Craving a delightful treat that’s both vegan and scrumptious? Dive into the world of Vegan Banana Nut Muffins! These soft, bakery-style muffins are a perfect blend of sweet bananas and toasty walnuts, creating a heavenly texture that’s fluffy, moist, and utterly delicious. Whether for breakfast or dessert, these muffins strike the ideal balance – not too sweet, just right.
Ingredients
In order to prepare these delectable vegan banana nut muffins, you will need the following ingredients categorized into dry, wet, and optional add-ins.
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup coconut sugar
- 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal
- 1 cup dairy-free milk (such as soy milk)
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (vegan-friendly)
Equipment Needed
When preparing these vegan banana nut muffins, having the right tools and utensils can make the baking process smoother and more efficient. Here are the essential items you’ll need:
Baking Tools
To create these delicious muffins, you will need a few key baking tools:
- Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining all the ingredients thoroughly.
- Wire Cooling Rack: Used for cooling the muffins after baking.
- Muffin Baking Pan: For baking the muffins to perfection.
- Ice Cream Scoop: Recommended for evenly scooping the muffin batter into the pan.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For precise measurements of dry and liquid ingredients.
- Kitchen Scale (optional): Useful for weighing ingredients for precision in baking.
Preparation Instructions
Before diving into making these delicious vegan banana nut muffins, let’s ensure we have everything ready to go. In this section, I’ll guide you through preparing the ingredients and preheating the oven for the perfect baking environment.
Preparing the Ingredients
- Start by preheating your oven to 375 ºF (190 ºC) and either line a muffin pan with paper liners or lightly grease it with oil. Set the pan aside to be ready for filling later.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed ripe bananas, sugar, dairy-free milk, oil, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together until you achieve a fairly smooth consistency.
- In a separate small mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon until they are well combined and fluffy.
- Add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and gently mix until everything is mostly combined, leaving some lumps is okay. Fold in the chopped walnuts into the batter to add that extra texture and nutty flavor.
- Once you have your muffin batter ready, divide it evenly between the 12 muffin cups, filling them almost to the top. Sprinkle finely chopped walnuts on the top of each muffin and lightly press them into the batter for a beautiful finishing touch.
- Place the muffin pan in the preheated oven and bake at 375 ºF (190 ºC) for about 18-22 minutes, or until a tester comes out clean when inserted into the center. After baking, allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack for complete cooling. Remember, the muffin liners will peel off more cleanly once the muffins have fully cooled.
Baking Instructions
Let’s dive into the baking process to bring these vegan banana nut muffins to life. From mixing the batter to filling the muffin cups and determining the baking time and temperature, follow these steps for a perfect batch of muffins.
Mixing the Batter
To start, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and prepare your muffin pan. In a large bowl, combine the flour, white sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg, and salt. In a separate bowl, mash the bananas and mix them with canola oil and coconut milk. Combine the wet and dry ingredients until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. Add in chopped nuts and banana chunks, giving it a few more stirs.
Filling the Muffin Cups
Lightly grease the muffin cups or line them with nonstick liners. Divide the batter evenly among the cups, filling each about 3/4 full. Optionally, sprinkle extra chopped nuts on top for added crunch and flavor.
Customization Tips
When customizing your vegan banana nut muffins, consider experimenting with alternative sweeteners and flours as well as exploring different nut and fruit variations to elevate the flavor profile of your muffins.
Alternative Sweeteners and Flours
- Sweeteners: Explore using alternatives like maple syrup, agave nectar, or date syrup instead of coconut sugar for a different level of sweetness in your muffins.
- Flours: Experiment with whole wheat flour, spelt flour, or almond flour as substitutes for all-purpose flour to add different textures and flavors to your muffins.
- Nuts: Mix things up by using pecans, almonds, or pistachios instead of walnuts to bring a unique crunch and taste to your muffins.
- Fruits: Incorporate diced apples, dried cranberries, or blueberries into the batter to add bursts of sweetness and tanginess to your muffins.
Storage and Freezing Tips
Storing at Room Temperature
After baking your delicious vegan banana nut muffins, it’s best to store them at room temperature for optimal flavor and texture. Allow the muffins to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. Line the container with a paper towel to absorb any excess moisture, ensuring your muffins stay fresh and moist for up to five days.
Freezing and Reheating
To extend the shelf life of your vegan banana nut muffins, consider freezing them. Once cooled, place the muffins in an airtight container or freezer bag and store them in the freezer for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw the muffins at room temperature for a few hours. To reheat, warm them in the microwave or oven for a crispy top and moist center.
Conclusion
I hope this article has inspired you to try out these delicious Vegan Banana Nut Muffins. With their perfect blend of flavors and textures, they make a fantastic addition to any meal. Whether enjoyed for breakfast or as a tasty dessert, these muffins are sure to satisfy your cravings for something sweet and wholesome. Remember, you can always customize the recipe to suit your preferences by experimenting with different ingredients and variations. Be sure to follow the storage and freezing tips to keep your muffins fresh for longer. Happy baking!