Let’s make sweet and soft gluten-free banana walnut muffins today! They are not only a treat for the taste buds, but also a wholesome nourishing delight for the brain.
My family and I can’t resist these banana walnut muffins – mildly sweet, soft and downright addictive. Sometimes, I get a little creative and swap out the bananas for applesauce or mashed sweet potatoes. The result is still pure yumminess every.single.time.
Your Guide For The BEST Gluten-Free Banana Walnut Muffins
- Benefits For The Brain
- How To Make This Recipe
- Watch The Recipe Video
- Boost The Nutrition Of This Recipe
- Frequently Asked Questions
My son was diagnosed with gluten sensitivity when he was 3. He is now 14, so for the past 11 years I’ve created many gluten-free recipes in my kitchen. Some are still in our rotation, while others successfully flopped.
These gluten-free muffins are one of the recipes that my family absolutely loves. I make them often (almost every week) and they always vanish within 24 hours. If I keep the walnuts out, my kids can take them to school as part of their lunch.
I’m curious, how often do YOU make muffins and what muffins are your favourite?
I love eating muffins with Greek yogurt, especially when the muffins are still warm. It’s like a match made in muffin heaven! Do you do that too or am I the odd one here? Let me know in the comments below!
The BEST Gluten-Free Banana Walnut Muffins – Benefits For The BEST
These muffins are definitely in the dessert category. But like every other homemade dessert, I included a few wholesome ingredients to nourish the brain.
Eggs are a high-quality source of protein which is essential for the production of neurotransmitters and maintaining smooth communication, mood control, memory, and overall brain function. Protein helps regulate blood sugar levels, providing a steady supply of energy to the brain throughout the day.
Walnuts are packed with antioxidants, including polyphenols and vitamin E. These antioxidants help protect brain cells from oxidative damage caused by free radicals, potentially reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases and age-related cognitive decline.
Bananas contain vitamin C, which helps in production of neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and serotonin. Bananas also contain vitamin B6, which plays a crucial role in brain development and function.
How To Make The Gluten-Free Banana Walnut Muffins
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 350 F and grease a 12-cup muffin pan.
In a medium-sized bowl, mix the dry ingredients (gluten-free flour, coconut sugar and baking powder).
Step 2
In another medium-sized bowl, mix the wet ingredients: mashed bananas, eggs, olive oil and vanilla extract.
Step 3
Slowly pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients and mix.
Step 4
Mix in the walnut pieces.
Step 5
Pour the batter into the greased muffin pan. Add chocolate chips on top of each muffin.
Step 6
Bake for approximately 30 minutes until an inserted toothpick comes out clean. Allow the muffins to cool before you remove them from the pan.
Storing, freezing and reheating tips
Store
The muffins can be stored in the fridge in an air-tight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze
They freeze beautifully in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Reheat
Thaw them in the fridge overnight and enjoy them warmed up or at room temperature.
Watch how to make it step-by-step!
How To Boost The Nutrition Of These Gluten-Free Banana Walnut Muffins
There are many ways you can serve these muffins. Some of my favourites are:
- Half each muffin and spread almond butter (protein and healthy fats) on each half.
- Greek yogurt (for added protein, healthy fats and probiotics), which I already mentioned, is in my top 3 choices.
- Fresh fruit such as low glycemic berries (strawberries, blueberries, etc.) for a boost of vitamins, minerals, and natural sweetness.
- If you want to enjoy the muffins for breakfast, include hard-boiled eggs as accompaniment, for added protein and healthy fats.
- Pair the muffins with a delicious green smoothie.
The BEST Gluten-Free Banana Walnut Muffins
Description
Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm and soft gluten-free banana walnut muffin. Each bite is a comforting blend of ripe bananas, gently folded into a light, gluten-free batter and sprinkled with the earthy richness of walnuts. Finished with a sweet surprise of chocolate chips on top – pure joy in every bite.
Ingredients
Dry ingredients
- 2 cups gluten-free flour (see notes)
- 2/3 cup coconut sugar (see notes)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
Wet ingredients
- 1 and 1/2 cups overflowing mashed ripe bananas (see notes)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup walnut pieces
Top with chocolate chips (see notes)
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 350 F and grease a 12-cup muffin pan.
-
Mash the bananas.
-
Beat the eggs.
-
In a medium-sized bowl, mix the dry ingredients (gluten-free flour, coconut sugar and baking powder).
-
In another medium-sized bowl, mix the wet ingredients: mashed bananas, eggs, olive oil and vanilla extract.
-
Slowly pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients and mix.
-
Mix in the walnut pieces.
-
Pour the batter into the greased muffin pan.
-
Add chocolate chips on top of each muffin.
-
Bake for approximately 30 minutes until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.
-
Allow the muffins to cool before you remove them from the pan.
Enjoy!
Notes
This is my absolute favourite gluten-free flour
The muffins are mildly sweet. If more sweetness is needed, add a couple more tablespoons of coconut sugar.
You’ll need 2-3 bananas depending on how big they are. Two bananas if they are big, three bananas if they are smaller in size.
Use your favourite chocolate chips (milk, semi-sweet or dark). I like to use a mixture of sweet and semi-sweet chocolate chips.
This is my favourite silicone muffin pan. It’s sturdy, the muffins cook evenly and pop out easily once cooled.
Frequently Asked Questions For Gluten-Free Banana Walnut Muffins
What can you use instead of olive oil?
You could replace it with applesauce, coconut oil or plain yogurt.
What can you use instead of coconut sugar?
Any solid sugar works in this recipe.
Are the gluten-free banana walnut muffins vegan?
The muffins are not vegan because they have eggs. You could try and replace the eggs with flax eggs. However, I haven’t tried this, so I am not sure if it will work. If you try, I would love to know if the flax eggs worked for this recipe. 🙏
Can you make this recipe vegetarian?
This muffin recipe is vegetarian.
Are the banana walnut muffins gluten free?
The muffins are gluten free if you use gluten-free flour.
Are the muffins dairy free?
The muffins are dairy free.
What can I pair the muffins with?
Check out the “How to boost the nutrition” section above for a few easy and tasty options.
What To Cook Next
If you enjoyed this recipe, you’re in for a treat because the next one is all about no-bake high-protein energy bites. They’re easy to take on the go, loaded with wholesome ingredients, and, of course, oh-so-tasty.
