The Best Fluffy Pancakes recipe you will fall in love with. Full of tips and tricks to help you make the best pancakes.
There’s something incredibly comforting about the smell of freshly baked muffins filling the kitchen—and this Vegan Banana Nut Muffins Recipe brings all that cozy, homemade goodness without any animal products. Whether you’re fully plant-based or just looking for a healthier alternative, these muffins are a must-try. They’re soft, moist, and naturally sweet thanks to ripe bananas, with just the right crunch from chopped walnuts.
What makes this Vegan Banana Nut Muffins Recipe even better is how easy it is to throw together using simple pantry staples. No fancy ingredients, no complicated steps—just real, wholesome food that tastes amazing. Perfect for busy mornings, quick snacks, or even as a sweet addition to your brunch table, these muffins are a hit with vegans and non-vegans alike. If you’re trying to use up some overripe bananas, this recipe might just become your new go-to. One bite, and you’ll see why!
Vegan Banana Nut Muffins Recipe Ingredients
Before diving into the baking process, let’s take a closer look at what makes this Vegan Banana Nut Muffins Recipe so flavorful and nourishing. Each ingredient plays an important role in achieving the perfect texture and taste—moist, fluffy, and packed with natural sweetness and crunch. The beauty of this recipe is that it uses simple, everyday pantry staples, making it easy to whip up whenever those bananas on your counter start to brown.
Ripe Bananas
Ripe bananas are the heart of this recipe. They bring natural sweetness, a rich banana flavor, and help bind the batter together—perfectly replacing eggs in vegan baking. The riper they are, the better the flavor and moisture they’ll provide.
All-Purpose Flour
All-purpose flour gives these muffins a soft, tender crumb. If you want a slightly denser and nuttier flavor, you can swap some or all of it with whole wheat flour. A 50/50 mix is a great way to strike the perfect balance between fluffy and hearty.
Baking Soda and Baking Powder
These two ingredients work together as leavening agents, helping the muffins rise beautifully. Even without eggs, this combo ensures your muffins turn out light and airy with just the right texture.
Plant-Based Milk
Any non-dairy milk—like almond, soy, oat, or cashew—adds the moisture the batter needs. It also contributes to a rich, smooth texture while keeping the muffins completely dairy-free.
Maple Syrup or Coconut Sugar
Both of these natural sweeteners are great alternatives to refined sugar. Maple syrup brings a subtle caramel-like flavor, while coconut sugar offers a more earthy sweetness. Either choice keeps the muffins just sweet enough without being overwhelming.
Coconut Oil or Olive Oil
A bit of oil goes a long way in making these muffins moist and tender. Coconut oil adds a delicate richness, while olive oil provides a more neutral flavor—both work beautifully in this vegan-friendly recipe.
Vanilla Extract
Just a splash of vanilla enhances the other flavors and adds that warm, familiar bakery-style aroma. It’s a small addition that makes a noticeable difference.
Chopped Walnuts
Walnuts add a satisfying crunch and a boost of healthy fats. You can lightly toast them beforehand to bring out their natural nuttiness, making them even more flavorful.
Ground Cinnamon
Though optional, cinnamon pairs wonderfully with banana and nuts, adding a warm, comforting spice that elevates the overall flavor of the muffins.
Tools and Equipment
Before you begin baking your delicious Vegan Banana Nut Muffins, it’s important to have the right tools and equipment on hand. While this recipe is fairly simple and beginner-friendly, using the proper kitchen tools can make the process smoother, faster, and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need to ensure everything comes together perfectly.
Mixing Bowls
You’ll need at least two mixing bowls—one for the dry ingredients and another for the wet ingredients. Choose bowls that are large enough to comfortably mix without ingredients spilling over the edges. A set of nesting bowls in various sizes is ideal for any baking project.
Measuring Cups and Spoons
Accuracy is key in baking. Use standard measuring cups for dry ingredients and a liquid measuring cup for plant-based milk or maple syrup. Measuring spoons are also essential for smaller amounts like vanilla extract, baking soda, and cinnamon.
