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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.
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Barb says
So easy, so quick, and so good! I did not miss added sugar/sweetener at all. I can see why so many people use this recipe as their go to.
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Barb, I am thrilled you loved the muffins!!
Eva says
So many people have commented that this is their go-to muffin recipe, and it’s true – they really are that delicious. I’ve made this recipe close to 50 times in the last two years and freeze them so I always have some available. I love that there is no added sugar in the batter and how moist they are (if baked for 18 minutes, at least in my oven). Everyone I’ve given these muffins to loves them!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Eva, I am so glad you loved them so much! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Katie says
I made these today and subbed in peanut butter, absolutely delicious! We will be making these very often
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Katie, I am so glad you enjoyed the muffins!!
Tiffannie says
So tasty! Thank you! Can you tell me is the nutritional facts per muffin or for all 12?
Erin says
Hi Tiffannie, so glad you loved them and per muffin!
Rebecca says
I made these muffins and the texture was great, very muffin like, however I am really not a fan of any type of nut/seed butters in muffins. I tried to swap it with avocado oil and it was too oily, I think it was because I used the same amount of oil as I would have used peanut butter. Should I try using half or quarter the amount of oil or what would you suggest? Thank you!
Erin says
Hi Rebecca, so glad you liked them and hmm you could try 1/2 the amount. I haven’t tested this so you’d be the test bunny, 🙂 Good luck and let me know how they come out.
Kayla says
So good, SO EASY. Made this into bread because I couldn’t find my muffin liners. I was super impressed with the flavor and texture.
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Kayla, so happy you loved it as a bread!!
Laura says
I have a question. In your recipe almond flour banana muffins you call for almond butter. Can I use coconut oil instead?
Thank you,
Laura Rose
Erin says
Hi Laura, you can definitely give it a try! I have not tested this. Let me know how they come out!
Allyson says
Can I make these as mini muffins?
Erin says
Hi Allyson, yes! Let me know how yours come out!
Melissa Haggerty says
Awesome recipe! I have used it a few times now and thrown in whatever I had on hand – chocolate chips, nuts, blueberries, etc. They always turn out perfect!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Melissa, I am so glad you loved them so much! 🙂
Margaret says
Can you freeze the banana muffins?
Erin says
Hi Margaret, yes that’ll be fine! Let me know how they come out!
Emily says
Hi! Can you use coconut flour instead of almond flour in these?
Erin says
Hi Emily, I haven’t tried them with that sub, but feel free to try and check the ratio of the flour in case it isn’t 1:1. Let me know how the muffins come out!
Christopher says
Coconut flour is usually 1/3 cup to a full cup of Almond flour. You will probably have to adjust your liquids in the recipe as well.
Marie says
How would you go about freezing these?
Erin says
Hi Marie, I would just freeze them in a ziplock bag – no need to wrap! Let me know how your muffins come out!
Svetlana says
These are delicious. Not too sweet and easy to make. Thank you!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Svetlana, so happy you loved the muffins!!
Kiersten says
Subbed sun-butter for the almond butter because of nut allergy and it worked amazing!! Love a not to sweet banana bread and this is the perfect balance!! Thank again erin!!
Erin says
Hi Kiersten, so glad you loved them!!
Stefanie says
These are perfection! I’ve made them twice now. Swapped walnuts for the chocolate chips and made them into mini muffins. I love grabbing one or two for a snack. They are moist and flavorful and definitely sweet enough without any added sugar!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Stefanie, so glad you loved the muffins and made them your own!! 🙂
Jill K says
So easy and soft and yummy! Friends were surprised it didn’t contain any added sugar and the sweetness was only from bananas and chocolate chips! I can’t wait to make these again. Highly recommend.
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Jill, so glad you loved the muffins!! 🙂
Jessie says
These are a game changer! I have made this recipe three times now. They are delicious right out of the oven but I truly think they are even better after a night in the fridge! I also love that I no longer throw out old bananas. Thank you so much for this recipe!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Jessie, so glad you enjoyed the muffins!!
Katy says
I actually make these every single week for meal prep – there is just something about a great muffin for a snack or breakfast and the healthy spin on these without sacrificing flavor is what keeps me making them over and over!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Katy, so glad they’re a staple in your house!!
Lindsay says
A freezer staple in our house! So good!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Lindsay, so glad you loved them!
Jenetc says
This is an awesome recipe! No sugar, but would never know it. Made it as a loaf. Came out so good. Texture is great. Have made it twice now! Easy and simple to make. Thank you!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Jenetc, so glad you loved it! Thank you for sharing! 🙂