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Paleo Banana Bread Muffins are a healthy twist on the deliciously sweet classic you will enjoy. They’re made with no added sugar, no oil, and no dairy. Ingredients like almond flour, nut butter, and eggs create perfect, moist, fluffy muffins great for breakfast or snack time!
The most delicious gluten free banana bread muffins
You guys know that I love banana bread baked goods. I’ll take bananas and make them into just about anything, but bread is my all-time favorite. I’ve made my fair share of banana bread muffins, but I felt that it was time to create a paleo version. Lo and behold, these paleo banana bread muffins were born.
All of my standard banana bread recipes can be easily turned into muffins (like my Tahini Banana Bread and my Peanut Butter Banana Bread). For this recipe, however, I needed to do a bit of experimenting to figure out a paleo-approved ingredient combo that would work.
I made this banana bread recipe countless times because I wanted it to be perfect! So trust me, know that I am 100% certain that this recipe tastes absolutely fantastic. You’re going to love these, paleo or not.
Here is a video demoing how to make these paleo banana muffins!
These muffins are as easy as mixing everything together in a bowl, tossing it into the oven, and baking. When all is said and done, this recipe will provide perfectly fluffy chocolate filled paleo banana bread muffins. They wind up perfect every single time!
They’re perfect for meal prep – just include one in your breakfasts for the week or take them on the go for your mid-day snack, and you’ll be good to go! They also freeze great! So if you’re looking to prep a bunch of these muffins, store in an airtight container in the freezer and then just pop one in the microwave when you’re ready to eat!
Ingredients in paleo banana muffins recipes
This recipe uses classic banana bread ingredients like flour, baking soda, egg, and bananas! I add a twist by using a few spices, and you’ll notice a lack of dairy and gluten products (these are paleo, after all).
- Mashed bananas (about 2 large or 3 small bananas)
- Almond butter
- Egg
- Vanilla Extract
- Almond flour
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Chocolate chips
In terms of kitchen tools, you’ll need a muffin tin, muffin liners, nonstick spray (optional), two mixing bowls, and a stirring utensil. For measuring, you’ll need 1/4 tsp, 1/2 tsp, 1 tsp, 1/2 cup, and 1 cup.
Ripe Banana tip: The riper, the better. If your bananas aren’t ripe enough for mashing, heat them in the oven for 8 to 10 minutes at 350F. They’ll ripen right up!
If you want to add in any other mix-ins, go for it! I love to add dark chocolate chips, chopped pecans, or any other nut!
What makes these grain-free muffins paleo?
To determine whether these muffins are paleo, let’s first go over what a paleo diet consists of.
First, a paleo diet includes zero wheat or grain products. Since these muffins are made with almond flour, we’re good to go there and they are totally grain-free.
Second, paleo dieters do not consume peanuts, so peanut butter is off limits. We instead use almond butter. Check!
Finally, paleo diets do not allow dairy. Luckily, these muffins are completely dairy-free, and they can also be made vegan by simply substituting the eggs.
How to make paleo banana bread muffins
Though they’re paleo, these muffins are just as easy to make as any other standard muffin recipe. Start by mixing your ingredients, and then spoon them into a muffin tin and let them bake! They’ll be ready in just 30 minutes.
First, preheat the oven to 350F and line a muffin tin with liners. I like to spray them with nonstick spray as well.
In a large bowl, whisk the mashed bananas, almond butter, egg, and vanilla together.
Then, in a small bowl, stir together the almond flour, baking soda, and spices.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet, and then stir until combined.
Next, fold in the chocolate chips.
Fill the muffin tins until they’re about 3/4 of the way full and then add additional chocolate chips on top if desired.
Bake for 18 – 22 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Let the muffins sit in the tin for ten minutes, and then allow them to sit on a wire rack until they’re completely cool. Store on the counter or in the fridge, with a vented tent of aluminum foil to allow for air circulation.
How gluten-free banana muffins are healthier
You’ll notice that this recipe uses a few less common baking items like almond flour and almond butter. That’s because I always use healthier ingredients in my baking, whether I’m making something that’s paleo or not! Here’s a quick run-down on the healthier items that I used to make these almond flour banana bread muffins.
Almond flour: As always, I’m using one of my favorite all-purpose flour alternatives: almond flour. This is one of my favorite paleo flours to work with because it tastes delicious and doesn’t include as many empty calories and carbs! My favorite brand comes from Amazon and has a fine texture perfect for baking.
Almond butter: I love to use all natural almond butter because it’s just better! It’s free of preservatives and tastes so rich and creamy. The goal with this item is that it should have only two ingredients: almonds and salt. When you open it, you should have to stir it! My favorite brands are those found at Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s.
Nutmeg: Nutmeg has so many health benefits! In addition to being helpful for treating indigestion and ridding the body of toxins, it’s also known to help insomnia, blood circulation, and brain function! It’s an easy way to make these muffins just as beneficial as they are tasty.
Chocolate chips: Like with the other ingredients, I always go for organic, all-natural chocolate chips. You can also use dark chocolate in this recipe for a deeper taste and added antioxidants!
Optional: In the mood for banana nut muffins? Add some nuts to your recipe! You can use walnuts, almonds, or whatever you’d like! Crush them up and add them to the mix.
Here are some more delicious baked recipes that you’ll love!
Need some more baked good ideas? Try these! All are easy to make and double as a breakfast and a snack.