Whisk and Spatula
A whisk is great for combining dry ingredients and for mixing wet ingredients until smooth. A silicone or rubber spatula is helpful for folding ingredients together without overmixing, as well as for scraping down the sides of the bowl to avoid waste.
Muffin Tin
A standard 12-cup muffin tin is perfect for this recipe. Make sure it’s clean and lightly greased, or use paper muffin liners to make removal easier and cleanup quicker. You can also use a silicone muffin tray if you prefer a non-stick, reusable option.
Ice Cream Scoop or Spoon
An ice cream scoop with a trigger makes portioning the muffin batter super easy and consistent. If you don’t have one, a large spoon will work—just try to distribute the batter evenly so all muffins bake at the same rate.
Cooling Rack
Once the muffins are done baking, you’ll want to let them cool on a wire cooling rack. This prevents the bottoms from becoming soggy and allows air to circulate, helping the muffins set properly.
Oven Mitts
Always have a good pair of oven mitts or heat-resistant gloves on hand when handling hot pans. Safety first—especially when removing a hot muffin tin from the oven.
Vegan Banana Nut Muffins Recipe Instructions
Now that your ingredients and tools are ready, it’s time to bring everything together and start baking! This Vegan Banana Nut Muffins Recipe is simple and beginner-friendly, making it perfect for a quick breakfast, snack, or healthy treat. Follow these step-by-step instructions to get perfectly moist, flavorful muffins every time.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). A properly heated oven is essential for even baking and achieving a light, fluffy texture. Make sure your oven rack is placed in the center for the best results.
Step 2: Prepare the Muffin Tin
Lightly grease a standard 12-cup muffin tin with a little oil or non-stick spray. Alternatively, you can line each cup with paper muffin liners for easy cleanup and convenient serving.
Step 3: Mash the Bananas
In a large mixing bowl, peel and mash your ripe bananas using a fork or potato masher until smooth with just a few small lumps. This mashed banana forms the base of your wet ingredients and provides natural sweetness and moisture.
Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients
To the mashed bananas, add your plant-based milk, maple syrup or coconut sugar, melted coconut oil or olive oil, and vanilla extract. Whisk everything together until fully combined and smooth. The wet mixture should be creamy and well blended.
Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine your flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon (if using). Use a whisk or spoon to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices throughout the flour.
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to the bowl of wet ingredients. Use a spatula or large spoon to gently fold the ingredients together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—doing so can make the muffins dense instead of light and fluffy. A few streaks of flour are okay at this stage.
Step 7: Fold in Nuts
Add your chopped walnuts to the batter and gently fold them in until evenly distributed. If you’d like, you can save a few walnut pieces to sprinkle on top of the muffins before baking for extra crunch and visual appeal.
Step 8: Divide Batter and Bake
Using an ice cream scoop or large spoon, evenly divide the batter among the 12 muffin cups. Each should be about ¾ full. Place the muffin tin in your preheated oven and bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
Step 9: Cooling and Serving
Once baked, remove the muffin tin from the oven and let the muffins cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. This prevents them from becoming soggy on the bottom and helps them set properly. Serve warm or at room temperature—and enjoy!
Tips and Variations
Whether you’re baking for the first time or looking to fine-tune your technique, a few helpful tips and creative variations can take your Vegan Banana Nut Muffins Recipe to the next level. These muffins are already delicious as-is, but small adjustments can personalize the flavor, texture, and nutrition to suit your needs and preferences.
Tips for Perfect Muffins
For the best results, always use very ripe bananas with lots of brown spots—they’re naturally sweeter and mash more easily. Avoid overmixing your batter; stir just until the wet and dry ingredients are combined.
Overmixing can lead to dense muffins instead of the light, fluffy ones you’re aiming for. Also, don’t skip preheating the oven. An evenly heated oven ensures the muffins rise properly and bake evenly.
To keep your muffins from sticking, use parchment paper liners or silicone baking cups, especially if you’re skipping oil in the tin. And always let them cool slightly before removing from the pan to avoid crumbling or sticking.
Add-In Ideas
Want to change things up? There are plenty of add-ins you can try. Fold in a handful of dairy-free chocolate chips for a dessert-like twist, or mix in some shredded coconut for extra texture and flavor. Dried fruits like raisins or chopped dates also pair wonderfully with banana and nuts.
