Healthy Chocolate Banana Muffins sweetened with dates and banana for a tasty, satisfying snack with no added sugar! Free of eggs, dairy, and gluten.
This recipe came into the world because my bananas were so overripe that I swear they were starting to ferment. Can bananas turn into wine? Maybe that's why these tasted so spectacular.
These stunners are super moist with a delightfully crisp top. They're banana-y and chocolatey in the most sensational way. Just sweet enough from bananas and dates but not the teeth hurting kind.
They're made in the food processor instead of two bowls for easy peasy clean up! See, I'm always thinking about you guys.
I was actually shocked at how great these turned out. I thought they might taste like chocolatey hockey pucks. Or banana-y cardboard. Sometimes I surprise myself.
How to make healthy chocolate banana muffins
- Blend bananas, dates, oil, and vanilla in a food processor until smooth.
- Add almond and oat flour, cacao, salt, and baking soda. Blend until you don't see any more flour. It's quite thick!
- Spoon batter into muffin tin. Bake for about 25 minutes and devour!
Key ingredients and tips
No added sugar, gluten, dairy, or eggs...oh my!
- Bananas: One of our lovely natural sweeteners! I like to use extra ripe mashed bananas for sweeter muffins but regular yellow bananas will work too for slightly less sweet muffins.
- Medjool dates: The one and only. I buy them in bulk at Costco but all grocery stores have them now. If they're dry and hard, remove the pit and pop them in a bowl of hot water to soften up.
- Oat flour: I blend oats quickly in the Nutribullet to make my own. Use certified gluten free if needed.
- Almond flour: For delicate sweet flavor and amazing fats that lend a beautiful crumb.
- Cacao powder: Any unsweetened cocoa powder for this recipe. I like using raw cacao for an extra antioxidant punch.
- Ground flax: To help bind the muffins and an extra boost of healthy fats.
- Baking soda: Essential for a nice rise.
- Avocado oil: Just a couple tablespoons for moist texture. Melted and cooled coconut oil or canola oil also work.
- Vanilla extract: Love how this brings out the amazing chocolate flavor. A teaspoon of instant espresso powder would be delish here, too!
- Chocolate chips: Optional for extra chocolate goodness! You can also use dark chocolate chunks. These will add a bit of added sugar.
Storage tips
You can keep these muffins in an air-tight container on the counter for up to 3 days.
Can you freeze muffins?
Yes, I love freezing muffins for easy snacks! You can freeze completely cooled muffins on a lined baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer baggie and squeeze all the air out (this prevents them from sticking together).
They'll keep for 3 months in the freezer.
More banana recipes to enjoy
- Almond Flour Chocolate Banana Bread
- Gluten Free Banana Bread
- Banana Bread Protein Bars
- Banana Oatmeal Cookies
Healthy Chocolate Banana Muffins Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 9 muffins 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Healthy Chocolate Banana Muffins sweetened with dates and banana for a tasty, satisfying snack with no added sugar! Free of eggs, dairy, and gluten. Recipe makes 9 muffins.
Ingredients
- 2 medium overripe bananas
- 2 tbsp avocado oil, melted (can sub coconut oil)
- 8 large soft medjool dates, pitted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1 ¼ cups oat flour*
- ¼ cup cacao powder (can sub cocoa powder)
- 2 tbsp ground flaxseed
- ¾ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp fine sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F. Line a muffin tin with silicone liners or spray with cooking spray.
- Place bananas, coconut oil, dates and vanilla in the bowl of a large food processor. Blend until very smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed with a rubber spatula.
- Add almond flour, oat flour, cacao powder, flax, baking soda, and salt. Process until combined, being sure not to over-mix. The mixture will be very thick.
- Spoon mixture evenly into 9 muffin cups. Top each muffin with a few chocolate chips (these have added sugar) if you fancy! Wet your fingers and gently press down the top of each muffin to get rid of any peaks.
- Bake for about 25 minutes. Cool muffins in pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack to cool completely. Store cooled muffins at room temperature for up to 3 days and then store in the refrigerator.
Notes
*I make my own oat flour by grinding old fashioned oats in the Nutribullet until it forms a fine powder.
Keywords: healthy chocolate banana muffins
Allie says
These are too good! I'm addicted. With a little pat of almond butter - I drool. The perfect blend of banana and chocolate. Thanks so much for sharing!
Alexis says
Wahoo!! Extra almond butter was an excellent decision. Thanks for reporting back!
Allie says
These are too good! I'm addicted. With a little pat of almond butter - I drool. The perfect blend of banana and chocolate. Thanks so much for sharing!
