baking powder
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
    • 2 large eggs
    • 125 ml full fat plain yogurt
    • 100 ml rapeseed/sunflower/melted coconut oil
    • 50-75 g dark chocolate chips or roughly chopped dark chocolate (optional)

    INSTRUCTIONS:

    1. Preheat the oven to 180C/350F/Gas Mark 4.
    2. In a large bowl weigh out all your dry ingredients (flour(s), sugar, baking powder and cinnamon). Give them a little mix with the spoon or a gentle whisk.
    3. In another bowl or measuring jug whisk together eggs, yogurt, oil and vanilla extract.
    4. Peel and mash your bananas.
    5. Make a well in the middle of your dry ingredients and pour in your mashed bananas and all the wet ingredients. Mix everything together with a spoon until well incorporated. Try and mix in one direction to prevent overmixing.
    6. Chop desired amount of dark chocolate (if using) or simply pop some chocolate chips onto the mixture and fold these in gently.
    7. Fill 12 muffin cases 3⁄4 way up and bake in preheated oven for 20-25min until the skewer inserted in the centre of the muffins comes out clean. Remove to the cooling rack to cool completely and enjoy!

    More Muffins & Scones Recipes

    • Close up of vegan vegetable savoury muffins.
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      Rhubarb Muffins (Vegan)
    • Vegan blueberry muffin on a plate with blueberries around it.
      Vegan Blueberry Muffins
    • Close up of vegan pumpkin muffins glazed with plum jam.
      Vegan Pumpkin Muffins
    172 shares

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    1. Paula says

      June 12, 2021 at 10:46 am

      5 stars
      Hi Jo!
      I’ve just discovered your website and found the recipe for these muffins! I made them last night and oh my goodness- they are absolutely delicious! I added the plain chocolate as well and they are a huge hit already with my nine year old. I don’t think I’ll be freezing any! Thank you for the lovely recipe! Paula

      Reply
      • joskitchenlarder says

        June 13, 2021 at 7:08 am

        Hi Paula, Thank you so much for your lovely comment and I'm so pleased to hear the muffins were a hit. 🙂 x

        Reply
    2. Cindy says

      June 14, 2020 at 4:12 pm

      5 stars
      Beautiful!! They are yummy and moist, rose very well. Delicious banana muffins recipe. Thank you 🙂

      Reply
      • joskitchenlarder says

        June 14, 2020 at 8:11 pm

        Thank you so much for your lovely feedback Cindy! I'm so pleased you like the muffins. 🙂

        Reply
    3. Rita says

      January 23, 2019 at 9:03 pm

      5 stars
      Delicious! Sharing on facebook

      Reply
      • joskitchenlarder says

        January 24, 2019 at 9:25 am

        Thank you Rita! 🙂

        Reply
    4. Ai | Ai made it for you says

      January 20, 2019 at 12:45 pm

      5 stars
      These look absolutely delicious Jo! I love banana muffins! And I'm with you, I love the combination of banana and walnuts 🙂 Happy Fiesta Friday!

      Reply
      • joskitchenlarder says

        January 24, 2019 at 9:38 am

        Thank you Ai! 🙂 Walnuts would definitely be a lovely addition here! 🙂

        Reply
    5. jenny paulin says

      January 18, 2019 at 10:38 am

      5 stars
      well done on being the first bake of the week entry so far that is healthy! So far I have been drooling over a cheesecake and a Bakewell tart! I love the look of your muffins though I mean they look so light and fluffy and tasty. I am always using up over ripe bananas so this is a perfect way of using some up. Plus I love the fact that they are low sugar and therefore great for kids lunchboxes/after school snacks. Well and breakfast too I guess. great tips too
      thank you for sharing with #Bakeoftheweek x

      Reply
      • joskitchenlarder says

        January 24, 2019 at 9:35 am

        Haha, thanks Jenny but it was not really intentional although I must say we cannot get enough of these and even though they are much more wholesome than your standard muffins they most certainly don't taste less indulgent! 🙂 x

        Reply
    6. Rebecca Smith says

      January 17, 2019 at 8:07 pm

      5 stars
      Love this recipe, really simple to make, filling so perfect for that afternoon lull in energy and I agree with Anna above, easy to make gluten free too.

      Reply
      • joskitchenlarder says

        January 24, 2019 at 9:32 am

        Thanks Rebecca! 🙂 They are indeed so adaptable and one of those recipes you go back to time and time again!

        Reply
    7. jenny walters says

      January 16, 2019 at 8:21 pm

      5 stars
      Now that's a breakfast Jo!! I'm def going to make these. I love it too when you just need a bowl and spoon. It just feels so good! Will let you know how they go down. I'm going to add a little choc too! Thanks for hosting #BakingCrumbs

      Reply
      • joskitchenlarder says

        January 17, 2019 at 9:39 am

        Thanks Jenny! 🙂 Please do let me know the verdicts lol. I do hope you guys love them as much as we do, especially with that little bit of chocolate 🙂 x

        Reply
    8. Jhuls | The Not So Creative Cook says

      January 14, 2019 at 6:24 am

      These look perfect, Jo. I love banana muffins and if they are healthy, I know they would be fantastic! Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
      • joskitchenlarder says

        January 14, 2019 at 10:37 am

        Thanks Jhuls! 🙂

        Reply
    9. Monika Dabrowski says

      January 12, 2019 at 5:35 pm

      5 stars
      A lovely recipe, I like both the cinnamon as well as the chocolate chips in it. Thank you for bringing it to #CookBlogShare

      Reply
      • joskitchenlarder says

        January 13, 2019 at 8:45 am

        Thank you Monika! 🙂 If I can get away with adding cinnamon to the bake I will most certainly add some lol. Same with chocolate really 😉

        Reply
    10. Kat (The Baking Explorer) says

      January 11, 2019 at 11:06 am

      5 stars
      They look absolutely yummy! I regularly make banana muffins for my boyfriend's on the go breakfasts!

      Reply
      • joskitchenlarder says

        January 13, 2019 at 8:44 am

        Thanks Kat! 🙂 They are beautifully portable, aren't they! 🙂

        Reply
    11. Anna | Once Upon A Food Blog says

      January 11, 2019 at 10:38 am

      These look really good and I love the way you have made them healthier. I might try them with almond flour to make a gluten free version.

      Reply
      • joskitchenlarder says

        January 13, 2019 at 8:41 am

        Thanks Anna! 🙂 They are delicious and I do like the sound of them made with almond flour, yum!

        Reply
    12. Eb Gargano | Easy Peasy Foodie says

      January 10, 2019 at 4:23 pm

      5 stars
      YUM!!! These sound EPIC. I love how you've made banana muffins healthier. And I love all the options too. Eb x

      Reply
      • joskitchenlarder says

        January 10, 2019 at 9:42 pm

        Thanks Eb, I'm glad you like them! They are as wholesome and as healthy as muffins can be in my opinion but most of all so easy and super delicious 🙂 x

        Reply
    13. Corina Blum says

      January 10, 2019 at 11:38 am

      5 stars
      These look so good! I used to make chocolate and banana muffins all the time for my children but then Master Spice decided he didn't like anything with banana in but maybe it's time to try them out again! Thanks for sharing with #CookOnceEatTwice!

      Reply
      • joskitchenlarder says

        January 10, 2019 at 12:48 pm

        Ha ha, it's funny how their food likes and dislikes can sometimes change so suddenly. I have that with my youngest and his love/hate relationship with hummus lol, it's a constant roulette lol! 🙂

        Reply

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