I am positively thrilled to share my Homemade Healthy Banana Muffins recipe with you! These little delights are bursting with flavor and pack a moistness that could fool anyone into thinking they are a traditional, indulgent treat. But let me tell you, they are far from it! With no oil and low sugar, each muffin is right around 130 calories, making them a guilt-free addition to my snack rotation. Whether you're packing a lunch for your kids or looking for a quick pick-me-up during your afternoon slump, these muffins are the answer to all your healthy snack prayers.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy prep – ready in just 25 minutes!
- Moist and flavorful, perfect for any snacking occasion.
- Versatile mix-ins to suit your taste, from nuts to chocolate chips!
- A healthy twist on a classic recipe that the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
To whip up these delectable banana muffins, you’ll need:
- Ripe bananas for natural sweetness and moisture.
- A large egg to provide structure and binding.
- Vanilla extract for a fragrant flavor boost.
- Light brown sugar and granulated sugar for the right amount of sweetness.
- Ground cinnamon to add warmth and depth in flavor.
- Baking powder and baking soda for that perfect rise.
- Salt to enhance all the delicious flavors.
- All-purpose flour (white or whole wheat) as the main base for our muffins.
- Melted unsalted butter for richness without too much fat.
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Making these banana muffins is easier than you might think. Let’s dive right into it!
Start by greasing a standard muffin pan or line it with paper muffin liners. Preheat your oven to 350°F, as we want it nice and hot for our muffins to rise.
In a mixing bowl, mash up those ripe bananas until they are smooth, leaving some small lumps for texture. Next, add the egg, vanilla extract, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon. Stir well to combine all those delightful ingredients.
In a separate small bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step is crucial to avoid clumps of baking soda in your muffins. Once combined, gently fold the dry ingredients into the banana mixture. Be careful not to over-mix; a few lumps are okay!
Finally, gently stir in the melted butter, which helps give our muffins that signature moistness. Now it's time to spoon the flavorful batter into your prepared muffin pan. Bake for 18-25 minutes or until golden brown. Just keep an eye on them!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
– Use really ripe bananas! The more brown spots, the sweeter they will be. They’re perfect for banana muffins!
– Don’t skip the cinnamon; it enhances the flavor profile wonderfully.
– For added texture and taste, consider folding in ¾ cup of your favorite chopped nuts or chocolate chips just before spooning the batter into the muffin pan.
– Remember to check the muffins around the 18-minute mark! Every oven is different, and I’ve had my muffins bake perfectly well at 22 minutes.
How to Serve
These muffins are just divine fresh out of the oven, but they can also be enjoyed warm or at room temperature with a slather of almond butter or a dollop of Greek yogurt. Pair them with a cup of herbal tea for a comforting afternoon snack, or enjoy one as a quick breakfast on-the-go.
If you want to elevate your presentation, sprinkle a little extra cinnamon on top before serving. What’s great is that they can also be a perfect addition to a brunch spread or a delightful treat for the kids after school.
Make Ahead and Storage
One of my favorite things about these Homemade Healthy Banana Muffins is how easy they are to store and freeze! Allow them to cool completely, and then you can keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to save some for later, place them in a freezer-safe container after they’ve cooled. They freeze beautifully and can last for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to warm them up.
In conclusion, this recipe is a win-win! Not only are these banana muffins a deliciously healthy snack option, but they are also impossibly easy to make. The whole family will love them, and you’ll love that they are guilt-free! Now, grab your bananas and let’s get baking!
Homemade Healthy Banana Muffins
Equipment
- Muffin Pan
Ingredients
- 4 medium bananas about 1 1/3 cups, mashed
- 1 large egg
- 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
- 3 Tablespoons light brown sugar
- 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour white or whole wheat
- 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter melted
Instructions
- Grease a standard muffin pan and preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Mash the bananas in a mixing bowl. Add egg, vanilla, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon; stir to combine.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; add to the banana mixture and stir until just combined.
- Gently stir in melted butter. Do not over-mix.
- Spoon the batter into the muffin pan and bake for 18-25 minutes.