Are you looking to satisfy your sweet tooth while maintaining a healthy diet? These Oatmeal Banana Muffins are the perfect combination of wholesome ingredients and delicious flavor. Packed with nutrient-rich oats, ripe bananas, and nut butter, these muffins serve as a nutritious snack or quick breakfast treat. Plus, they’re easy to make, which makes them perfect even for beginner bakers. Let’s dive in and get started!
Why You’ll Love These Muffins
What’s not to love about oatmeal banana muffins? They are:
- Naturally Sweetened : The bananas and coconut sugar offer the perfect amount of sweetness without the need for refined sugars.
- High in Fiber : Thanks to the oats, these muffins are loaded with fiber, which supports digestion and keeps you fuller for longer.
- Perfect for Meal Prep : These muffins are great for making ahead and storing, providing you with a healthy, grab-and-go snack throughout the week.
- Kid-Friendly & Dairy-Free : Since the recipe uses nut butter and vegetable oil instead of dairy, it’s ideal for those with dietary preferences or restrictions. Plus, kids love these too!
Ingredients Breakdown
Here’s a glimpse of the amazing ingredients you’ll use to bring these delectable muffins to life:
- Oat Flour : This is a gluten-free alternative to traditional flours. Whether you’re using oat, whole wheat, or all-purpose flour, your muffins will turn out great.
- Rolled Oats : These add a bit of texture and a wholesome flavor to the muffins.
- Ripe Bananas : Not only do they provide natural sweetness, but bananas also make the muffins moist and nutritious.
- Coconut Sugar (or Brown Sugar): A healthier alternative to refined sugar, giving your muffins a natural sweetness.
- Nut Butter : Whether you choose peanut, almond, or sunflower butter, this ingredient brings a richness and added protein to the muffins.
- Vegetable Oil : Canola or coconut oil works best, ensuring the muffins stay moist and soft.
- Eggs : Essential for binding the ingredients together for a tender crumb.
- Cinnamon and Vanilla Extract : For an extra layer of flavor and a touch of warmth.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
Before diving into the recipe, it’s important to gather your kitchen tools. Having the right tools on hand ensures you’ll create perfectly baked muffins without hassle.
Essential Tools:
- Mixing Bowls : You’ll need one large and one medium mixing bowl to combine your wet and dry ingredients effectively.
- Whisk or Fork : A strong whisk or fork will help you mash the bananas and mix the wet ingredients together smoothly.
- Muffin Liners and Muffin Pan : To avoid sticking and make your muffins presentable, muffin liners and a muffin pan are essential.
- Sifter : This helps you sift the oat flour, removing lumps and ensuring an even texture.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons : Accurate measurements are key to baking success, so make sure you’ve got your measuring tools ready.
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon : These will help you fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture without over-mixing.
Optional Tools:
- Cooling Rack : A cooling rack helps the muffins cool evenly after baking, though it’s not essential.
- Toothpicks : If you want to ensure your muffins are baked to perfection, testing with a toothpick helps ensure they’re done in the center.
Now that you have all your kitchen essentials ready, let’s start with the actual recipe!
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Oatmeal Banana Muffins
Let’s get to the fun part—making these delicious oatmeal banana muffins! Follow these easy steps to achieve the perfect muffins each time.
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F) . While the oven is heating up, line your muffin pan with muffin liners for an easy, non-stick baking experience. Muffin liners also make cleanup a lot easier!
Step 2: Mash the Bananas
Take your large mixing bowl and peel 3 ripe bananas (about 300 grams or 10 oz.). Using a fork, mash the bananas until they are completely smooth. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and moister the muffins will be.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
To the mashed bananas, add:
- 2 eggs
- 45 grams (3 tbsp) nut butter (almond, peanut, or sunflower seed butter)
- 45 ml (3 tbsp) vegetable oil (canola oil or melted coconut oil)
Use a whisk or fork to stir everything together until the mixture is well combined.
Step 4: Add Sugar & Spices
Once the wet ingredients are mixed, stir in:
- 65 grams (⅓ cup) coconut sugar (or brown sugar)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ⅙ tsp salt
Continue to whisk or stir the mixture for about two minutes, ensuring the sugar is dissolved and the mixture becomes smooth and evenly combined.
Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Now, it’s time to mix in your dry ingredients:
- 150 grams (1 ½ cups) oat flour (or whole wheat flour, or all-purpose flour)
- 70 grams (¾ cup) rolled oats
- 2 tsp baking powder
Sift the oat flour into the wet ingredients to remove any lumps. Add the rolled oats and baking powder, then use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently stir everything together. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can make the muffins tough instead of tender.
Step 6: Fill Muffin Liners
Now that the batter is ready, fill each muffin liner about ⅔ full with batter using a spoon or ice cream scoop. This ensures they have enough space to rise while baking without spilling over the edges.
Baking and Cooling the Muffins
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place the filled muffin pan into your preheated oven (180°C or 350°F) . Bake the oatmeal banana muffins for about 20 to 25 minutes . Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking, as this could make them too dry.
To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin. If the toothpick comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your muffins are ready! If there’s still wet batter, bake for an additional 2–3 minutes and check again.
Step 8: Cool Completely
Once baked, remove the muffin pan from the oven and allow the muffins to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes . Then, transfer them onto a cooling rack to finish cooling for another 10 to 15 minutes .
It might be tempting to dig in right away, but allowing them to cool will help the muffins set, giving you a perfectly moist texture.
How to Serve and Store Your Muffins
Serving Suggestions
These Oatmeal Banana Muffins are so versatile! Here are just a few ways to enjoy them:
- On their own : These muffins are moist and flavorful, making them perfect for eating on their own as a quick breakfast or snack.
- With toppings : Add a drizzle of honey, nut butter, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra touch of yum!
- Pair with coffee or tea : These muffins pair beautifully with a morning cup of coffee or your favorite herbal tea.
Storage Instructions
- At Room Temperature : Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days .
- In the Fridge : If you want to keep them fresher for a little longer, store them in the fridge for up to 5 days . Just make sure to bring them to room temperature before eating for the best texture.
- Freezing : You can also freeze these muffins! Individually wrap them in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months . When you’re ready to enjoy them, just thaw them at room temperature or give them a quick reheat in the microwave.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve just made a batch of wholesome, delicious Oatmeal Banana Muffins . Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, enjoying them as a snack, or freezing them for later, these muffins tick all the boxes: they’re easy to make, high in fiber, naturally sweetened, and bursting with real banana flavor.
By following this step-by-step recipe, you’ve created a treat that not only tastes good but is also good for you. Bonus: they’re perfect for meal prep and kid-approved!
So go ahead, share them with family and friends, or simply treat yourself. You’ve earned it!