Alexis says
Wahoo!! Extra almond butter was an excellent decision. Thanks for reporting back!
Sarah says
My best friend and I made these last night- they were fantastic! Thank you!
★★★★★
Alexis says
Yayy!!! Thanks for reporting back 🙂
Sarah says
My best friend and I made these last night- they were fantastic! Thank you!
★★★★★
Alexis says
Yayy!!! Thanks for reporting back 🙂
Kristal says
I'm confused
Kristal says
Actually I said much more. Questions? Saturated fats...good or bad in coconut oil
Alexis says
Coconut oil has medium-chain triglycerides (lauric and stearic acid) that are more readily used as energy as opposed to being stored as fat like the long-chain triglycerides in animal-based saturated fats. Oil should still be used in moderation. Hope that helps!
Kristal says
I'm confused
Kristal says
Actually I said much more. Questions? Saturated fats...good or bad in coconut oil
Alexis says
Coconut oil has medium-chain triglycerides (lauric and stearic acid) that are more readily used as energy as opposed to being stored as fat like the long-chain triglycerides in animal-based saturated fats. Oil should still be used in moderation. Hope that helps!
Darla says
AAHHHH!! Just made these as mini muffins - AMAZING!! (Also making crispy baked tofu and roasted veggies for supper - can't wait for your tofu recipe!!)
Alexis says
Yay!! Aren't they addicting?
Darla says
AAHHHH!! Just made these as mini muffins - AMAZING!! (Also making crispy baked tofu and roasted veggies for supper - can't wait for your tofu recipe!!)
Alexis says
Yay!! Aren't they addicting?
Cassie says
I was trying to figure out what to do with my bananas that are sitting ripening on my counter... now I know! Pinning these and hopefully I can whip them up tonight... if not, this weekend!! You know I love the no added sugar!!
Alexis says
Awesome! Enjoy, Cassie!
Cassie says
I was trying to figure out what to do with my bananas that are sitting ripening on my counter... now I know! Pinning these and hopefully I can whip them up tonight... if not, this weekend!! You know I love the no added sugar!!
Alexis says
Awesome! Enjoy, Cassie!
Ashley says
Congrats on the TV segment! So fun!! And I kinda love that you left your cell phone on the canister of oats! That's awesome.
These muffins look deelicious!
Alexis says
Thanks so much, Ashley!
Ashley says
Congrats on the TV segment! So fun!! And I kinda love that you left your cell phone on the canister of oats! That's awesome.
These muffins look deelicious!
Alexis says
Thanks so much, Ashley!
Deryn @ Running on Real Food says
That is so cool you've been able to share your nutrition mission on TV! I'd be too nervous but one of my goals this year is to improve my public speaking..so who knows..maybe one day! The muffins looks great, I love the instant coffee in there and the ingredient list in general. They might have to be on my food prep list for tomorrow! Thanks for sharing!
Alexis says
Thanks dear! Public speaking is the worst, but it's easier on camera than in front of a bunch of people 🙂
aktuell kreditzins bank öffnungszeiten says
Hadn’t thought of that. Of course! The Wall St bull(bronze actually) is the famous calf, but grown and transmogrified into a symbol of Greed. Pixar could do wonders with it.
Deryn @ Running on Real Food says
That is so cool you've been able to share your nutrition mission on TV! I'd be too nervous but one of my goals this year is to improve my public speaking..so who knows..maybe one day! The muffins looks great, I love the instant coffee in there and the ingredient list in general. They might have to be on my food prep list for tomorrow! Thanks for sharing!
Alexis says
Thanks dear! Public speaking is the worst, but it's easier on camera than in front of a bunch of people 🙂
aktuell kreditzins bank öffnungszeiten says
Hadn’t thought of that. Of course! The Wall St bull(bronze actually) is the famous calf, but grown and transmogrified into a symbol of Greed. Pixar could do wonders with it.
Nancy Wilson says
These look divine. I need to stock up most of these ingredients any way. Will be making! Thank you.
Nancy Wilson says
These look divine. I need to stock up most of these ingredients any way. Will be making! Thank you.
Alissa says
I had a hankering for something sweet the other day, then I saw this and realized I had all the ingredients on hand, so I went and made them. They were fantastic! Great flavor, great texture, and they were super easy. Thank you!
★★★★★
Alexis says
I'm so glad! Aren't they so easy? I'm off to make another batch!
Alissa says
I had a hankering for something sweet the other day, then I saw this and realized I had all the ingredients on hand, so I went and made them. They were fantastic! Great flavor, great texture, and they were super easy. Thank you!
