Fluffy Banana Chickpea Muffins that are super moist, flourless and protein-packed. A kid-friendly healthy snack that's gluten free!

The fluff factor here is so mega! These are officially the new favorite snack for both me and my sweetie pie toddler. First it was chickpeas in cookie dough and now we're team chickpeas in muffins, ok? As a Registered Dietitian, this makes my heart burst!
Might I add that these are simply perfect for lunchboxes?
How to make chickpea muffins
The best part about this recipe is how easy it is. All you need is a food processor or high-speed blender!
- Drain and rinse chickpeas well. Shake off any excess water.
- Add all the ingredients except optional chocolate chips to a food processor.
- Blend until nice and smooth, scraping the sides to get all that batter mixed.
- Spoon into a greased muff tin and bake for 25 minutes. Slather with peanut butter and devour!
Key ingredients and substitutions
- Chickpeas: A can of chickpeas is the base of this wondrous recipe. Drain and rinse them well in a fine mesh sieve until there's no more foam to remove any extra chickpea flavor.
- Bananas: Use very spotty almost brown bananas for best results. This will help naturally sweet the muffins and add fab banana flavor.
- Peanut butter: I like to use natural, drippy peanut butter with peanuts and salt as the ingredients. I haven't tried it but I'd guess these would work with tahini or almond butter.
- Eggs: This helps the muffins rise. Unfortunately I don't think any egg substitutes will provide the necessary structure so I don't recommend subbing these out.
- Coconut sugar: This helps sweeten the muffins a bit. Any sugar works great. You can omit it and just use chocolate chips, or use neither for a just barely sweet muffin.
- Baking soda: For extra rise.
- Vanilla extract: To add delicious flavor.
- Salt: To bring out the sweetness and round out the flavor.
Can I make these vegan?
Unfortunately eggs are key for the structure and rise of this recipe as they work hand in hand with the chickpeas. For delicious egg-free muffins, try these banana muffins with flax eggs!
Do they taste like chickpeas?
I can assure you they do not! The banana and peanut butter flavors really shine through. The chickpeas provide filling fiber, plant protein and moisture without the need for extra oil or flour. Magic I tell you!
How to store
Store muffins in an air-tight container on the counter for up to 2 days and then transfer to the fridge to store for up to 5 days.
Can I freeze muffins?
Yes! These muffins freeze super well. Simply transfer cooled muffins to a freezer baggie and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.
More healthy muffin recipes
- Healthy Morning Glory Muffins
- Healthy Chocolate Muffins
- Flourless Apple Cinnamon Muffins
- Fluffy Pumpkin Muffins
Banana Chickpea Muffins Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins 1x
- Category: Snacks
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Fluffy Banana Chickpea Muffins that are super moist, flourless and protein-packed! A fun kid-friendly healthy snack that's low in sugar and gluten free.
Ingredients
- 1 14.5oz can chickpeas, drained and well rinsed
- 2 medium very overripe bananas
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup natural peanut butter (I used salted)
- ½ cup old fashioned oats
- ⅓ cup coconut sugar*
- 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Optional: ½ cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a muffin tin with cooking spray.
- Place all ingredients in the bowl of a food processor and blend until very smooth, scraping down the sides with a rubber spatula as needed. Fold in chocolate chips with spatula, if using.
- Using a ⅓ cup measuring cup, scoop batter evenly into muffin tin. Bake for 25 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the muffin comes out clean.
Notes
*Use ½ cup sugar for sweeter muffins.
TO STORE: Store muffins in an air-tight container at room temperature for up to two days then transfer to the refrigerator.
NO ADDED SUGAR: You can omit the sugar for a barely sweet muffin, if desired. This is a great option for babies!
Keywords: chickpea muffins
Amanda says
Made these for my 11 month old and she loved them! So quick and easy, and delish!
★★★★★
Alexis Joseph says
I'm so glad your little one loved them 🙂 Thanks, Amanda!
Melanie Ashed says
I️ made these for my 10 month old and he is obsessed!! Thank you for the easy, nutritious snack.
★★★★★
Torie says
My baby loved these! We made them with sun butter to be daycare friendly so they turned green but we’re so tasty. They are definitely his favorite snack and I made a double batch to freeze.
★★★★★
Alexis Joseph says
I'm so thrilled to hear that, Torie! Hooray for baby-friendly snacks! Thanks so much for your review 🙂
Colleen says
Hi! I’d love to make these but only have a loaf pan. Can I do a bread loaf instead? Any idea of cooking time? Can’t wait to try them!
Alexis Joseph says
Hey, Colleen! I have never tried these as a loaf--in my experience, muffins don't always translate well to loaves so I can't say for certain if they texture will turn out. That said, if you want to try it, I'd guess it would take around 45 minutes to an hour? I do have an amazing GF banana bread you could make instead!
Dylan says
I can't believe how fluffy these are! Love having these on hand for a quick and nutritious snack!
★★★★★
Alexis Joseph says
Isn't it crazy?!
Kori Daniel says
These came together effortlessly, & they taste incredible!! They are fluffy, flavorful, sweet but not overly so, & perfect any time of the day. I love the inclusion of chickpeas! So creative & nourishing.
★★★★★
Alexis Joseph says
Amazing, I'm so so happy they were a hit, Kori! XO
Jerrell says
My kid is OBSESSED with these! I have to keep them out of sight or they’re all he’ll eat. And I sneak one for myself or course!!
★★★★★
Alexis Joseph says
SO glad your kiddos loved these!!