Gluten-Free Banana Bread Muffins have all the moist, sweet flavor of traditional banana bread in the convenience of bite-sized muffins. Made with simple ingredients with a total time of just 30 minutes, they’re great for breakfasts, snacks, and meal prep! And did I mention they’re dairy-free?
I’ve tested these gluten-free banana bread muffins about a dozen times—because getting that just right banana bread flavor and texture matters. Moist but not soggy, sweet but not too sweet, and allergy-friendly enough for everyone.
After all the tweaks and egg-free swaps, this version is now a staple in our house and I have many stashed in the freezer! They’re quick to make and perfect for grab-and-go breakfasts or snacks. Plus, you can switch them up with chocolate chips, nuts, or even boost the protein with adding protein powder (more variations below). If you’re going to have one go-to muffin recipe, this is it.
Tips Before You Begin
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients – Allowing your eggs and bananas to come to room temperature before you begin allows you to mix the batter more evenly and helps it rise in the oven. Check out the recipe card for tips if you’re short on time!
- For Domed Muffins – Bake at 400°F for the first 5 minutes. Then, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F to finish baking. The initial high heat helps the muffins puff (bakery muffin style) up before setting.
- Flour Combination – Personally, I love combining almond flour with oat flour. It keeps the texture light and fluffy, and I find it gives me more control over the batter than your average gluten-free flour blend. That said, you really want to weigh your flour blends for accuracy (especially almond flour, which can pack down easily). Too much can make the muffins dense, and too little can make them fall flat. If you’re experimenting with other flours, try to keep the overall ratio around the same weight (about 240–250g total) so that the muffins hold their shape and rise properly.
- Egg-Free Option:I’ve tested these with two flax eggs, and they came out soft, fluffy, and full of banana bread flavor—just not quite as pretty as the regular version. Still totally delicious! If you’re using the oat flour and almond flour combo, I recommend adding ½ to 1 teaspoon of xanthan gum for an even better texture.
Ingredients and Notes
Below is an overview of the ingredients and instructions for this gluten-free banana muffins recipe. Please be sure to scroll down to the recipe card for the complete details, including prep time, calories, carbohydrates, protein, fats, fiber, sodium, etc.
- Bananas – Make sure to use overripe bananas. The darker they are, the sweeter your muffins will taste! Note: You can use frozen bananas, if needed. Just let them thaw completely and drain any excess liquid to avoid a dense, overly moist texture.
- Room Temperature Eggs – Add structure to the muffins.
Ingredient Swap: For a vegan option, replace the eggs with 2 flax eggs (2 tablespoons of flaxseed meal + 5 tablespoons of water). Let the mixture sit for 5–10 minutes to thicken before using.
- Pure Maple Syrup – Enhances the sweetness without the need for refined sugar. Honey will also work.
- Melted Refined Coconut Oil – This replaces butter found in most recipes, adds richness, and keeps the muffins moist. Substitute avocado oil, if preferred.
- Vanilla Extract – Use a high-quality, pure vanilla extract for the best results!
- Lemon Juice – Substitute apple cider vinegar, if needed.
- Gluten-Free Flour – I like to use a combination of blanched almond flour and gluten-free oat flour. Learn more about the best gluten-free flour for baking!
Note: If you prefer to use gluten-free flour instead of both flours, you will need to make a few adjustments. Use 1½ cups of gluten-free 1:1 baking flour, ⅓ cup oil (versus 3 Tablespoons), and 1 teaspoon baking soda (not baking powder). The texture will be slightly more dense and cakey, but still delicious.
- Leaveners – Use both baking powder and baking soda for a soft, fluffy consistency.
- Spices – Salt and cinnamon enhance the rest of the ingredients and add warmth and depth. I also like to include ground ginger. It’s optional but adds a little zing!
How to Make Gluten-Free Banana Bread Muffins
Before you begin, preheat the oven to 350°F. Then, line a 12-count muffin tin with paper liners, or grease it with cooking oil spray.
- Mash the bananas. Add the ripe bananas to a large bowl and mash them with a fork. Then, add the eggs and mix to combine.
- Whisk the wet ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk the maple syrup, melted coconut oil, vanilla, and lemon juice until smooth. Then, add the mashed bananas and eggs, and whisk again to combine.
- Mix the dry ingredients. Add all the dry ingredients to a medium-sized bowl, and whisk to combine
Pro-Tip: If you’re skipping adding mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips, include a tablespoon or two more oat flour to help the batter hold structure and encourage more rise.
- Combine. Working slowly, add the dry ingredients to the bowl of wet ingredients, and mix just until combined. Be careful not to overmix! Then, fold in any mix-ins, if using.
