Banana muffins are a delicious and wholesome treat perfect for breakfast or a snack. This homemade recipe uses oats instead of traditional flour, adding a healthful twist and a unique texture. The muffins are sweetened with maple syrup and a hint of pumpkin pie spice, setting them apart from ordinary banana muffins.
Most of these ingredients are common pantry items, but a couple may need to be sourced. Turbinado sugar, also known as raw sugar, is less processed than white sugar and has a deeper flavor. It can usually be found in the baking aisle. Pumpkin pie spice is a blend of spices including cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves that is often used in fall recipes. If you can't find it, you can make your own with equal parts of these spices.
Ingredients for Homemade Banana Muffins
Old-fashioned oats: A healthier alternative to all-purpose flour, providing fiber and nutrients.
Pumpkin pie spice: A blend of spices that gives a warm, autumnal flavor.
Baking soda: A leavening agent that helps the muffins rise.
Sea salt: Enhances the flavors in the muffins.
Eggs: Binds the ingredients together.
Almond milk: A dairy-free alternative that adds moisture.
Bananas: Adds natural sweetness and moisture.
Maple syrup: A natural sweetener with a distinct flavor.
Coconut oil: A healthier fat that adds moisture to the muffins.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavors.
Turbinado sugar: Sprinkled on top for added sweetness and crunch.
One reader, Francene Stover says:
These homemade banana muffins are a game-changer! The blend of oats and ripe bananas creates a delightful texture, and the touch of maple syrup adds the perfect amount of sweetness. They're easy to make and taste absolutely delicious. I can't get enough of them!
Mastering the Art of Muffin Making
How to puree oats: Blend the oats in a blender or food processor until they reach a flour-like consistency. This will help create a smoother texture in the muffins.
How to fold ingredients: Gently combine the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can result in dense muffins, so it's important to fold the ingredients together gently.
How to check for doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin. If it comes out clean, the muffins are done. If there is batter on the toothpick, continue baking for a few more minutes before checking again.
How To Make Homemade Banana Muffins
Enjoy a guilt-free dessert with these homemade banana muffins made with old-fashioned oats, mashed ripe bananas, and lightly sweetened with maple syrup.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 3cupsold-fashioned oats
- 1tbsppumpkin pie spicehomemade or store-bought
- 1½tspbaking soda
- ¾tspfine sea salt
- 2eggs
- 1cupalmond milk unsweetened, plain or vanilla
- 1cupripe bananastightly-packed and mashed
- ½cupmaple syrup
- 3tbspcoconut oilor any mild-flavored oil, melted
- 1tspvanilla extract
- turbinado sugaroptional, for sprinkling
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Line a 12-cup muffin pan with baking liners, or lightly grease with cooking spray. Set aside.
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Puree oats in a blender or food processor until they reach a flour-like consistency. Add in the pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, and sea salt, and pulse until the mixture is evenly combined. Set aside.
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In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, mashed banana, maple syrup, coconut oil, and vanilla extract until evenly combined.
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Fold the dry ingredients in with the wet ingredient mixture, and stir until the mixture is just combined.
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Portion the ingredients into prepared baking cups. Then sprinkle a pinch of turbinado sugar on top of each muffin if desired.
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Bake for 15 to 18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the muffins comes out clean. Remove from the oven and place the pan on a cooling rack for 5 minutes.
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Serve warm or let the muffins cool to room temperature, then store in a sealed container for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Calories: 174.20kcal
- Fat: 5.80g
- Saturated Fat: 3.51g
- Trans Fat: 0.00g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 1.45g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.90g
- Carbohydrates: 28.38g
- Fiber: 2.55g
- Sugar: 11.62g
- Protein: 3.99g
- Cholesterol: 26.66mg
- Sodium: 197.30mg
- Calcium: 70.49mg
- Potassium: 193.75mg
- Iron: 1.28mg
- Vitamin A: 12.09µg
- Vitamin C: 1.74mg
Pro Tip for Perfect Banana Muffins Every Time
When mashing your bananas, ensure they are ripe enough. Overripe bananas are best for baking as they are sweeter and easier to mash. If your bananas are not ripe enough, you can speed up the ripening process by placing them in a brown paper bag for a day or two. This will concentrate the ethylene gas that bananas naturally produce, which accelerates ripening.
Streamline Your Banana Muffin Baking Process
Prep ahead: Measure and prepare all your ingredients the night before to streamline the baking process.
Quick cleanup: Clean as you go to avoid a big mess at the end, making the process more efficient.
Use ripe bananas: Ripe bananas are easier to mash, saving time and effort in the preparation process.
