Gluten Free Banana Nut Bread Muffins: The Best Moist & Healthy Recipe Guide

Gluten free banana nut bread muffins are more than just a treat in my kitchen—they’re a memory, a comfort, and a connection to the way I grew up cooking with my mom. I’m Helen, the heart behind Easy Tasty Kitchen, where I turn simple, nourishing ingredients into easy recipes for real life. These muffins are soft, nutty, and naturally sweetened with ripe bananas, making them perfect for busy mornings, cozy weekends, or sharing with loved ones. If you’re looking for easy gluten free banana muffins that are full of flavor and warmth, you’re in the right place.

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Gluten Free Banana Nut Bread Muffins

gluten free banana nut bread muffins cooling on table

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Gluten free banana nut bread muffins are a comforting, nostalgic treat—soft, nutty, and naturally sweetened with ripe bananas. They’re perfect for busy mornings, cozy weekends, or sharing with loved ones.

  • Author: Helen
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 muffins 1x
  • Category: Breakfast, Snack
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3 medium)
  • 2 large eggs (room temperature)
  • ¼ cup melted coconut oil (or vegetable oil)
  • ⅓ cup brown sugar or coconut sugar
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ cups gluten free all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp cinnamon (optional)
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease.
  2. In a large bowl, mash bananas. Add eggs, oil, vanilla, and sugar. Whisk until smooth.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
  4. Stir dry ingredients into wet until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Fold in chopped nuts.
  6. Divide batter into muffin tin, filling each about ¾ full.
  7. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  8. Cool in tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.

Notes

Let the batter rest for 10 minutes before baking to hydrate gluten free flour. Use very ripe bananas for natural sweetness and moisture. Store at room temp for 2 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 muffin
  • Calories: 200
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 160mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 24g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

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Gluten Free Banana Nut Bread Muffins: A Comforting Classic Reimagined

Gluten free banana nut bread muffins have quickly become a favorite in home kitchens everywhere—and it’s easy to see why. They’re warm, soft, and just sweet enough to feel like a treat, yet wholesome enough to enjoy guilt-free. Whether you’re eating gluten free for health reasons or simply exploring better baking alternatives, these muffins are a must-try.

Back in my childhood kitchen, banana muffins were a staple. But today, these gluten free banana nut bread muffins offer the same nostalgic comfort—without the wheat. And here’s the best part: with the right mix of flours and ripe bananas, they’re just as fluffy, moist, and delicious as their traditional counterparts.

More and more home bakers are choosing gluten free recipes that deliver both flavor and nutrition. That’s exactly what you get with gluten free banana nut bread muffins: a simple, satisfying bake that everyone at the table can enjoy.

Packed With Nutrition and Flavor

These muffins aren’t just tasty—they’re also packed with naturally good ingredients. Bananas bring in moisture, natural sweetness, and potassium, while chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans add crunch, protein, and heart-healthy fats.

Here’s a quick breakdown of why these gluten free banana nut bread muffins are a smart and satisfying choice:

IngredientBenefitWhy It Matters in Muffins
Ripe BananasNatural sugars, high in potassium, fiberKeeps muffins moist without added sugar
Walnuts or PecansHealthy fats, protein, antioxidantsAdds texture, crunch, and nutrition
Gluten Free FloursEasy to digest, lower in allergensCreates a lighter, gut-friendly structure

Whether you’re baking for breakfast, snacks, or meal prep, gluten free banana nut bread muffins check all the boxes: quick, easy, and full of goodness. They’re also incredibly versatile—you can dress them up with a drizzle of almond butter or keep them simple and classic.

Looking for more healthy banana bread ideas?

Here are a few more of our favorites from the Easy Tasty Kitchen collection:

Choosing the Right Gluten Free Flours

Best Gluten Free Flours for Muffins: From Almond to Oat

When it comes to baking gluten free banana nut bread muffins, choosing the right flour makes all the difference. The wrong one can leave your muffins dense, gritty, or dry—but with the right blend, you’ll get muffins that are soft, tender, and full of flavor.

Here are some of the best gluten free flours to use in muffin recipes:

Gluten Free FlourFlavor ProfileTexture OutcomeBest Used With
Almond FlourMild, nuttyMoist, tender crumbBananas, nuts, maple syrup
Oat FlourSlightly sweet, heartySoft, cakeyCinnamon, vanilla, brown sugar
Coconut FlourSlightly sweet, absorbentDense, needs lots of moistureEggs, bananas, honey
Sorghum FlourNeutral, earthyLight and fluffyChia, flax, nut butters
Gluten Free All-PurposeBalancedGreat structureAll ingredients

Many home bakers use a combination of these flours to get the best results. For example, almond flour gives moisture and richness, while oat flour adds structure. Pre-blended gluten free all-purpose flour can work beautifully too, especially in beginner recipes.

