Easy Vegan Banana Muffins: The Perfect Treat

Have you ever had one of those days when you just needed something warm, sweet, and comforting? That was me the other day, staring at three overly ripe bananas sitting on my kitchen counter.

I felt something was missing—the perfect opportunity to turn those bananas into a quick batch of easy vegan banana muffins. Trust me, this recipe is one of those delightful creations that bring simplicity and pure joy to your kitchen. Let’s get into it!

Why You’ll Love These Banana Muffins

If you’re anything like me, you appreciate a recipe that doesn’t require fancy ingredients or hours of labor in the kitchen.

These easy vegan banana muffins check all the boxes. They’re moist, naturally sweetened with ripe bananas, and totally versatile—add chocolate chips, nuts, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon to make them your own.

These muffins are perfect for breakfast on-the-go, a quick afternoon snack, or as a treat to share with friends over a cup of tea. Plus, they’re kid-friendly, so everyone in the family can enjoy them!

They’re also a great option if you’re looking for something to bake as a beginner. You don’t need any special equipment or skills—just a bowl, a fork, and a muffin tin.

One of the things I really love about these muffins is how healthy they can be. Bananas are rich in potassium and fiber, and by using coconut oil and minimal sugar, you can feel good about indulging in these.

I’ve also found that they’re a great way to reduce food waste—using up those overly ripe bananas that might otherwise go uneaten. It’s a small but impactful way to make a difference, and who doesn’t love a recipe that helps reduce waste?

Ingredients You Need

To make these delightful muffins, you’ll need:

• 3 ripe bananas (the riper, the sweeter!)
• 1/4 cup coconut oil (melted) or any neutral oil
• 1/2 cup brown sugar or coconut sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Optional add-ins: 1/2 cup chopped nuts, vegan chocolate chips, or blueberries

If you want to get creative, you can even swap out some of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour to add more fiber, or use maple syrup in place of sugar for a natural sweetness. These little tweaks can make the muffins a bit healthier without compromising on taste.

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it. Make sure to preheat your oven well in advance so it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake.
2. Mash the Bananas: In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. I love the natural sweetness and texture they bring to these muffins. You want to make sure there are no big chunks left, as this helps the muffins bake evenly.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: Add in the melted coconut oil, sugar, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Stir until everything is well combined. It’s important to mix these ingredients well so the sugar starts to dissolve into the banana mixture.
4. Add Dry Ingredients: Sprinkle the flour, baking soda, and salt over the banana mixture. Gently mix until just combined—be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can cause the muffins to be dense and chewy rather than light and fluffy.
5. Fold in Add-ins: If you’re feeling extra fancy, this is where you can fold in those chocolate chips or chopped nuts. Sometimes, I like to do a mix of both for an extra decadent treat. You can also add some dried fruit like raisins or cranberries for a different flavor.
6. Fill the Muffin Cups: Spoon the batter into your prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 full. If you want bigger muffins with a nice dome, you can fill them a little more. The batter should be thick, which helps the muffins rise nicely.
7. Bake: Pop the muffins into the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If you’ve added extra ingredients like chocolate chips or nuts, you might need to bake them a couple of minutes longer. Keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t overbake.
8. Cool and Enjoy: Let the muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Then, dive right in! There’s something magical about that first warm bite, with the banana flavor and hints of vanilla coming through.

Tips for the Best Banana Muffins

• Use Very Ripe Bananas: The browner the bananas, the sweeter the muffins will be. I like to wait until they’re almost completely brown before using them. If your bananas aren’t ripe enough, you can speed up the process by placing them in a paper bag for a day or two.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can make your muffins dense. Stir just until you see no more flour streaks. It’s okay if the batter looks a bit lumpy—that’s what makes them tender and light.
• Storage: These muffins keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days—if they last that long! You can also freeze them for up to a month. Just pop one in the microwave for a quick breakfast or snack.

Make Them Your Own

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. You can:

• Add a handful of dried cranberries for a pop of tartness.
• Mix in shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
• Top each muffin with a sprinkle of rolled oats before baking for added texture.
• Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to give the muffins a warm, spiced flavor.
• Swirl in a couple of tablespoons of peanut butter or almond butter for a nutty surprise.

Whatever you decide, these muffins will come out moist, flavorful, and totally satisfying. They’re the kind of treat that makes you feel good, whether you’re enjoying one with a morning coffee or packing it as a snack for later in the day.

So there you have it—easy vegan banana muffins that are ready in under 30 minutes and taste like a little piece of heaven.

Honestly, there’s nothing better than filling your kitchen with the warm aroma of baked bananas and cinnamon. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan baker or just starting out, this recipe is sure to become one of your go-tos.

I’d love to hear if you make these muffins! Did you add anything special? Let me know in the comments below or share your version on social media—I always enjoy seeing what you create. 🍌🧁

If you’re looking for more easy vegan baking ideas, make sure to check out some of my other favorite recipes.

Baking can be such a fun and relaxing way to spend an afternoon, especially when the result is something as delicious as these banana muffins. So go ahead, grab those ripe bananas, and get baking! You won’t regret it.