One-bowl method: Opt for recipes that use one bowl for mixing to minimize cleanup time.
Batch baking: Double the recipe and freeze the extra muffins for a quick and convenient breakfast or snack option.
Organized workspace: Keep your workspace organized and tidy to avoid wasting time searching for tools and ingredients.
Substitute Ingredients For Homemade Banana Muffins Recipe
old-fashioned oats - Substitute with quinoa flakes: Quinoa flakes have a similar texture and nutty flavor, making them a suitable replacement for oats in this recipe.
pumpkin pie spice - Substitute with cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger: You can create your own pumpkin pie spice blend by combining cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger in equal parts for a similar flavor profile.
baking soda - Substitute with baking powder: Baking powder can be used as a substitute for baking soda in this recipe, but you may need to adjust the quantity as baking powder is not as strong as baking soda.
fine sea salt - Substitute with kosher salt: Kosher salt can be used as a substitute for fine sea salt in this recipe, but you may need to adjust the quantity as kosher salt is less dense than fine sea salt.
eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: To make a flax egg, mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens. This can be used as a vegan substitute for eggs in the recipe.
almond milk - Substitute with coconut milk: Coconut milk can be used as a substitute for almond milk, adding a rich and creamy texture to the muffins.
ripe bananas - Substitute with applesauce: Applesauce can be used as a substitute for ripe bananas, providing moisture and sweetness to the muffins.
maple syrup - Substitute with honey: Honey can be used as a substitute for maple syrup, adding a natural sweetness to the muffins.
coconut oil - Substitute with butter: Butter can be used as a substitute for coconut oil, adding a rich and creamy flavor to the muffins.
vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract can be used as a substitute for vanilla extract, adding a nutty and sweet flavor to the muffins.
turbinado sugar - Substitute with brown sugar: Brown sugar can be used as a substitute for turbinado sugar, providing a similar caramel-like sweetness to the muffins.
Creative Ways to Serve Banana Muffins
Elevate the muffin with a garnish: Add a touch of elegance to the presentation by garnishing the muffins with thinly sliced bananas or a sprinkle of edible flowers. This will add visual appeal and showcase attention to detail.
Create a beautiful plating: Use a sleek, white plate to create a stunning contrast with the golden-brown muffins. Place the muffin off-center and add a drizzle of maple syrup in an artistic pattern around the plate for a sophisticated presentation.
Incorporate texture: Consider serving the muffins on a bed of oatmeal crumble to add a delightful crunch to each bite. This will elevate the overall texture and provide a unique twist to the dish.
Utilize height and layers: Stack the muffins on a small pedestal or cake stand to create an illusion of height. This will draw attention to the muffins and make them stand out on the plate.
Add a touch of color: Introduce a pop of color to the plate by serving the muffins with a side of fresh mixed berries. The vibrant hues will enhance the visual appeal and add a refreshing element to the presentation.
Essential Equipment for Baking Muffins
Blender: A blender is a versatile kitchen tool used for pureeing, blending, and mixing ingredients. It's great for creating smooth batters and purees for recipes like this one.
Muffin pan: A muffin pan is a baking tool specifically designed for making muffins. It typically has 6 or 12 cups and is essential for shaping and baking the muffins.
Baking liners: Baking liners, also known as muffin liners, are paper or foil cups used to line the muffin pan. They prevent the muffins from sticking to the pan and make for easy cleanup.
Cooking spray: Cooking spray is a convenient tool for greasing baking pans and liners, ensuring that the muffins release easily after baking.
Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is essential for combining ingredients. It's used for whisking together wet ingredients and folding in dry ingredients to create the muffin batter.
Whisk: A whisk is a kitchen tool used for blending and mixing ingredients. It's particularly useful for ensuring that the wet ingredients are thoroughly combined.
Measuring cups: Measuring cups are used to accurately measure and portion ingredients such as almond milk, maple syrup, and coconut oil for the muffin batter.
Measuring spoons: Measuring spoons are essential for accurately measuring small amounts of ingredients, such as baking soda and salt, to ensure the right balance of flavors and textures in the muffins.
Oven: The oven is used for baking the muffins at the specified temperature, ensuring they cook evenly and develop a golden-brown crust.
Cooling rack: A cooling rack is used to allow the freshly baked muffins to cool evenly and prevent them from becoming soggy on the bottom.
Preserving the Freshness of Your Banana Muffins
Once the banana muffins have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag at room temperature for up to 3 days. This will help maintain their freshness and prevent them from drying out.
If you want to keep the muffins fresh for a longer period, consider storing them in the refrigerator. Place them in an airtight container or wrap them individually in plastic wrap before refrigerating. Muffins stored in the refrigerator will last for up to 1 week.
