These Healthy Banana Protein Muffins are the perfect nutritious breakfast! Gluten/dairy free and packed with protein, they’re delicious + easy to make!
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Oh healthy banana protein muffins, how I love you. This is one of the first healthy recipes I EVER came up with, and to this day – it’s one of my favorites.
Who wouldn’t want to eat a gluten free, protein packed version of banana bread (in much cuter muffin form?!)
These protein muffins are easy to make, super delicious and only require a few ingredients!
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I’m SUPER excited to be adding these protein muffins on my site along side some of my favorite other healthy muffin recipes like these Healthy Apple Muffins and Healthy Carrot Muffins.
Muffins are one of my favorite easy, portable breakfasts – so having a high protein option to enjoy makes me so happy!
These easy protein muffins are super simple to make and something I used to meal prep them ALL the time in college.
I was lucky enough to live at home while at school, so I was able to prep + bring my meals to school with me (no nasty dining hall food, thank you very much).
When I started eating less processed, and cutting sugar out of my diet I was on a quest to make all of my favorite things healthier, and after making a Healthy Banana Bread Recipe I wondered if I could turn it into muffins with some added protein?
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Even though I’m not going back to school this year… with fall coming up it’s making me feel nostalgic and want these healthy banana bread protein muffins! I promise you’ll love them.
What makes these banana protein muffins healthy?
- Added protein – Muffins are typically loaded in sugar and carbs and have little to no protein in them. This recipe has protein powder in it making these muffins a more balanced meal! This is the protein powder I used.
- gluten free oat flour – I used gluten free oat flour in this recipe rather than bleached white flour. Oat flour is a great source of whole grains and so much better for you than regular white flour! This is the oat flour I like
- Low in sugar – This recipe is sweetened only by ripe bananas and a touch of honey (and some chocolate chips for good measure) Many banana muffin recipes are loaded with sugar, but this has only 7g of all natural sugar per muffin.
- Heart healthy fats – Instead of using butter or canola oil, this recipe uses coconut oil to keep it moist, and you can also add some walnuts in it for healthy fats if you like!
My bananas aren’t ripe.. can I still make these Healthy Banana Protein Muffins?
Yes you can. For best results, your bananas should be brown and spotty. As bananas ripen they get sweeter and softer, making them perfect for banana bread!
However, as long as your bananas aren’t green, you can make this recipe. Yellow bananas will work just fine. I recommend microwaving them for about 20-30 seconds so they are easier to mash!
Ingredients for Healthy Protein Muffins:
To make these protein muffins you’ll need a muffin pan
+ muffin liners – these are a must for your muffins not sticking!
For the rest of the ingredients we use: honey, coconut oil, oat flour, protein powder, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, dark chocolate chips.
How to make Banana Protein Muffins:
Making these protein muffins is seriously so simple. Anyone can do it!
Simply mash your bananas + wet ingredients. Stir in your dry ingredients + pour into lined muffin tins. So easy!
Substitutions for this Healthy Banana Protein Muffins Recipe:
- To make vegan: replace 1 egg white with 1 flax egg. Sub honey with maple syrup, use vegan protein powder.
- Sweetener – You can sub maple syrup with honey.
- WW Freestyle note: Use Lily’s chocolate to save 1 SP per serving
- More protein – You can increase the recipe to have 1 cup of protein powder in it. The muffins will be more dense + have a stronger protein taste. If you increase the amount of protein used, add 1/3 cup milk so the batter isn’t too thick.
- Protein Powders – I used this protein powder to make these protein muffins. It’s vegan, although I’m sure you could use whey protein and these would work perfectly fine!
- Bananas – You can sub pumpkin, applesauce or sweet potatoes for the bananas
- Chocolate Chips – These muffins are great with or without the chocolate chips. Feel free to substitute based on your preference.
What is the best protein powder for baking?
Any protein powder will work in these recipes. I used this protein powder to make these protein muffins. It’s vegan, and I find that it doesn’t give the muffins or baked goods a ‘protein-y’ taste.