★★★★★
Alexis says
I'm so glad! Aren't they so easy? I'm off to make another batch!
Amanda @ .running with spoons. says
You were awesome on TV, girl! Can I haz your autograph? 😉 And you know what's super sad? It's been so cold here lately that my bananas aren't able to ripen fast enough and I never have any spotty ones on hand anymore 😥 The struggle is real!
Alexis says
That is terrible news!! We need to invent a banana ripener machine...
Amanda @ .running with spoons. says
You were awesome on TV, girl! Can I haz your autograph? 😉 And you know what's super sad? It's been so cold here lately that my bananas aren't able to ripen fast enough and I never have any spotty ones on hand anymore 😥 The struggle is real!
Alexis says
That is terrible news!! We need to invent a banana ripener machine...
Arman @ thebigmansworld says
Dude....Hoda needs to get off the Morning show, there's a new beaut in town. (she actually needs to get off anyway but still).
Now this recipe...Winner winner chickpea dinner!
Alexis says
You need them in yer lyfeeeee.
Arman @ thebigmansworld says
Dude....Hoda needs to get off the Morning show, there's a new beaut in town. (she actually needs to get off anyway but still).
Now this recipe...Winner winner chickpea dinner!
Alexis says
You need them in yer lyfeeeee.
Medha @ Whisk & Shout says
Congrats on the TV segment! Love that these have no added sugar and are vegan... perfect breakfast material! 🙂
Alexis says
They're totally breakfast material! Maybe with some pb smeared on top?!
Medha @ Whisk & Shout says
Congrats on the TV segment! Love that these have no added sugar and are vegan... perfect breakfast material! 🙂
Alexis says
They're totally breakfast material! Maybe with some pb smeared on top?!
CakePants says
Vegan chocolate banana muffins?! Yes, please! I love how bananas always make for super moist baked goods. Looking forward to trying these 🙂
Alexis says
The almond meal adds awesome moisture as well!
CakePants says
Vegan chocolate banana muffins?! Yes, please! I love how bananas always make for super moist baked goods. Looking forward to trying these 🙂
Alexis says
The almond meal adds awesome moisture as well!
Julia says
I love you on TV! It was so nice to see you in the for reals life! You did awesome, girly! I hope you get all the clients after this TV segment. P.S. I need you to help me lower my cholesterol too!
Bring on the fermented naner muffins!
Alexis says
I hope I get alllll the clients, too! Me and you need to team up and make fermented baked goodies 🙂 Perhaps with some kombucha in there?!
Julia says
I love you on TV! It was so nice to see you in the for reals life! You did awesome, girly! I hope you get all the clients after this TV segment. P.S. I need you to help me lower my cholesterol too!
Bring on the fermented naner muffins!
Alexis says
I hope I get alllll the clients, too! Me and you need to team up and make fermented baked goodies 🙂 Perhaps with some kombucha in there?!
Lori says
NOT awkward at all! What an awesome thing to be a part of! I always wonder how the "average" person can get in front of camera on TV and look natural, as if they are on TV every day! You did great.
P.S. Although what is wrong with avocado I want to know (especially since I just ate half of one)??!
Alexis says
Haha I have NO idea what she was talking about! I LOVE avocados 🙂
Lori says
NOT awkward at all! What an awesome thing to be a part of! I always wonder how the "average" person can get in front of camera on TV and look natural, as if they are on TV every day! You did great.
P.S. Although what is wrong with avocado I want to know (especially since I just ate half of one)??!
Alexis says
Haha I have NO idea what she was talking about! I LOVE avocados 🙂
Beth says
Could I use gluten-free all-purpose flour for the oat flour? I have celiac and can't tolerate oats, but would love to make these!
Alexis says
How about gluten-free oat flour? Or blend up some gluten-free oats? Let me know what works!
Beth says
Thanks, but unfortunately, I can't handle gluten-free oats, either. I'll try gluten-free all-purpose flour.
Alexis says
Gotcha. Let me know if they turn out okay! Maybe used more almond meal in place of the 1/3 cup oats?
Beth says
Could I use gluten-free all-purpose flour for the oat flour? I have celiac and can't tolerate oats, but would love to make these!
Alexis says
How about gluten-free oat flour? Or blend up some gluten-free oats? Let me know what works!
Beth says
Thanks, but unfortunately, I can't handle gluten-free oats, either. I'll try gluten-free all-purpose flour.
Alexis says
Gotcha. Let me know if they turn out okay! Maybe used more almond meal in place of the 1/3 cup oats?
