Gluten-Free Banana Pecan Muffins: A Healthy Treat
Looking for a delicious and wholesome way to start your day or satisfy that afternoon craving? These gluten-free banana pecan muffins are the perfect solution! They’re fluffy, moist, and packed with flavor, all while being refined sugar-free and completely gluten-free. If you’re a fan of gluten-free baking, be sure to check out The Ultimate Guide to Gluten-Free Baking for more tips and tricks!

The Be Gluten-Free Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free BAKING Cookbook
Discover the joy of baking again with 200 delicious gluten-free and dairy-free recipes! From everyday bread to celebration cakes that everyone will love.
Get Your Copy TodayThese muffins are a fantastic way to incorporate more fiber and healthy fats into your diet. Made with almond and coconut flour, they offer a delightful texture that rivals traditional muffins. And if you’re always on the go, like needing a quick and nutritious breakfast? Why not pair them with our Gluten-Free Breakfast Burrito Bowl for a complete and energizing meal?
What makes these muffins extra special is their simplicity. With minimal, easy-to-find ingredients, you can whip up a batch in no time. If you love the combination of bananas and nuts, you might also enjoy our recipe for The Best Gluten-Free Banana Bread. It’s another great way to use ripe bananas and enjoy a gluten-free treat!
Whether you have dietary restrictions or are simply seeking a healthier alternative, these banana pecan muffins are a must-try. They’re soft, fluffy, moist, and oh-so-delicious!
Why You’ll Love These Muffins:
- Soft
- Fluffy
- Moist
- Simple
- Easy
- Refined-sugar free
- Gluten-free
- Vegan
- Oh so delicious!
Making Your Gluten-Free Banana Pecan Muffins
Follow these simple steps to create your delicious, gluten-free banana pecan muffins. Get ready to enjoy a soft, fluffy, and flavorful treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Get Ready: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your muffin tin by lining it with muffin liners or lightly greasing it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Vegan “Buttermilk”: In a small bowl, combine the non-dairy milk and apple cider vinegar. Let this mixture sit for 5 minutes. This creates a vegan “buttermilk” that adds a lovely tang and helps to tenderize the muffins.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Add the vegan “buttermilk” mixture, almond butter, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Whisk all these ingredients together until well combined.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Add the almond flour, coconut flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt to the bowl with the wet ingredients. Stir everything together until you have a thick, well-combined batter. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Add Pecans: Gently fold in the finely chopped pecans into the batter. Distribute them evenly throughout.
- Fill Muffin Tins: Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to evenly divide the batter among the prepared muffin liners. Fill each liner about ¾ full.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 22-25 minutes. The muffins are ready when the tops are light golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the muffin tin from the oven and let the muffins cool in the tin for about 8 minutes before serving. This allows them to set slightly and makes them easier to handle.
Enjoy your freshly baked, gluten-free banana pecan muffins! They are perfect for breakfast, snacks, or a sweet treat any time of day.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup non-dairy milk
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 3 medium, ripe bananas, mashed
- ¼ cup creamy almond butter
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 2 tbsp melted coconut oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup almond flour
- ¼ cup coconut flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ cup finely chopped, pecans
Nutritional Benefits of Gluten-Free Banana Pecan Muffins
These gluten-free banana pecan muffins are a delightful treat packed with wholesome ingredients, perfect for a guilt-free indulgence. Let’s explore the nutritional benefits:
- Gluten-Free Goodness: Made with almond and coconut flour, these muffins are naturally gluten-free, making them an excellent option for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
- Rich in Fiber: Almond flour, coconut flour, and bananas contribute a significant amount of dietary fiber, aiding in digestion and promoting a feeling of fullness. This can help regulate blood sugar levels and support weight management.
- Healthy Fats: Almond butter, coconut oil, and pecans provide healthy fats that are essential for brain health, hormone production, and overall well-being. These fats also help in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
- Natural Sweetness: Sweetened primarily with ripe bananas and a touch of maple syrup, these muffins avoid refined sugars, offering a more natural and balanced sweetness.
- Packed with Vitamins and Minerals: Bananas are a great source of potassium, vitamin B6, and vitamin C. Almonds and pecans provide vitamin E, magnesium, and other essential minerals.
- Vegan-Friendly: These muffins are entirely plant-based, making them suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
Tips, Substitutions, and Variations
Make these gluten-free banana pecan muffins your own with these handy tips, substitutions, and variations tailored to different dietary needs and preferences:
- Nut-Free Option: Replace almond butter with sunflower seed butter (sunbutter) for a nut-free alternative. Ensure your non-dairy milk is also nut-free.
- Dairy-Free Milk Substitutions: Feel free to use any non-dairy milk of your choice, such as oat milk, soy milk, or rice milk. Each will impart a slightly different flavor and texture.
- Maple Syrup Alternatives: If you prefer a different sweetener, try using agave nectar, brown rice syrup, or coconut nectar in place of maple syrup. Adjust the amount to your desired sweetness level.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg, allspice, or cardamom along with the cinnamon for a warmer, more complex flavor profile.
- Chocolate Chip Addition: For a chocolatey twist, fold in some dairy-free chocolate chips or cacao nibs along with the pecans.
- Berry Boost: Incorporate fresh or frozen berries like blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries for added antioxidants and flavor.
- Seed Power: Add a tablespoon of chia seeds, flax seeds, or hemp seeds to the batter for an extra boost of omega-3 fatty acids and nutrients.
- Storage Tips: Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. They can also be frozen for longer storage; thaw before serving.
- For Extra Fluffiness: Ensure your baking soda is fresh for the best rise. You can also add an extra teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to enhance the leavening effect.
Essential Equipment for This Recipe
To prepare this delicious recipe, you’ll need the following kitchen tools:
- Mixing Bowls – A set of sturdy mixing bowls is essential for combining both wet and dry ingredients.
Find Mixing Bowls on Amazon - Measuring Cups and Spoons – Accurate measurements are key for a perfect recipe!
Find Measuring Cups and Spoons on Amazon - Baking Sheets – Perfect for baking cookies, roasting vegetables, or toasting nuts.
Find Baking Sheets on Amazon - Whisks – Essential for aerating mixtures and blending ingredients smoothly.
Find Whisks on Amazon - Spatulas – Ideal for folding ingredients and scraping bowls clean.
Find Spatulas on Amazon - Food Processors – Great for quickly chopping, slicing, and shredding ingredients.
Find Food Processors on Amazon - Saucepans – For making sauces, cooking grains, or heating liquids.
Find Saucepans on Amazon - Chef’s Knives – A good chef’s knife is essential for all your chopping needs.
Find Chef’s Knives on Amazon - Cutting Boards – Protect your countertops while you prep your ingredients.
Find Cutting Boards on Amazon