Who doesn’t love a fresh muffin, especially when it’s packed with healthy ingredients and free from animal products? These Vegan Banana Oatmeal Muffins are not just delicious but also packed with nutrition. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast option or a dairy-free snack, this recipe is sure to hit the spot. Plus, it’s super simple to make!
Why Choose Vegan Muffins?
The Benefits of Plant-Based Baking
Vegan baking isn’t just for those avoiding animal products; it’s also a great way to make healthier baked goods. By swapping out ingredients like eggs and butter for plant-based alternatives, you can lower the cholesterol and saturated fat content of your favorite treats. Plus, vegan ingredients like flax eggs and bananas provide their own unique health benefits.
Ingredients Overview
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s break down the key ingredients and what makes them essential for these muffins:
Bananas as a Natural Sweetener
Bananas not only add natural sweetness but also help bind the ingredients together, giving the muffins a moist texture. They’re also packed with potassium and fiber, making them a great healthy choice.
Flax Eggs: A Perfect Vegan Binder
Flax eggs are a popular vegan substitute for regular eggs. They help to bind the ingredients while adding fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for a healthy diet.
All-Natural Peanut Butter for Rich Flavor
Peanut butter adds a rich, nutty flavor to the muffins while providing healthy fats and protein. Make sure to use all-natural peanut butter without added sugars or oils.
Oats for Fiber and Texture
Oats are an excellent source of fiber and give the muffins a hearty texture. Quick oats work best for this recipe, as they help absorb moisture and keep the muffins light.
Baking Powder for Light, Fluffy Muffins
Baking powder is crucial for giving the muffins a rise, making them light and fluffy. Just a small amount ensures that the muffins have the perfect texture.
Dark Chocolate Chips for a Sweet Touch
Dark chocolate chips add a sweet contrast to the hearty oats and bananas, making these muffins feel like a real treat. Opt for dark chocolate that’s dairy-free to keep the recipe vegan.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Bananas: If you don’t have bananas, applesauce or pumpkin puree can work as an alternative. They both offer a similar texture and natural sweetness.
- Flax Eggs: Chia eggs (made with chia seeds and water) can be used as a substitute for flax eggs.
- Peanut Butter: Allergic to nuts? You can swap the peanut butter for sunflower seed butter or tahini.
- Oats: For a gluten-free option, make sure to use certified gluten-free oats.
- Dark Chocolate Chips: If you’re not a fan of chocolate or want a healthier option, you can swap these out for raisins or chopped nuts
Helpful Tools for Making Vegan Muffins
Here are a few tools that will make the process easier and more efficient:
- Muffin Tray: A standard 12-cup muffin tray works perfectly for this recipe.
- Mixing Bowl: A large mixing bowl for combining the ingredients.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate measurements.
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon: To stir and combine the ingredients evenly.
- Muffin Liners: For easy removal and less cleanup.
- Cooling Rack: To allow the muffins to cool properly without getting soggy.
How to Make Vegan Banana Oatmeal Muffins
Prep Your Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a muffin tray with 10 baking liners and set it aside.
Making the Muffin Batter
Mash the Bananas: In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the peanut butter, flax eggs, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Stir until well combined.
Add Dry Ingredients: Add 1 cup of quick oats and baking powder to the mixture. Stir until everything is incorporated. Gradually add the remaining oats until you achieve a thick consistency.
Stir in the Chocolate Chips: Once the batter is the right texture, gently fold in the dark chocolate chips.
Dividing and Baking the Muffins
Divide the batter evenly among the 10 muffin liners.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Check if the muffins have lightly browned; if not, bake for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Let the muffins cool on a cooling rack before serving.
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Muffins
- Check the Consistency: Depending on the size and ripeness of your bananas, you may need to adjust the amount of oats. The batter should be thick but not dry.
- Use Muffin Liners: This helps prevent the muffins from sticking to the tray and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Storing Leftovers: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
FAQ
Yes! Just use certified gluten-free oats.
Sunflower seed butter or tahini are great nut-free alternatives.
Absolutely! Store them in an airtight container, and they’ll last in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Healthy Vegan Banana Oatmeal Muffins
Ingredients
- 2 large ripe bananas (or 3 small)
- 2 flax eggs (2 flax eggs is: 2 tbsp ground flax mixed with 6 tbsp water)
- ½ cup all-natural peanut butter
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups quick oats
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ⅓ cup dark chocolate chips
Instructions
Prep
- Pre-heat the oven to 375 degrees and add 10 muffin baking liners to the muffins trays.
Making Muffin Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas.
- Next, add in the peanut butter, flax eggs and vanilla extract. Stir to combine.
- Now add in 1 cup of the quick oats and the baking powder. Stir to combine. The mixture should be quite thick so slowly add in the rest of the oats until you reach a nice thick consistency.
- Depending on the size and ripeness of your bananas, you may not need the full 1 ½ cups of oats. See the pictures for reference on the consistency.
- Now stir in the dark chocolate chips.
Dividing and Baking
- Divide the muffin batter evenly between the 10 muffin liners.
- Bake at 375 for 15 mins. Check if the muffins have lightly browned, if not add them in for another 2-3 mins.
- Serve with your favourite spread such as butter, or peanut butter if desired and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Conclusion: Vegan Banana Oatmeal Muffins
Vegan Banana Oatmeal Muffins are a fantastic, healthy, and delicious option for breakfast or a snack. They’re easy to make, packed with nutrients, and perfect for anyone following a plant-based diet. Plus, with a few simple substitutions, this recipe can be adapted to suit any dietary preference.
These muffins are sooooo delicious and healthy!! I like to pack a couple from the freezer when I go to work! They are easy and I can eat them when I try to sneak a run in on my break!!
Thanks again for sharing!!
This was such a great recipe!! Loved how simple to make. Super tasty and healthy!
Thank you SO much I’m so happy you loved it!
Loved these healthy muffins!! And anything banana I’m here for!! 🍌 💛
I’m so happy you loved them! and me too I just loved banana in baked goods!
These muffins were amazing! Thanks Essy!
I’m so happy you loved these healthy muffins! THank you so much 🙂