She Rocks Fitness says
You don't look awkward, you look pretty! You want to see awkward, you just put me in front of camera...It's horrific! LOL...Your phone on top of the oats is hilarious...I've lost my car keys and my apt key in the same week...luckily found them both, but what the heck? Full Moon again...
Alexis says
Haha I'm glad you found your keys! That is the WORST...happens to me on a weekly basis.
She Rocks Fitness says
You don't look awkward, you look pretty! You want to see awkward, you just put me in front of camera...It's horrific! LOL...Your phone on top of the oats is hilarious...I've lost my car keys and my apt key in the same week...luckily found them both, but what the heck? Full Moon again...
Alexis says
Haha I'm glad you found your keys! That is the WORST...happens to me on a weekly basis.
Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl says
You did an AWESOME job on the TV segment!! When I was watching it, I couldn't help but wonder what you were thinking when the other anchor said should couldn't eat avocado!! 😉
Alexis says
Hahah I was like wait WHAT?!
Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl says
You did an AWESOME job on the TV segment!! When I was watching it, I couldn't help but wonder what you were thinking when the other anchor said should couldn't eat avocado!! 😉
Alexis says
Hahah I was like wait WHAT?!
Dana | fresh simple five says
Finally a use of overripe bananas that isn't banana bread... and has chocolate! These look wonderful and congrats on your TV appearance. How fun!
Alexis says
Thanks mah dear! Make these and prepare to fall in love 🙂
Dana | fresh simple five says
Finally a use of overripe bananas that isn't banana bread... and has chocolate! These look wonderful and congrats on your TV appearance. How fun!
Alexis says
Thanks mah dear! Make these and prepare to fall in love 🙂
Tara | Treble in the Kitchen says
Yum! These look soo good!
Tara | Treble in the Kitchen says
Yum! These look soo good!
Shashi @ runninsrilankan says
Lady - you were so NOT awkward on that clip - in fact, you were pretty fantastic!!! And CONGRATS ON YOUR second TV segment on Good Day Columbus - it won't be long till we start seeing you on the red carpet!
I love using dates to sweeten treats with - thanks for sharing this recipe!
Alexis says
Heheh thanks so much, Shashi! Youdda best!
Shashi @ runninsrilankan says
Lady - you were so NOT awkward on that clip - in fact, you were pretty fantastic!!! And CONGRATS ON YOUR second TV segment on Good Day Columbus - it won't be long till we start seeing you on the red carpet!
I love using dates to sweeten treats with - thanks for sharing this recipe!
Alexis says
Heheh thanks so much, Shashi! Youdda best!
Chelsey says
These look awesome...I just made a similar banana muffin, sweetened with dates, but not gluten free so I'm definitely going to link to this recipe! Thanks!
Alexis says
Fabulous! I've been loving using oats instead of flour lately.
Chelsey says
These look awesome...I just made a similar banana muffin, sweetened with dates, but not gluten free so I'm definitely going to link to this recipe! Thanks!
Alexis says
Fabulous! I've been loving using oats instead of flour lately.
Maryea {happy healthy mama} says
Oooh these look fabulous! I love that you made them gluten-free AND vegan. I actually just finished eating some banana chocolate pancakes that tasted a bit like banana chocolate cardboard, so I totally know what you are talking about! 😉 Back to the drawing board....
Congrats on your TV segment! I'm off to check it out now.
Alexis says
Thanks dear! Banana chocolate cardboard is a big no no 🙂
Maryea {happy healthy mama} says
Oooh these look fabulous! I love that you made them gluten-free AND vegan. I actually just finished eating some banana chocolate pancakes that tasted a bit like banana chocolate cardboard, so I totally know what you are talking about! 😉 Back to the drawing board....
Congrats on your TV segment! I'm off to check it out now.
Alexis says
Thanks dear! Banana chocolate cardboard is a big no no 🙂
June Burns says
Those look great! And it's so awesome that you were on tv, spreading the food love 🙂
Alexis says
Thanks dear!
June Burns says
Those look great! And it's so awesome that you were on tv, spreading the food love 🙂
Alexis says
Thanks dear!
Liz S. says
Excellent, delicious recipe; and congratulations on the tv segment! You were NOT awkward - it was a great segment and it'll be fun to see the journey that you and the anchor take, to further improve her health.
★★★★★
Alexis says
Thanks so much, Liz!! I hope I can get her to chow down on some fruits and veggies 🙂
Liz S. says
Excellent, delicious recipe; and congratulations on the tv segment! You were NOT awkward - it was a great segment and it'll be fun to see the journey that you and the anchor take, to further improve her health.
★★★★★
Alexis says
Thanks so much, Liz!! I hope I can get her to chow down on some fruits and veggies 🙂