- Blueberry Banana Muffins
- Healthy Strawberry Banana Muffins
- Carrot Cake Banana Bread
- Healthy Pumpkin Bread
Paleo Banana Bread Muffins
Paleo Banana Bread Muffins are a healthy twist on the deliciously sweet classic. They’re made with no added sugar, no oil, and no dairy. Ingredients like almond flour, nut butter, and eggs create perfect, moist, fluffy muffins great for breakfast or snack time!
Ingredients
- 1 cup mashed banana (about 2 large or 3 small bananas)
- 1/2 cup almond butter
- 1 egg
- 1/2 tsp vanilla
- 1.5 cups almond flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350F and line a muffin tin with liners or grease.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together mashed banana, almond butter, eggs, and vanilla.
3. In a small bowl, stir together almond flour, baking soda, and spices.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and stir till combined.
5. Fold in chocolate chips.
6. Fill muffin tins till about 3/4 full and add additional chocolate chips on top if desired.
7. Bake for 18-22 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean when inserted.
8. Let cool on wire rack after ten minutes in tin. Store on counter or fridge, with a vented tent of aluminum foil so there is some air circulation*
Notes
* Make an aluminum foil tent for storing these. I put them in a tupperware without a lid and make a tent. It helps to allow air circulation and not trap moisture. Some paleo goods can get too wet when stored.
There may be affiliate links in this post!ย By purchasing a product I recommend, I may receive a small compensation. However, I only recommend products I absolutely love and use myself. Thank you for supporting Erin Lives Whole, it helps keep this blog afloat ๐
Vanessa says
I cannot get over these! I am a huge muffin lover and these are perfect. So fluffy and delicious. Bonus points for being easy to make!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Vanessa, so happy you enjoyed them so much! ๐
Leah says
Oh my goodness, these muffins are wonderful. I’ve been Paleo for going on 10 years and rarely bake because gluten free doesn’t usually have a good texture to me and I don’t like all the hacks, i.e. tapioca starch, xanthum gum, etc. Mostly just stick to whole foods. Decided to try these because I had some ripe bananas. I am Thrilled!! They rose nicely, the texture is perfect. I used pecans instead of chocolate chips. Love everything about these. Thank you!!!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Leah, I am so happy you loved them so much! Thanks for sharing!
Alexis Koutrouba says
Amazing muffins! So fluffy! Amazing texture and great taste!
Erin says
Hi Alexis, so happy you liked them!
meg says
Oh my gosh…. to die for!! I wanted something less sweet to have in the morning, and these are perfect. I subbed PB and added ~1.5tbs cocoa powder to half the batch for 6 to be double choc chip! Turned out great-, thanks Erin!!
Erin says
Hi Meg, I am so happy you loved it so much and made it your own!!
Annika says
WOW so impressed with this recipe! Will be making again, doubled.
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Annika, I am so happy you liked them!!
Rosemarie Falsetta says
Thereโs a reason these have 5 stars. AMAZING.
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Rosemarie, I am so happy you liked them!!
Taylor says
These are absolutely delicious!! I have tried a variety of paleo muffins and these are by far the best. They are so moist and pillowy! Not sure how Erin crushes every recipe but I am here for it ๐
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Taylor, so happy you enjoyed them and thanks for your support!!
Kaleigh P. says
Anytime I am looking for a new recipe whether it be lunch, dinner, snacks, or a sweet treat I know Erin’s blog is the place to go! This did not disappoint! They were super tasty with a great texture. These would be the perfect in between for someone trying to go off conventional sugar, because they have a really great natural sweet taste. I subbed regular ole PB, but they still turned out awesome! Thanks for another awesome recipe Erin ๐
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Kaleigh, I am so happy you enjoyed the muffins and thanks for your kind words and support!!
Taylor says
These were so easy and delicious! They were a hit with the whole family!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Taylor, I am so happy you liked them!
Jaycie says
This is my go to recipe when I have ripe bananas! Everyone in my house loves them, they are gone within 24hrs! Highly recommend these!!! I make them just as the recipe says or with whatever nut butter I have on hand and they always turn out amazing!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Jaycie, I am so happy everyone liked the muffins!! ๐
Iva says
So delicious and easy! New fav!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Iva, so glad you liked them!!
Barelybrewed says
Iโve made these so much – that Iโve convinced myself itโs my recipe. That Iโm a star baker on the great British baking show. That Iโm a star. These muffins rule. End of story.
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi! Ah I love hearing that and hahaha love it!
Brooke says
Great gluten free muffin and a plus they are โadded sugarโ free and youโd never know it!!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Brooke, I am so happy you enjoyed them!
Natalie says
Easy and delicious! Perfect combo- highly recommended!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Natalie, I am so happy you loved them!
Liz says
These muffins turned out moist, hearty and delicious. This recipe is a keeper! Thank you for sharing!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Liz, I am so glad you liked them!
Daniella says
These are delicious and not too sweet, which I appreciate!!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Daniella, I am so glad you liked them!
Maddie says
Forgot to leave the rating! 5 stars
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Maddie, thank you so much! ๐
Maddie says
These are really delicious. I find that a lot of paleo banana bread recipes fall flat on flavor / texture, but these are great!! I also added a cinnamon / coconut sugar sprinkle to the top because why not. Thanks!
Erin says
Hi Maddie, thank you so much for your kind words! I am so happy you enjoyed it and great toppings!
Christin says
A hit with the whole family! Thanks!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Christin, I am thrilled everyone enjoyed the muffins!
Bri says
Hi! In the recipe it mentions โeggsโ twice but the recipe only has one egg. Please advise – thanks!