These Healthy Banana Walnut Muffins are a delightful blend of wholesome ingredients and irresistible flavor. Moist and tender, they’re packed with natural sweetness from ripe bananas and a satisfying crunch from toasted walnuts. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a batch that’s perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert. With only 132 calories each, they’re guilt-free yet indulgent enough to satisfy your cravings.
The warm aroma of cinnamon and freshly baked bananas will fill your kitchen, making these muffins impossible to resist. Each bite offers a harmonious balance of soft crumb and nutty texture, while being rich in fiber and protein. Easy to make and even easier to love, they’re a treat that’s as nourishing for your body as it is for your soul.
Ingredients for Healthy Banana Walnut Muffins
- 4 ripe bananas (the riper, the sweeter!)
- 1 egg (or substitute with 1 flax egg for a vegan option)
- ⅓ cup plain Greek yogurt (or use dairy-free yogurt for a vegan version)
- 2 Tablespoons unsweetened applesauce (or substitute with melted coconut oil)
- ⅓ cup brown sugar (or use coconut sugar for a less refined option)
- ¼ cup maple syrup (pure maple syrup works best)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional, but adds warmth)
- 2 cups whole wheat flour (or use all-purpose flour if preferred)
- 1 cup walnuts, chopped (toast them for extra flavor!)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a muffin tin by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray or lining it with muffin liners.
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas with a fork until smooth but slightly chunky.
- Add the egg, Greek yogurt, applesauce, brown sugar, maple syrup, and vanilla to the mashed bananas. Mix until everything is well combined.
- Stir in the baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Then, gently fold in the whole wheat flour until just combined (avoid overmixing).
- Fold in the chopped walnuts until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Using a spoon or ice cream scoop, fill each muffin tin about ⅔ full with the batter.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-22 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Enjoy warm or store in an airtight container for up to 3 days!
Creative Toppings and Serving Ideas
Take your Healthy Banana Walnut Muffins to the next level with a drizzle of honey or a dollop of almond butter for extra richness. For a touch of indulgence, sprinkle a few dark chocolate chips on top before baking. These muffins pair perfectly with a cup of hot coffee or a glass of cold almond milk for a wholesome breakfast or snack.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store your muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days. To keep them fresh longer, freeze them in a ziplock bag for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm them in a toaster oven for a crispy exterior.
Recipe Variations to Try
Swap out the walnuts for pecans or almonds for a different nutty flavor. If you’re out of Greek yogurt, sour cream or coconut yogurt works as a great substitute. For a gluten-free option, replace the whole wheat flour with almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend. You can also add chia seeds or flaxseeds for an extra boost of nutrition.
Time-Saving Tips for Busy Bakers
To save time, mash the bananas and mix the wet ingredients the night before. Store the mixture in the fridge, then simply add the dry ingredients and bake in the morning. Use a cookie scoop to evenly portion the batter into the muffin tin for quick and mess-free prep. Cleanup is a breeze if you line the muffin tin with silicone liners instead of spraying it.
Common Questions Answered
Can I use frozen bananas? Absolutely! Thaw them first and drain any excess liquid. What if I don’t have applesauce? Substitute with mashed avocado or coconut oil for a similar texture. How do I know when the muffins are done? Insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, they’re ready. Let them cool slightly before enjoying!
Healthy Banana Walnut Muffins
Ingredients
- 4 bananas, ripe
- 1 egg
- ⅓ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 Tablespoons unsweetened applesauce
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 cup walnuts, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- In a large mixing bowl, mash bananas with a fork.
- Mix in an egg, Greek yogurt, apple sauce, brown sugar, maple syrup and vanilla until well combined.
- Add salt, cinnamon, nutmeg and flour and mix until well combined.
- Fold in chopped walnuts.
- Spray a muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray.
- Scoop batter into each muffin tin until 2/3 full.
- Bake for 20-22 minutes or until golden brown on top.