When you’re making gluten free banana nut bread muffins, don’t be afraid to experiment with ratios. Bananas add a lot of moisture, so pair them with absorbent flours like coconut flour or balance them with nut-based flours.

How to Make Moist and Fluffy Gluten Free Muffins

inside texture of moist gluten free banana nut bread muffins
Moist and fluffy gluten free banana nut muffins

Making soft, tender gluten free banana nut bread muffins doesn’t have to be complicated. The secret? Use very ripe bananas, don’t overmix, and add moisture-rich ingredients like yogurt or applesauce. Resting the batter for 10 minutes before baking helps hydrate the gluten free flour for a better crumb.

Want them extra moist? Use oil instead of butter, and choose brown sugar or coconut sugar over white. Always check for doneness around 18 minutes to avoid overbaking. These simple tweaks can turn basic batter into bakery-style moist gluten free muffins every time.

For a simple version, try easy gluten free banana muffins made in one bowl—perfect for busy mornings or beginner bakers.

Step-by-Step Recipe for Gluten Free Banana Nut Bread Muffins

Ingredients and Smart Substitutions

ingredients for gluten free banana nut bread muffins
Everything you need to make gluten free banana nut muffins

To make the best gluten free banana nut bread muffins, you’ll only need a handful of simple ingredients. Each one plays a key role in flavor, texture, and moisture.

Base Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3 medium)
  • 2 large eggs (room temperature)
  • ¼ cup melted coconut oil (or vegetable oil)
  • ⅓ cup brown sugar or coconut sugar
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ cups gluten free all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp cinnamon (optional, for warmth)
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Optional Substitutions:

IngredientSubstitute OptionsWhy It Works
Coconut oilAvocado oil, melted butterMoisture + rich texture
Eggs2 flax eggs (vegan option)Binds + adds density
Gluten free flourMix of almond + oat floursBalanced structure + soft crumb
Brown sugarMaple syrup or honeyAdds sweetness and moisture

These substitutions make the recipe flexible for various dietary needs—whether you’re baking vegan, sugar-free, or nut-free.

Instructions and Expert Tips

Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease with coconut oil.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, mash bananas. Add eggs, melted oil, vanilla, and sugar. Whisk until smooth.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together gluten free flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.

Step 4: Combine and Fold
Add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined—don’t overmix. Gently fold in chopped nuts.

Step 5: Fill and Bake
Spoon the batter into your muffin tin, filling each cup about ¾ full. Bake for 18–22 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Let muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Serve warm or store for later.

These gluten free banana nut bread muffins are fluffy, moist, and filled with just the right amount of sweetness and crunch. Best of all, they come together in under 30 minutes—perfect for a quick breakfast or snack that feels homemade and wholesome.

Easy Variations to Try

Gluten free banana nut bread muffins are easy to customize for any lifestyle. For a dairy-free option, use coconut oil or plant-based yogurt. Need a vegan version? Flax eggs work beautifully without compromising texture. To make them naturally sweet, swap sugar for mashed dates or maple syrup.

Want to mix up the flavor? Add-ins like chocolate chips, cinnamon, blueberries, or shredded coconut can turn your easy gluten free banana muffins into something extra special. These muffins adapt effortlessly—so don’t be afraid to make them your own.

Common Baking Mistakes to Avoid

If your gluten free banana nut bread muffins come out flat or dry, you’re not alone. A few small tweaks can make a big difference.

Flat muffins? Check your baking soda or powder—old leavening won’t lift the batter. Also, avoid overmixing and make sure your oven is hot enough (375°F works best).

Dry or crumbly texture? That’s often from overbaking or too much flour. Use very ripe bananas, add a bit of oil or yogurt, and measure flour carefully.

Storage, Freezing, and Meal Prep Tips

gluten free banana nut bread muffins prepared for freezing
Freeze-friendly gluten free banana muffins for meal prep

How to Store for Freshness

Freshly baked gluten free banana nut bread muffins are best enjoyed within the first 2 days, but proper storage can extend their shelf life without losing flavor or moisture.

Counter Storage:
Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Line the container with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture and keep the tops from getting soggy.

