Healthy Muffins With Banana And Cinnamon

Name: Healthy Muffins With Banana And Cinnamon
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12 muffins
Ingredients: 3 ripe bananas; 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup; 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup whole wheat flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon salt

Highlighted under: Healthy Home Plates

I love making these Healthy Muffins with Banana and Cinnamon because they are not only delicious but also packed with nutrition. Each muffin is moist, fluffy, and bursting with the sweet flavor of ripe bananas and the warm spice of cinnamon. They make for a perfect breakfast or a quick snack throughout the day. I often make a batch on Sundays to have them available for busy weekdays, and my family can’t get enough of them. Plus, they’re simple to whip up with just a few natural ingredients!

Created by

Keira Dalton

Last updated on 2026-01-22T09:43:20.470Z

When I first experimented with these Healthy Muffins, I wanted to create something that satisfied my sweet tooth without the guilt. I found that using ripe bananas not only added natural sweetness but also kept the muffins incredibly moist. My secret? Adding a sprinkle of cinnamon really elevates the flavor, making each bite familiar yet comforting. I often involve my kids in the process, and they love mashing the bananas!

One time, I decided to add a handful of chopped nuts into the batter for extra crunch. It was a game changer! The combination of the soft muffin base with the delicious nutty bits created a delightful texture contrast. It’s that kind of creativity that makes baking fun, and I urge you to try adding your own twist!

Why You'll Love These Muffins
A burst of natural banana sweetness paired with warm cinnamon
Healthy ingredients without sacrificing flavor or texture
Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or anytime you need a quick treat

The Power of Ingredients

Every ingredient in these muffins plays a crucial role in achieving a delightful flavor and texture. Ripe bananas not only provide natural sweetness, but their moisture is key to keeping the muffins soft and fluffy. I recommend choosing bananas that are heavily speckled for optimal sweetness and flavor. The addition of unsweetened applesauce also contributes to the moistness while keeping the sugar content lower, making these muffins a healthier choice.

Whole wheat flour is another vital component; it adds a wholesome nuttiness and more fiber than all-purpose flour. This not only enhances the nutritional value but also helps sustain energy levels throughout the morning. If you're gluten-sensitive, you can swap the whole wheat flour with a gluten-free blend, but ensure to check that the blend contains a binding agent, like xanthan gum.

Baking Tips for Success

One key to perfecting these muffins is to avoid over-mixing the batter after combining the wet and dry ingredients. This can result in dense muffins rather than the light and airy ones we’re aiming for. Stir until everything is just combined; a few lumps are perfectly fine. You’ll know the batter is ready when it appears homogeneous without dry patches of flour.

When baking, keeping track of the time is essential. Bake the muffins for about 18-20 minutes, but start checking around the 16-minute mark. Insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, they’re done. Overbaking can lead to a dry texture, so err on the side of caution and check for doneness early.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Healthy Muffins

Muffin Ingredients

3 ripe bananas
1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt

These ingredients combine beautifully to create the perfect healthy muffin!

Instructions

How to Make Healthy Muffins

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it lightly.

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork. Add the honey (or maple syrup), applesauce, egg, and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt.

Combine the Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid over-mixing.

Fill Muffin Tin

Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about two-thirds full.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Enjoy

Remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Now you're ready to enjoy these healthy muffins!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider mixing in some chopped nuts or dark chocolate chips into the batter. These muffins can also be stored in an airtight container for several days or frozen for later enjoyment.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These Healthy Muffins can be made in advance and stored for busy mornings. Once cooled, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them individually. Just wrap each muffin in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. To enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature or microwave for 15-20 seconds for a warm treat.

If you plan to make these muffins in bulk, consider doubling the recipe. This way, you’ll have a stash ready for quick breakfasts or snacks throughout the week. Just make sure to use fresh ingredients when scaling up to maintain the flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

These muffins are delicious on their own, but you can elevate them with various serving ideas. I love spreading a thin layer of almond butter or Greek yogurt on top for an extra protein boost. A sprinkle of chopped nuts or seeds can add a delightful crunch and additional nutrition, making them even more satisfying.

For a twist, consider adding mix-ins to the batter. Chopped walnuts or pecans complement the banana and cinnamon beautifully. You could also fold in chocolate chips for a more indulgent muffin or swap the cinnamon for nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice for a unique flavor profile. Experimenting with different add-ins keeps the recipe fresh and exciting!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other sweeteners instead of honey?

Yes, you can substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar if you prefer a vegan option.

→ How can I make these muffins gluten-free?

You can use a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking in place of whole wheat flour.

→ How do I store these muffins?

Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week.

→ Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the recipe?

Absolutely! Adding nuts like walnuts or dark chocolate chips can enhance the taste and texture.