- Bake. Divide the muffin batter evenly between the muffin cups, filling each cavity about ⅔ of the way full. Then, top them with raw sugar or candied nuts, if desired. Bake until the muffins are fluffy and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool. Allow your gluten-free banana muffins to cool in the muffin pan slightly. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Variations and Mix-Ins
I’ve tested just about banana bread muffin variation—chocolate chip, nutty, ginger, and even lemon poppyseed—and they all work great! It really depends on the season and your cravings.
- Toppings – I also add a sprinkle of sugar and candied nuts on top for a little extra sweetness and crunch.
- Mix-Ins – Make gluten-free banana nut muffins by folding chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter. Or, add chopped dates, lemon zest, or chocolate chips.
- Spring Variation – Add fresh lemon zest and poppyseeds! This is my personal favorite combo.
- Ginger Zing – I sometimes icnldue ¼ teaspoon ground ginger or 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger for a gentle spicy kick.
- Enhance the Sweetness – Replace half the maple syrup (2 tablespoons) with dark or light brown sugar or coconut sugar for a richer, caramel-like sweetness.
- Flavor Extracts – Increase the amount of vanilla extract, using up to one teaspoon, for a stronger vanilla taste. Or, add ¼ teaspoon almond extract for nutty depth.
- Intensify the Banana Flavor – Roast whole bananas (skin on) at 350°F for 15–20 minutes until blackened and soft. Let cool slightly, peel, then mash. This brings out a deeper, caramelized banana flavor.
Storage Tips
Store leftover muffins covered tightly in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
To freeze, let the muffins cool completely. Then, freeze them in a single layer. Once frozen, store in a sealed container in the freezer for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave or toaster oven when you’re ready to serve.
More of Our Favorite
Gluten-Free Muffins
Gluten Free Banana Bread Muffins Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Put your overripe bananas to use with this soft and sweet, dairy-free, gluten free banana bread muffins recipe, ready to eat in just 30 minutes!
Ingredients
- 1 cup (250g) mashed ripe bananas (about 3 medium bananas) See notes if using frozen!
- 2 eggs, preferably at room temperature (see notes)
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 3 Tablespoons melted refined coconut oil or avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice or apple cider vinegar (see notes)
- 1 ½ cups (155 -160 grams) blanched almond flour
- ¾ cup 85- 90 grams gluten-free oat flour (see notes)
- 2 teaspoon baking powder (aluminum free)
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger (optional) – I like to add this for a little zing
- Optional Mix-Ins – ¼ cup chopped dates, nuts, lemon zest, or chocolate chips
- Optional Toppings – candied nuts and/or raw sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-count muffin pan with liners or spray with nonstick spray.
- In a large bowl, mash the bananas with a fork. Add the eggs and mix well.
- In a separate smaller bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the maple syrup, melted coconut oil, vanilla, and lemon juice or apple cider vinegar. Pour into the banana mixture and mix until combined.
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the almond flour, oat flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and ginger. Tip: If you’re skipping any mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips, add a tablespoon or two more oat flour to help the batter hold structure and encourage more rise.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined. Fold in the mix-ins, if using.
- Divide the batter evenly into the muffin cups (about ⅔ full). Top with optional raw sugar or candied nuts. Bake for 20–22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Store the muffins covered tightly at room temperature for up to 5 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Notes
Ingredient Tips – Room temperature ingredients (especially eggs) help the batter mix evenly and rise better in the oven. If you’re short on time, place eggs in a bowl of warm water for 5–10 minutes to quickly bring them to room temp.
Substitute Tips – If you prefer to use gluten-free flour instead of both almond and oat flour, you will need to make a few adjustments. Use 1½ cups gluten free 1:1 baking flour, ⅓ cup oil (versus 3 Tablespoons) and 1 teaspoon baking soda (no baking powder). The texture will be slightly more dense and cakey, but still delicious. You can use frozen bananas—just let them thaw completely and drain any excess liquid to avoid a dense, overly moist texture. Fresh ripe bananas work best for consistent results.
Egg-Free Option – For an egg-free version, mix 2 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 5 tablespoon water and set aside to thicken for 10-15 minutes. Once thicken, mix with the wet ingredients. I also recommend adding ½ to 1 teaspoon xanthan gum to the dry ingredients for the best texture. Optional. The muffins will still be soft and flavorful —just slightly less fluffy.
For Domed Muffins – Start baking at 400°F for the first 5 minutes, then reduce to 350°F for the remaining 15–17 minutes.
Storage Tips – Let muffins cool completely, then freeze in a single layer. Once frozen, store in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave or toaster oven.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: breakfast
- Method: oven
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 banana muffin
- Calories: 185
- Sugar: 6.9 g
- Sodium: 116.7 mg
- Fat: 7.3 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 16.9 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 4.3 g
- Cholesterol: 31 mg
Do you have questions, feedback, or tips about this recipe? Leave a comment below with any questions or feedback you’d like to share!












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