For even longer storage, you can freeze the banana muffins. Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Label the container or bag with the date, so you can easily track how long they've been frozen. Properly stored, frozen muffins will maintain their best quality for up to 3 months.
To thaw frozen banana muffins, remove them from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for about an hour. Alternatively, you can microwave individual muffins on high for 15-30 seconds, or until heated through. If you prefer a crispy top, you can also reheat the muffins in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes.
If you plan on freezing the muffins, consider using paper liners in the muffin pan before baking. This will make it easier to wrap and freeze the muffins individually, and will also help prevent them from sticking together in the freezer.
Reviving Leftover Banana Muffins
To reheat leftover banana muffins, start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature will help to warm the muffins through without drying them out or making them too crispy on the outside.
Place the muffins on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. This will prevent the muffins from sticking to the pan and make cleanup a breeze.
If you want to add a little extra moisture to the muffins, you can brush them lightly with some melted butter or coconut oil. This will help to keep them soft and tender on the inside.
Once the oven is preheated, place the baking sheet with the muffins inside and let them warm up for about 5-10 minutes. The exact time will depend on how cold the muffins were to begin with and how warm you like them.
If you're in a hurry, you can also reheat the muffins in the microwave. Simply place one or two muffins on a microwave-safe plate and heat them on high for about 15-20 seconds. Be careful not to overheat them, as this can make them tough and rubbery.
Another option is to slice the muffins in half and toast them in a toaster oven or under the broiler. This will give them a nice crispy texture on the outside while keeping them soft and fluffy on the inside. Just be sure to keep a close eye on them so they don't burn.
If you want to get creative, you can also try slicing the muffins in half and spreading them with some nut butter, jam, or cream cheese. This will add some extra flavor and nutrition to your reheated muffins.
Finally, if you have a lot of leftover muffins, you can freeze them for later. Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you're ready to eat them, just thaw them out at room temperature or in the microwave before reheating as described above.
Interesting Trivia About Banana Muffins
The recipe contains bananas which are a great source of potassium, vitamin B6, and fiber. They are also known to help regulate blood sugar levels and improve digestive health.
Budget-Friendly Banana Muffin Recipe
The homemade banana muffins recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, such as oats, bananas, and maple syrup, are relatively affordable and commonly found in most households. The recipe yields a delicious and nutritious treat that can be enjoyed for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10, making it a budget-friendly option. Overall Verdict: 9/10
Are Banana Muffins Good for You?
This banana muffin recipe has several healthy ingredients, such as old-fashioned oats, almond milk, and ripe bananas. Oats are a great source of fiber, which can help with digestion and keeping you feeling full. Bananas provide natural sweetness and are rich in potassium and vitamin C. The recipe also uses maple syrup as a natural sweetener instead of refined sugar, which is a healthier alternative.
However, there are a few areas where the recipe could be improved to make it even healthier:
- Replace the coconut oil with a healthier oil, such as avocado oil or olive oil, which are lower in saturated fat and have beneficial monounsaturated fats
- Reduce the amount of maple syrup to lower the overall sugar content of the muffins
- Add in some chopped nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, for an extra boost of healthy fats and protein
- Consider using a mix of whole wheat flour and oat flour to increase the fiber content and provide a more balanced nutritional profile
- Add in some fresh or frozen berries for added antioxidants and natural sweetness without increasing the sugar content significantly
By making these small adjustments, you can transform this already relatively healthy banana muffin recipe into an even more nutritious and wholesome treat that you can feel good about enjoying as part of a balanced diet.
Editor's Take: Homemade Banana Muffins
As a culinary expert, I find this homemade banana muffin recipe to be a delightful and wholesome treat. The use of oats and almond milk adds a nutritious twist, while the combination of ripe bananas, maple syrup, and coconut oil infuses a natural sweetness. The addition of pumpkin pie spice provides a warm and comforting flavor profile, making these muffins perfect for any time of day. The simple instructions make this recipe accessible for all levels of home cooks. Overall, these muffins are a delightful and healthy indulgence that will surely satisfy any craving.
Why trust this Homemade Banana Muffins Recipe:
This homemade banana muffin recipe is a delicious and nutritious choice for your breakfast or snack. The use of ripe bananas adds natural sweetness and a boost of potassium, while the incorporation of almond milk and coconut oil provides a healthier alternative to traditional ingredients. The inclusion of oats offers a hearty texture and a dose of fiber, making these muffins a satisfying and wholesome treat. With the perfect blend of pumpkin pie spice and maple syrup, these muffins are bursting with flavor. Trust this recipe for a delightful and nourishing baking experience.
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