For a boost of nutrition, try adding chia seeds, flaxseeds, or a tablespoon of hemp hearts to the batter. They blend in well and offer extra fiber and plant-based protein.
Flavor Variations
If you love spice, enhance your muffins with a pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin spice for a warm, cozy feel. Swap the walnuts with pecans or almonds for a different nutty twist. You can even make these muffins tropical by adding pineapple tidbits or mango chunks with a dash of lime zest.
Want to turn them into a loaf instead? Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45–55 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. It’s a great way to enjoy the same flavors in a different form.
Storage and Shelf Life
Knowing how to properly store your Vegan Banana Nut Muffins can help you keep them fresh and delicious for longer. These muffins are naturally moist and flavorful, but like most baked goods, they have a limited shelf life. Here are some tips for storing them and keeping them at their best for as long as possible.
How to Store
Once your muffins have cooled completely, it’s important to store them in an airtight container. This will help maintain their moisture and prevent them from drying out. For short-term storage, you can keep the muffins at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2–3 days. Just make sure they’re placed in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
If you prefer to keep your muffins for a longer period, it’s best to refrigerate them. Store them in a sealed container or zip-top bag to avoid them absorbing any other odors from your fridge. In the refrigerator, your muffins should stay fresh for up to 5–7 days.
Freezing
For even longer storage, freezing is a great option. Freezing helps preserve both flavor and texture. To freeze your muffins, first let them cool completely. Then, wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap or foil to prevent freezer burn.
After that, place the wrapped muffins in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. If you plan to store a large batch, it’s helpful to label the bag with the date so you can keep track of how long they’ve been frozen.
Frozen muffins can be stored for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them at room temperature for a few hours or heat them up in the microwave for about 20–30 seconds for a warm, fresh taste.
How to Revive Stale Muffins
If your muffins have become slightly stale, there’s no need to toss them. You can revive them by lightly toasting them in a toaster oven or warming them in the microwave. A quick heat will bring back their softness and moisture, especially if you wrap them in a damp paper towel before microwaving.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Ripe Should Bananas Be For Vegan Banana Nut Muffins?
For the best results, you should use very ripe bananas with lots of brown spots. Overripe bananas are not only easier to mash but also provide more natural sweetness and moisture to your muffins. The riper the bananas, the better the flavor. If your bananas are still a little green or firm, they won’t mash as easily and won’t contribute as much sweetness to the recipe.
Can I Use A Different Nut Instead of Walnuts?
Yes, you can absolutely swap the walnuts for another nut if you prefer. Pecans or almonds are great alternatives and will provide a different flavor and texture. If you’re allergic to nuts, you can omit them altogether or replace them with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for added crunch.
Can I Make These Muffins Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can make these Vegan Banana Nut Muffins gluten-free. Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that your baking powder is gluten-free as well.
You may need to experiment with the texture, as gluten-free flour can sometimes be a little denser, but the muffins will still be delicious!
How Can I Make These Muffins Sweeter Without Sugar?
If you prefer a sweeter muffin without using refined sugar, try adding extra ripe bananas or a splash more maple syrup. You can also increase the amount of cinnamon, which will enhance the sweetness naturally.
For a different twist, try adding a small amount of date paste or agave syrup, both of which are natural sweeteners and pair well with the banana flavor.
How Do I Store Vegan Banana Nut Muffins For Maximum Freshness?
To keep your muffins fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2–3 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to a week, or freeze them for up to 3 months.
When freezing, wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. To thaw, simply leave them at room temperature for a few hours or microwave them for a few seconds for that freshly baked feel!
Final Words
This Vegan Banana Nut Muffins Recipe is a simple, wholesome, and delicious way to enjoy a plant-based treat any time of day. With ripe bananas, crunchy walnuts, and pantry-friendly ingredients, these muffins come together easily and deliver big on flavor and texture.
Whether you’re baking for breakfast, meal prep, or just to use up overripe bananas, this recipe offers a satisfying, dairy-free option that everyone can enjoy. Plus, with tips for storage, variations, and freezing, you can make them ahead and enjoy them all week long. Give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite go-to muffin!