You can also use whey protein in chocolate or vanilla in these muffins and either will taste great!
How to store these protein muffins:
It’s best to store these muffins in an airtight container in your refrigerator. Keeping them in the refrigerator helps to maintain freshness.
You can freeze these muffins. They freeze super well, so double the batch and freeze the extras! I like to store them in a ziploc freezer bag, or large container.
To defrost the muffins I will either take them out of the freezer and put them in the refrigerator the night before I want to eat them, or you can pop them in the microwave for about 30 seconds until they are warm.
Love healthy muffin recipes? Try these!
- Healthy Apple Muffins
- Healthy Lemon Chia Seed Muffins
- Healthy Pumpkin Muffins
- Healthy Carrot Muffins
- Healthy Cranberry Orange Muffins
Healthy Banana Protein Muffins
Ingredients
- 1 cup mashed banana approx 2 large bananas
- 1 egg
- 4 tablespoons honey
- 3 tablespoons coconut oil melted+ cooled
- 3/4 cup oat flour gluten free if necessary
- 1/2 cup protein powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger
- 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 and prepare a lined or greased muffin tin.
- In a bowl, mash bananas until smooth. Stir in egg, honey, and coconut oil until combined.
- Add in all remaining dry ingredients until batter has formed.
- Pour batter into cups, filling 3/4 of the way. Bake muffins for 15 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean when inserted in the center of the muffin
Video
Notes
- To make vegan: replace 1 egg white with 1 flax egg. Sub honey with maple syrup, use vegan protein powder.
- WW Freestyle note: Use Lily's chocolate to save 1 SP per serving
Nutrition Facts
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rachel @atheltic avocado
can’t ever go wrong with banana bread ever! Love that these are high in protein, they look delicious 🙂
The Clean Eating Couple
Thanks, Rachel!! I love anything that’s high + protein and tastes yummy 🙂
Barbara Talty
So I made these with cassava flour and replaced the honey with date paste to make them whole30 compliant. They of course are delicious, but me center is sunken slightly. Any ideas as to why?
The Clean Eating Couple
Hi Barbara – You can’t substitute cassava for oat flour 1:1. Unfortunately cassava flour is very finicky and absorbs a lot of liquid. I rarely ever use it in recipes. I also don’t know how switching date paste for honey affects the batter as this is something I haven’t ever tried. I’m not sure what protein powder you used that would be Whole30 compliant, so I also think that could’ve contributed to it! Just an FYI, recreating foods go against Whole30’s guidelines – you might want to check out this article!
Chrissa - Physical Kitchness
I’m sooooo excited to try Vital Protein products. I love that you incorporated this into a yummy banana muffin! Such a great way to start busy mornings 🙂
The Clean Eating Couple
Their products are AWESOME!! You will love them 🙂
Cassie
The blog is lookin’ mighty gorgeous! I love this new format! Anyways, I also love renovating old recipes and turning them brand new! It’s so much fun!
The Clean Eating Couple
Thank you SO much, Cassie!! I appreciate your sweet words 🙂
Leanne | Crumb Top Baking
This recipe reminds me that I haven’t had banana bread in such a long time! Love that this is a healthier version, and you’re right, so much cuter in muffin form! Can’t wait to give these a try!
Alka Talwar
Mmmmmm…..yum. This looks totally amazing. I’m just starring at the screen looking at how delicious they look.
The Clean Eating Couple
Thanks, Alka! Hope you give them a try 🙂
Lacy
These turned out moist and delicious ?
The Clean Eating Couple
So glad you liked them, Lacy!!
Jamie L
Agreed!
The Clean Eating Couple
Glad you liked them, Jamie!!
Joy
Love this recipe! I’ve made it several times since I found it. They are healthy, protein packed, and delicious!! Highly recommend 👍
The Clean Eating Couple
Thank you so much, Joy!
