Healthy Muffins With Banana And Cinnamon

Name: Healthy Muffins With Banana And Cinnamon
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12 muffins
Ingredients: 2 ripe bananas, mashed; 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup; 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce; 1/2 cup Greek yogurt; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon salt

Highlighted under: Light Wellness Dishes

I absolutely love making these Healthy Muffins with Banana and Cinnamon! They are not only easy to whip up, but they also pack a nutritious punch, perfect for breakfast or a snack. The combination of ripe bananas and warm cinnamon creates a cozy aroma that fills my kitchen, making it hard to wait for them to bake. Plus, they are a great way to use up overripe bananas. These muffins are moist, fluffy, and satisfy my sweet tooth without the guilt.

Created by

Ella Townsend

Last updated on 2026-01-22T07:43:14.096Z

When I first tried these muffins, I was amazed at how deliciously simple they are. The recipe came to me during a busy week when I wanted a wholesome snack that could be made quickly. I mixed the ripe bananas and cinnamon, and the result was better than I expected. My family devoured them, and we couldn't help but make a second batch!

One tip I’ve learned over the years is to wait for the bananas to get really ripe, almost speckled, for maximum sweetness and flavor. Also, don’t overmix the batter; a few lumps make the muffins lighter and fluffier. I can’t wait for you to try them!

Why You'll Love These Muffins
Naturally sweet from ripe bananas, reducing the need for added sugars
Warm cinnamon adds a comforting flavor that everyone loves
Perfect for meal prep; freeze them for a quick snack anytime

The Role of Bananas in Moisture and Sweetness

Ripe bananas are the star ingredient in these muffins, not just for their natural sweetness but also for adding moisture. When bananas are perfectly ripe, with a few brown spots, they bring out the sugars needed in this recipe, allowing you to minimize added sugars while maximizing flavor. If you find yourself with overripe bananas, this is a perfect opportunity to use them, as they lend a richer taste and enhanced texture to your muffins.

Mashing the bananas effectively is crucial for even distribution throughout the batter. Aim for a smooth consistency without large chunks, which can disrupt the fluffy texture of the muffins. A fork works well for this job; just mash them until they resemble a thick puree. This will ensure that every bite is packed with banana goodness!

Tips for Perfectly Fluffy Muffins

To achieve that light and fluffy muffin texture, be cautious when mixing your batter. Once you've combined the wet and dry ingredients, stir gently until just combined. Overmixing is a common pitfall that leads to dense muffins due to gluten development. Don’t worry if the batter looks a bit lumpy; some flour streaks are perfectly fine and indicate that the muffins will rise beautifully in the oven.

The ideal baking time for these muffins is between 20-25 minutes, but keep an eye on them as ovens can vary. Look for a golden-brown top and a toothpick inserted into the center coming out clean. If your muffins are too pale, they may need a couple more minutes, but be cautious not to overbake them as this can lead to a dry texture.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients for a delightful muffin experience:

Muffin Ingredients

2 ripe bananas, mashed
1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/2 cup Greek yogurt
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt

Make sure to have everything ready before you start mixing!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to bake your muffins:

Preheat the Oven

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

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, honey (or maple syrup), applesauce, Greek yogurt, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.

Combine Dry Ingredients

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

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!

Fill Muffin Tins

Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Enjoy

Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!

These muffins are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for a few days.

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider mixing in some chopped walnuts or dark chocolate chips for a delicious twist!

Storage and Freezing Tips

These muffins make an excellent snack or breakfast option that you can prepare in advance. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes or microwave for 15-20 seconds.

If you want an even quicker option, you can enjoy them straight from the freezer. Pop a frozen muffin in the microwave for about 30 seconds, and you’ll have a warm, comforting treat in no time. Just remember to adjust your heating time based on the wattage of your microwave.

Variations and Add-Ins

This Healthy Muffin recipe is quite versatile! If you're in the mood for a twist, try adding a handful of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for added texture and healthy fats. You could also incorporate chocolate chips for a more indulgent treat, but keep in mind to balance the sweetness if you do. Just fold in any add-ins after combining the wet and dry ingredients to avoid overmixing.

For a slightly spiced flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or even a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice. These spices complement the cinnamon beautifully and can give the muffins a new depth of flavor that’s perfect for cozy fall mornings.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these muffins vegan?

Yes! Substitute the eggs with flax eggs and replace Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt.

→ How can I store these muffins?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

→ Can I use all-purpose flour instead of whole wheat flour?

Yes, all-purpose flour can be used for a lighter texture, but it won’t be as nutritious.

→ What can I use instead of applesauce?

You can substitute with mashed pumpkin or any other fruit puree to maintain moisture.