Name: Healthy Banana Oatmeal Muffins Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ Cups oats (old fashioned oats or rolled oats); 1 ¼ Cups all-purpose flour; ½ Cup sugar; 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; Pinch ground nutmeg; 1 whole egg; ¼ Cup vegetable oil; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 ½ Cups ripe bananas (mashed, about 3-4 bananas); ½ Cup oats (old fashioned oats); ¼ teaspoon cinnamon; 2 Tablespoons brown sugar; 2 Tablespoons melted butter

Jump to Recipe

If you are looking for a delicious treat that feels indulgent yet packs a nutritious punch, these Healthy Banana Oatmeal Muffins are exactly what you need. Bursting with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, the wholesome goodness of oats, and a hint of warm spices, these muffins strike the perfect balance between comfort and health. Whether it’s for a quick breakfast, a midday snack, or a lunchbox surprise, this recipe never fails to deliver moist, tender bites that leave you smiling and satisfied.

Healthy Banana Oatmeal Muffins Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What’s most amazing about these Healthy Banana Oatmeal Muffins is how simple but powerful the ingredients are. Each component plays its part in building layers of flavor, texture, and even color, turning humble pantry staples into something truly special.

Old fashioned oats (1 ½ cups): These provide chewy texture and a hearty base full of fiber.
Flour (1 ¼ cups): The foundation of the muffins, helping them hold their shape while staying soft.
Sugar (½ cup): Sweetness is subtle and balanced, letting the bananas shine.
Baking powder (1 ½ teaspoon): Vital for a light, airy crumb.
Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Works with the bananas to give lift and softness.
Salt (¼ teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors beautifully.
Cinnamon (1 teaspoon + ¼ teaspoon for topping): Adds warmth and spice for an inviting aroma.
Ground nutmeg (pinch): A secret touch that deepens the spice profile.
Egg (1 whole): Binds everything together while adding moistness.
Oil (¼ cup): Keeps the muffins tender and rich without heaviness.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Introduces a sweet, floral note that complements the bananas perfectly.
Ripe bananas, mashed (1 ½ cups, about 3-4 bananas): The star ingredient, naturally sweet and wonderfully moist.
Extra oats for topping (½ cup): Gives a delightful crunch.
Brown sugar (2 tablespoons): Caramelizes on top for a touch of extra sweetness.
Melted butter (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps create a golden crust.

How to Make Healthy Banana Oatmeal Muffins

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. This ensures the muffins bake evenly and develop that perfect golden top right from the start. Lightly spray your muffin tin or line it with paper liners to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the oats, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. This dry blend builds the sturdy yet tender structure the muffins need.

Step 3: Whisk Wet Ingredients

In a separate smaller bowl, beat the egg, oil, and vanilla extract until smoothly combined. This wet mixture will add moisture and flavor, transforming the dry ingredients into a batter with great texture.

Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Together

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry, stirring just until combined. The mix will seem dry at first — no worries, that’s where the magic happens in the next step!

Step 5: Fold in Mashed Bananas

Gently fold the mashed ripe bananas into the batter until everything is just incorporated. These bananas bring natural sweetness and moisture that make each muffin delightfully tender.

Step 6: Fill Muffin Tin

Divide the batter evenly into your prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about three-quarters full. This helps give your muffins the ideal height and shape as they bake.

Step 7: Prepare and Add Topping

Mix the extra oats with cinnamon, brown sugar, and melted butter to create a crunchy topping. Sprinkle this evenly over the muffin batter for texture contrast and a sweet, buttery finish.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake at 375°F for 18 to 20 minutes. Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center of a muffin — if it comes out clean, they are perfectly baked and ready to enjoy.

How to Serve Healthy Banana Oatmeal Muffins

Garnishes

Sprinkle chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans on top for a nutty crunch, or opt for a light drizzle of honey for extra sweetness. Fresh fruit slices alongside can brighten the plate and complement the flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

Pair these muffins with a creamy yogurt or a dollop of nut butter to add protein and richness. For classic brunch vibes, a side of mixed berries or a warm cup of tea or coffee works wonders.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack muffins on a decorative platter wrapped in a clean kitchen towel for a cozy look. Or, split and toast them lightly, then spread with a smear of almond butter and a sprinkle of chia seeds for a modern twist that’s as tasty as it is beautiful.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled, keep your Healthy Banana Oatmeal Muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This helps maintain their soft texture and fresh flavors.

Freezing

These muffins freeze exceptionally well! Wrap each muffin in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to three months without sacrificing taste or texture.

Reheating

To enjoy frozen muffins, thaw them at room temperature or warm them gently in the microwave for about 20 seconds. A quick toast in the oven also works nicely to restore a slightly crisp top.

FAQs

Can I use gluten-free flour?

Absolutely! For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup for cup. Just make sure your baking powder and oats are gluten-free certified.

How ripe should the bananas be?

For the best flavor and sweetness, use bananas that are very ripe with plenty of brown spots. The softer and sweeter they are, the more moisture and natural sugar they add to your muffins.

Can I reduce the sugar in the recipe?

Yes, you can reduce the sugar slightly if you prefer a less sweet muffin. Since the bananas do contribute natural sweetness, try lowering the sugar by a quarter cup without affecting texture too much.

Is it possible to make these muffins vegan?

To make this recipe vegan, replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) and use a plant-based oil or vegan butter substitute.

How do I know when the muffins are done?

The best way to check is by inserting a toothpick into the center of one muffin. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the muffins are perfectly baked and ready to come out of the oven.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a snack that’s wholesome, satisfying, and bursting with natural flavor, you really can’t go wrong with these Healthy Banana Oatmeal Muffins. They’re straightforward to make, versatile in presentation, and absolutely delicious warm or at room temperature. Go ahead, grab those ripe bananas and whip up a batch. I promise, they’ll become a favorite in your recipe rotation just like they are in mine!

Healthy Banana Oatmeal Muffins Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 29 reviews

Author: Ella
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 12 muffins 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Delicious and healthy banana oatmeal muffins made with whole oats, ripe bananas, and a touch of cinnamon and nutmeg. These muffins are perfect for breakfast or a nutritious snack, featuring a crumbly oat topping for added texture and flavor.

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking the muffins.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the oats, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Stir these ingredients well to ensure they are evenly distributed.
Whisk Wet Ingredients: In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together the egg, oil, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. The batter will be dry at this stage.
Add Bananas: Fold the mashed bananas into the batter carefully until all dry ingredients are fully moistened and incorporated.
Prepare Muffin Tin: Lightly spray a muffin tin with nonstick spray or line it with paper muffin liners. Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups.
Make Topping: In a small bowl, mix the oats, cinnamon, brown sugar, and melted butter. Sprinkle this oat topping evenly over each muffin.
Bake: Place the muffins in the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Notes

Use ripe bananas for the best natural sweetness and moist texture.
If you prefer a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
The topping adds a delicious crunchy texture, but you can omit it if you prefer a softer muffin.
Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.
You can add nuts like walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra crunch and flavor.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American