Nancy
Coconut flour is listed as a substitute for those needing a nut-free recipe. Isn’t Coconut a tree nut? Is there something about the flour(processing?) that is not allergenic to those with tree nut allergies?
The Clean Eating Couple
Hi Nancy – Coconut is actually technically not a nut, it’s considered a fruit. Most people with a tree nut allergy can eat coconut. Here’s an article with more info.. Everyone’s allergies are different though so be sure to check with whoever is going to be enjoying these muffins!
Krista Wyman
Very good. Most protein muffins become too dense and dry – these were moist and delicious!
The Clean Eating Couple
So glad you liked them, Krista! 🙂
joanne
I thought I’d try making these today because I happen to have 2 very ripe bananas and all the ingredients except one, the flaxseed meal. Is there a substitute for it, or can I just leave it out? Also can I substitute maple syrup for the honey?
Thanks!
The Clean Eating Couple
Hi Joanne – You can sub the maple syrup for honey – that’s noted in the post! As for the flaxseed meal, if you have flax seeds you can grind them to create a meal, or you can sub with almond meal. I haven’t tried it without it, but I think if you were to omit it entirely it would work – I just can’t guarantee it. This Healthy Banana Bread is also a super yummy way to use up ripe bananas!
joanne
Oops I just realized that you are using almond meal, and not almond flour. Does it make a difference in this recipe? I have almond flour on hand, but not meal. Thanks!
The Clean Eating Couple
They’re the same thing!
Erin N
We made these today and my kids all ate 2 each. They are super good! Thanks!
The Clean Eating Couple
I’m so glad + your kids liked them, Erin!! This makes me so happy to hear 🙂
JaNell
Great healthy recipe to use up overripe bananas. I made a couple revisions… I cut down the honey to 3 tablespoons. It was still plenty sweet. I also didn’t have any almond meal so I substituted with more flaxseed. Muffins still turned out great and my entire family loved! Will definitely be making this recipe again! Thank you!
The Clean Eating Couple
So glad you + your family loved them JaNell! This makes me so happy to hear 🙂
Dian Adiwaskitarini
Yumm..! Just made these & turned out terrific! The only thing i changed was using Cacao Nibs in place of Chocolate Chips. I made sure i used my verryyy ripe, super brown spotted bananas (if i waited 1 more day, they’d be trash) so it made the muffin naturally sweet. I used Optimum Nutrition Whey Protein Vanilla flavour, turned out great & no weird after taste or gritty / lumpy texture. Maybe next time i will add some vanilla extract to the recipe.
Overall a great recipe! Will definitely make again!
The Clean Eating Couple
Totally going to try that with the cacao nibs! That sounds delicious, Dian! Glad you liked these muffins 🙂
Ret
I must be losing it, because I see where you’ve listed almond meal in the blog post, but not in the recipe. How much almond meal do I use? I’m sorry if I’ve overlooked it. Thanks in advance.
The Clean Eating Couple
Hi Ret – Sorry for the typo – I actually just adjusted this recipe to remove the almond meal in it. It wasn’t necessary and I wanted people to be able to make these nut free if they wanted! I just edited that text in the post 🙂 Thanks for calling it out!
Dianna
These muffins are amazing! I love that they are sweetened with honey-we buy our honey local by the gallon! My protein powder happens to be chocolate so that but a little twist on the already delicious recipe! My kids love them too, so I will definetly be making these often as a healthy grab-and-go snack!
The Clean Eating Couple
This makes me so happy to hear, Diana! I’m totally trying this with chocolate protein powder- that sounds delicious!
Kristee
Was there a previous version that included almond meal? I made the recipe before and now I think I’m losing my mind!
The Clean Eating Couple
Hi Kristee – Yes, I actually just tweaked the recipe to make them without the almond/flaxseed meal. I found that it wasn’t necessary and a lot of people don’t have that in their pantry so I wanted to make sure they could make it! I promise they’re just as delicious without it 🙂
Candy
Oh dear God these are so good. I’m not a baker at all but damn these could fool anyone into thinking I can bake. So good so easy!!!!
