Banana Protein Muffins

These Banana Protein Muffins are easy, healthy and delicious! They are a great grab and go breakfast option, filling afternoon snack, or even healthy dessert. These gluten free and dairy free protein muffins are soft, fluffy and so yummy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• These banana protein muffins are super easy to make.
• They taste like chocolate chip banana bread.
• Bake it into this Protein Banana Bread!
• These protein banana muffins are packed with healthy protein. Each muffin has 11 grams of protein.
• The mashed bananas add sweetness, moisture and the best texture. Try these Mini Banana Muffins as well!
• This recipe is Paleo, gluten free, and dairy free. It is also refined sugar free.
• Unlike most muffins, these are not loaded with sugars and carbs.
• Check out this Paleo Chocolate Chip Banana Bread which I based this recipe off of.
• For another high protein recipe, check out these Vegan Protein Cookies.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Ripe bananas add natural sweetness and the perfect moist texture to these protein muffins. About 2 large or 3 small bananas yield the 1 cup this recipe calls for. I do not recommend substituting for the bananas.

Eggs are vital to these muffins. In addition to adding protein, they help these muffins rise. Moreover, the eggs yield a light and fluffy texture. Do not use a Vegan substitute.

Creamy nut butter adds a great flavor and even more protein. Use a nut butter that is made with only nuts and salt. Almond butter, cashew butter or peanut butter all work great. For a nut free option, sunflower butter is a great alternative.

A little vanilla extract adds a nice flavor.

Some coconut sugar provides a touch of sweetness. These muffins are not overwhelmingly sweet. If desired, brown sugar can be substituted.

Almond flour is a great baking flour with high protein. It is suitable for both a low carb and Paleo lifestyle. Almond flour is a great flour to use for protein muffins.

Vanilla protein powder adds a ton of protein. I suggest using vanilla so it doesn’t alter the overall taste of these banana protein muffins. Chocolate protein powder can be used, but the taste and look of these muffins will be different. I love Nuzest vanilla which is gluten free and Vegan.

Baking soda helps these muffins rise while baking.

Dark chocolate chips add a nice chocolaty flavor! Use your favorite type of chocolate chips, or omit entirely for a clean eating muffin.

If you love chocolate chip muffins but do not have bananas, check out these Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Muffins!

Taste & Texture

These high protein banana muffins taste like chocolate chip banana bread. The most prominent flavors are banana, chocolate chips, and nut butter. The protein powder I used was only slightly detectable.

These protein powder banana muffins are soft, light and fluffy. They are not dense or dry.

Protein Powder

The overall look and taste of these muffins is dependent upon the protein powder used.

I recommend using a vanilla (or unflavored) protein powder to not overwhelm the flavor of these muffins.

I used a vanilla protein powder that is Paleo, Vegan, plant based and gluten free. It is my go to Paleo protein powder!

What Makes these Muffins Healthy?

Unlike most muffins, these are not loaded with extra sugars. They are naturally sweetened with ripe bananas and coconut sugar.

These banana chocolate chip protein muffins have several types of protein. They contain both animal based protein and plant based protein. Eggs, nut butter, and protein powder all add protein.

For an even healthier muffin, omit coconut sugar and chocolate chips. They will be much less sweet.

How to Make

Step 1

First, preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Heavily spray a muffin pan with nonstick spray.

Step 2

In a mixing bowl, add mashed bananas, eggs, creamy nut butter and vanilla extract. Stir to combine.

Step 3

Then, add in almond flour, vanilla protein powder and baking soda. Stir to combine.

Step 4

Fold in dark chocolate chips.

Step 5

Scoop batter into muffin cavities, filling almost to the top.

Step 6

Bake 13 to 14 minutes or until toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 7

Finally, remove from oven. Cool in pan for 10 minutes before carefully removing muffins from pan.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Heavily spray muffin pan to prevent sticking.

Use ripe bananas for best results. They mash easily and provide natural sweetness.

Use nut butter made with only nuts and salt. Thick nut butters made with sugars, oils or preservatives will yield a denser muffin.

Bake until muffins are just done inside. Test doneness with an inserted toothpick. Do not over bake!

How to Serve & Store

Serve banana muffins once they are cool enough to handle. I love them with a smear of homemade peanut butter!

Store muffins covered at room temperature for up to 3 days. Alternatively, store in the fridge for up to 5 days.

These muffins freeze well!

For another healthy treat, try this Protein Cake in a Mug.

Nutrition Benefits

These protein banana muffins have several different forms of protein.

The eggs are a great source of protein. They contain all essential amino acids. In addition, eggs are high in vitamin B12, vitamin D, vitamin E and vitamin K.

The protein powder adds a ton of protein! The particular brand I used is plant based. This vanilla protein powder contains 9 essential amino acids and contains high quality pea protein.

Nut butters contain heart healthy ingredients. In addition, nut butters are great for managing blood sugar levels. They are low in carbs, contain no added sugars, and have a moderate amount of protein.

Almond flour contains high levels of vitamin E and antioxidants. Additionally, almond flour contains manganese and magnesium. It is far less processed than traditional wheat flour. Almond flour is suitable for those who eat Paleo, Keto, low carb, grain free and gluten free diets.

Variations & Add Ins

Here are some ideas to add to the muffin batter before baking.

Mini chocolate chips

Dried cranberries

Chopped walnuts

Chopped pecans

Peanut butter chocolate chips

Cinnamon

Nutmeg

Try these Pumpkin Protein Muffins!

Frequently Asked Questions

You May Also Like

• Paleo Dark Chocolate Banana Protein Smoothie
• The Best Banana Muffins with Almond Flour
• Flourless Banana Chocolate Muffins
• Almond Flour Apple Muffins (Paleo)
• Banana Carrot Muffins

If you make this protein banana muffins recipe, I would really appreciate a review! You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. I would love for you to follow along! 

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