Healthy Muffins With Banana And Cinnamon

Name: Healthy Muffins With Banana And Cinnamon
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12 muffins
Ingredients: 3 ripe bananas, mashed; 1/3 cup melted coconut oil; 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 eggs; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour

Highlighted under: Wholesome Kitchen

I've always loved baking, and these Healthy Muffins with Banana and Cinnamon have become a staple in my kitchen. They're not only easy to whip up, but they also offer a delightful blend of flavors that everyone enjoys. Each bite is infused with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and the warm, comforting aroma of cinnamon. I love how these muffins are perfect for breakfast on the go or as a healthier snack option throughout the day. Plus, they pack in some great nutrition, too!

Created by

Eleanor Briggs

Last updated on 2026-01-22T09:22:10.571Z

When I experimented with this recipe, I discovered just how versatile muffins can be. Using ripe bananas not only sweetens them naturally but also adds moisture, which is crucial for texture. I particularly like using whole grain flour to boost the health factor, and it blends seamlessly with the cinnamon to create a wholesome treat.

One of the best tips I learned is to let the batter rest for a few minutes before baking. This allows the flour to hydrate fully, resulting in muffins that are both fluffy and tender. Trust me, once you try them, you'll be making these frequently!

Why You Will Love These Muffins
Naturally sweetened with ripe bananas
Warm spices of cinnamon enhance every bite
Perfectly moist and fluffy texture without added sugars

The Importance of Ripe Bananas

Using ripe bananas is crucial for the best flavor and texture in these muffins. The natural sweetness of overripe bananas not only enhances the overall taste but also allows you to reduce or eliminate added sugar. Look for bananas that are heavily speckled with brown spots; they will be sweeter and softer, making them easier to mash and incorporate into the batter. This will give your muffins that perfect moist consistency that everyone loves.

Moreover, ripe bananas contribute to the nutritional profile of the muffins. They are rich in potassium, vitamin C, and dietary fiber, which can promote heart health and aid digestion. If you're in a pinch and only have firm bananas, consider placing them in a paper bag to ripen them faster. Just be sure to check on them frequently—they can turn too soft if you leave them too long.

Tips for Perfect Muffin Texture

Achieving a moist and fluffy muffin texture is all about not overmixing the batter once you combine the wet and dry ingredients. The key here is to mix until just combined, which means there should still be some lumps in the batter. Overmixing can cause gluten to develop too much, resulting in dense muffins rather than light and airy ones. A gentle folding technique is best; it helps maintain the muffins' airy structure.

Another tip for perfect muffins is to allow the batter to rest for a few minutes before pouring it into the muffin tin. This short resting period promotes better air distribution, leading to taller muffins. Keep in mind that keeping a close eye on the baking time is essential; check for doneness a minute or two before the suggested baking time. The muffins should spring back when lightly pressed and have a lovely golden hue on top.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make these delicious and healthy muffins:

Ingredients

3 ripe bananas, mashed
1/3 cup melted coconut oil
1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 eggs
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour

Make sure your bananas are well-mashed for the best results!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your muffins:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, melted coconut oil, honey (or maple syrup), vanilla extract, and eggs.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and whole wheat flour.

Combine Mixtures

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined; do not overmix.

Fill Muffin Tin

Evenly distribute the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 full.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy your healthy muffins warm or store them in an airtight container for later!

Pro Tips

For added texture, consider mixing in some chopped nuts or dark chocolate chips to the batter before baking.

Storing and Freezing

These muffins are not just delightful when freshly baked; they can also be stored for later enjoyment. To keep your muffins fresh, allow them to cool completely and then store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to extend their shelf life, consider freezing them. Wrap each muffin tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag, where they can last for about three months.

When you're ready to enjoy a frozen muffin, simply take it out the night before and let it thaw at room temperature. For a warm treat, reheat muffins in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This will recreate that freshly-baked taste, making them a perfect snack any time of day.

Variations to Try

While these banana and cinnamon muffins are satisfying on their own, there are plenty of variations you can experiment with. For a nutty flavor and added texture, consider folding in a half cup of chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter. If you prefer a hint of chocolate, you can add half a cup of dark chocolate chips—this addition pairs wonderfully with the banana and cinnamon flavors.

For a tropical twist, try adding shredded coconut, or you can incorporate chopped apples for an apple-banana combo. Feel free to get creative with spices, too! A pinch of nutmeg or ginger can add an exciting depth of flavor. Just remember to maintain the balance of wet and dry ingredients if you make significant changes to the mix.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other sweeteners instead of honey?

Yes, maple syrup or agave nectar are great alternatives if you're looking for a vegan option.

→ How do I store the muffins?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.

→ Can I freeze these muffins?

Absolutely! Just make sure to wrap them individually before putting them in a freezer bag.

→ What can I substitute for eggs?

You can use flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water = 1 egg) or unsweetened applesauce as a substitute.