The Clean Eating Couple
So glad you liked them, Candy!! They’re one of my favorite muffins!
Sara
Honestly the best protein banana muffins I’ve ever made. The flavor combo is perfect and it’s so moist but with no butter? Win!! Thanks so much for the recipe!
The Clean Eating Couple
Glad you liked them, Sara!! They are super moist/yummy!
Sara
I made these last night and subbed 3 bananas (mine were pretty small), whole wheat flour instead of oat, and ghee instead of coconut oil…these are the best protein muffins I have made! Most “made from scratch” protein packed baked goods are dense and too “protein powder tasting”. These were light and fluffy and so delish! These will definitely be in my regular food prep rotation.
The Clean Eating Couple
I’m so glad you liked them, Sara! This makes me so happy to hear!
Rachel
These have become a staple for me and my boyfriend! We double the protein powder and it’s the perfect way to start our day. I look forward to eating these every morning, they’re absolutely delicious! Xo
The Clean Eating Couple
I’m so glad you like them, Rachel! They’re one of my favorites for breakfast too!
Jenn
Easy and delicious! Toddler approved and easy on the budget!
The Clean Eating Couple
So glad you like them, Jenn! Makes me happy to hear your toddler enjoyed them too 🙂
Anna
Could you repost or send me the Healthy Banana Protein recipe that had multiple flours? I had bought flax, almond flour, whey etc for this recipe and loved the way the muffins turned out. After the recipe was changed I tried to bake the original recipe from memory, but I can’t get it right.
The Clean Eating Couple
Hi Anna – I changed the recipe to have less ingredients, be lower in calories, and higher in protein while still tasting the same (if not better!). I wanted it to be easier for people to make and for them to be able to try it without things they might not on hand have like almond flour. I don’t have the original recipe anymore, but you don’t need those extra ingredients. Try the recipe as is! As for the whey protein.. you can use that just like you did in the past!
Marie
These are so delicious that its hard to believe they are good for you! Amazing recipe! Very moist & super fast on the go breakfast!
The Clean Eating Couple
So glad you liked them, Marie!
Erin
I made these today and they were delicious! The flavor and texture were absolutely perfect. I especially like how you can customize them too. Definitely a keeper!
The Clean Eating Couple
I’m so glad you liked the, Erin! Thanks for giving them a try 🙂
Elizabeth
I just made these last night and they are SO delicious! Just like others have said, they are perfectly moist and so easy to make! I did have to cook them a little longer than suggested to have them fully set, but everyone’s oven is different so that was no problem at all! I also used regular flour because that is what I happened to have on hand, but I’m so excited to try oat flour next time.
The Clean Eating Couple
Glad you liked them! Sometimes the baking time can vary by a few minutes depending on the flour or protein powder – but I’m glad they worked for you!
Kaycee
I make these as meal prep for breakfast! I add about 1/4 cup Greek yogurt & use butter instead of coconut oil as I don’t care for coconut oil. I also add dark chocolate chips and some walnuts for texture! I love to pop them in the microwave for about 20 seconds before heading out the door in the mornings. Delicious!
The Clean Eating Couple
That sounds like a great substitute! I’m going to try that! Glad you like them 🙂
Francesca
Found this recipe really easy and it was great knowing they are healthy! Perfect with a cup of tea as they can be a little dry if not heated up, or for breakfast as recommended. Will be trying more recipes out soon for sure!
The Clean Eating Couple
So glad you liked them, Francesca!
Nav
Hi there! I couldn’t find oat flour and got whole wheat flour instead. What is the ratio to substitute that for oat flour? Thank you!
The Clean Eating Couple
Hi Nav – I’m sorry but I’ve never tried using whole wheat flour in this recipe. I would think a 1:1 ratio might work but I really am not sure. If you try it, please let me know how they come out!