Refrigerator:
If you need a few more days, place the muffins in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave for 15–20 seconds before serving to restore their soft texture.

How to Freeze and Reheat Without Losing Texture

Gluten free banana nut bread muffins freeze beautifully, making them perfect for meal prep or batch baking.

To Freeze:

  1. Let muffins cool completely.
  2. Wrap each muffin in plastic wrap or foil.
  3. Place wrapped muffins in a freezer-safe zip-top bag.
  4. Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months.

To Reheat:

  • From frozen: Microwave each muffin for 30–45 seconds or until warm.
  • From thawed: Let thaw at room temp, then warm in the oven at 300°F for 8–10 minutes.

This makes them great for grab-and-go breakfasts or healthy snacks that you can prep weeks in advance.

Serving Ideas and Pairings

Best Drinks and Toppings to Serve With Muffins

Warm, freshly baked gluten free banana nut bread muffins are incredibly versatile. Whether you’re enjoying them as breakfast, snack, or dessert, pairing them with the right drink or topping can elevate the experience.

Perfect Drink Pairings:

  • Coffee or Cold Brew: The nuttiness of the muffins complements the deep roast of your favorite coffee.
  • Chai or Spiced Tea: Cinnamon or cardamom in the muffins plays well with herbal teas.
  • Oat Milk Latte: A great dairy-free option that pairs beautifully with banana-based bakes.
  • Smoothies: A protein-rich banana smoothie makes it a complete breakfast.

Delicious Toppings to Try:

  • Nut Butter Drizzle: Almond or peanut butter adds richness.
  • Greek Yogurt & Honey: Adds protein and a creamy, sweet contrast.
  • Coconut Whipped Cream: Great for a light and dairy-free topping.
  • Sliced Bananas & Chopped Nuts: For added texture and presentation.

How to Dress Them Up for Brunch or Gifts

Want to take your gluten free banana nut bread muffins from simple to special? Try these easy ideas:

For Brunch:

  • Serve muffins warm in a basket with cloth napkins.
  • Add a toppings bar: nut butters, honey, jams, chopped fruit, and dairy-free spreads.

For Gifting:

  • Wrap individual muffins in parchment paper and tie with twine.
  • Pack in a small bakery-style box with a handwritten label like “Freshly Baked with Love – Gluten Free Banana Nut Bread Muffins.”

These small touches turn your homemade muffins into something thoughtful and memorable—without needing anything fancy.

Nutritional Value and Healthy Swaps

Gluten free banana nut bread muffins aren’t just delicious—they’re naturally nutritious. Each muffin offers a balanced mix of carbs, healthy fats, and fiber from bananas, nuts, and gluten free flours. Most muffins come in around 200 calories with 2–3g of fiber and 3–4g of protein.

Want to make them even healthier? Swap brown sugar for mashed dates, use almond and oat flour for more fiber, or replace oil with applesauce. These tweaks turn your healthy banana nut muffins into a smarter everyday snack without sacrificing flavor.

Conclusion

Gluten free banana nut bread muffins are more than just a baked good—they’re a wholesome, comforting treat that fits nearly every lifestyle. With the right flours, ripe bananas, and a few easy techniques, you can enjoy muffins that are soft, moist, and full of flavor every time.

Whether you’re baking for family, prepping for the week, or just want something cozy with your morning coffee, these muffins deliver. And the best part? You don’t need to be a professional baker to pull them off. From one-bowl recipes to freezer-friendly variations, they’re as easy as they are delicious.

Thanks for stopping by my kitchen. Now it’s your turn to preheat the oven and make something warm, nutty, and unforgettable.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the best gluten free flour to use for muffins?

The best gluten free flour for gluten free banana nut bread muffins depends on your desired texture. Almond flour adds richness and moisture, oat flour creates a soft crumb, and a gluten free all-purpose blend (like Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1) offers convenience and consistency. For best results, a blend of almond and oat flour often gives the fluffiest, most flavorful muffins.

Why did my gluten free banana bread not rise?

There are a few reasons gluten free banana nut bread muffins may not rise properly: expired baking soda or powder, low oven temperature, overmixed batter, or lack of proper binders like eggs or flaxseed. Be sure to use fresh leaveners, mix gently, and bake at the right temperature (375°F is ideal).

What is the secret to moist muffins?

The secret to moist gluten free banana nut bread muffins is simple: use very ripe bananas, include moisture-rich ingredients like yogurt, applesauce, or oil, and avoid overbaking. Letting the batter rest before baking also helps hydrate the flour for a better texture.

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