Spinach Banana Muffins

Bright green, naturally sweet, and incredibly soft, these spinach banana muffins make snack time a little more fun. They’re perfect for breakfast, lunchboxes, afternoon snacks, or whenever you’re craving something wholesome and delicious.

The bright emerald color is much more inviting to picky eaters when it’s used to infuse tender, bite-sized treats. They’re easy to make right in your blender and a great vegan snack idea for St. Patrick’s Day—no bowl needed!

Check out our “secret veggie” dairy-free zucchini muffin recipe and also these banana muffins with crumb-topping!

Why The Whole Family Will Love These Blender Muffins

Who can resist a fluffy homemade muffin, fresh from the oven? No one in my family, that’s for sure! There’s no age limit for enjoying these healthy spinach banana muffins.

• Naturally Sweet and Delicious. Ripe bananas and maple syrup add plenty of sweetness without needing lots of refined sugar.
• Soft and Moist Every Time. Banana and applesauce keep these muffins tender and fluffy.
• Kid-Friendly and Adult-Approved. The sweet banana flavor and fun green color make these muffins a hit with kids and grown-ups alike.
• A Fun Way to Sneak In Spinach. These muffins are packed with spinach, but the flavor stays mild and delicious. They’re a great way to add some greens without even thinking about it.
• Freezer-Friendly for Later. Make a batch now and freeze the extras for later. It’s an easy way to have a homemade snack ready whenever you need one.

Key Ingredients

Make your vegan grocery list and check it twice; you don’t need a whole lot to get started.

• Rolled Oats – For a smoother texture, pulse the oats in a blender before adding them to the batter. Quick oats work well as a substitute, but if you use oat flour, the texture will be a little different.
• Flour – Measure flour by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off to avoid dense muffins. Whole wheat flour adds extra fiber and a nuttier flavor. A 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour can also work.
• Spinach – Blend the spinach with the wet ingredients for the smoothest texture and even color. Baby kale can be used instead, though it may have a slightly stronger flavor.
• Banana – Use very ripe bananas with plenty of brown spots for the best sweetness and flavor. Mashed sweet potato, pumpkin puree, or additional applesauce can replace banana, though the flavor will change.
• Flaxseeds – Acts as a plant-based egg replacer and adds healthy omega-3s. Use ground flaxseed rather than whole flaxseed for the best results. Chia seeds can be used in the same way. Commercial egg replacers also work well.
• Soymilk – Unsweetened soymilk gives you the most control over the sweetness of the recipe. Oat milk, almond milk, cashew milk, or other unsweetened plant milks can also be used.
• Applesauce – Use unsweetened applesauce so the muffins don’t become overly sweet. Mashed banana, pumpkin puree, or dairy-free yogurt can work in its place.
• Maple Syrup – Pure maple syrup provides the best flavor. Agave nectar or date syrup can be used instead.
• Cinnamon – A little goes a long way, but feel free to add extra if you love cinnamon flavor. Pumpkin pie spice, nutmeg, or apple pie spice can provide a similar cozy flavor.

Fun Muffin Mix-Ins

Try these mix-ins in these spinach banana muffins for a touch of healthy decadence.

• Chocolate chips or chunks
• Cacao nibs
• Rainbow sprinkles
• Toasted and chopped nuts (like these candied walnuts or sweet pecans!)
• Dried fruit (chopped dates, raisins, etc.)

Tips For Success

You really can’t mess this foolproof recipe up, no matter how hard you try! Here are a few simple tricks and tips to bear in mind.

1. Smoother and Consistent Batter – Blend the rolled oats and flour together first, pureeing on high speed, to make sure the oats are finely ground before adding any other ingredients.
2. Prevent Green Flecks – Blend the liquid ingredients very thoroughly, especially after adding the spinach.
3. Avoid a Tough Muffin – Don’t worry about leaving some lumps in the final mix! Pulse just enough to incorporate ingredients together.
4. Best Rise and Fluffiest Texture – Pour batter immediately into muffin tin or liners.
5. Steam Suggestion – Pour about ½-inch of water into any open space. This will add steam to the oven, prevent the tins from being damaged by the dry heat, and aid in the rising of the muffins.

Play With Your Food!

Satisfy your kiddo’s appetite for adventure while filling their tummies! The fun starts when you transform humble muffin batter into fun new forms.

• Call them “dino muffins” or “monster muffins” when you can also pour the batter into different-shaped nonstick silicone molds, from dinosaurs to goblins and beyond!
• Drop in a handful of mini vegan chocolate chips to get your kids even more excited to reach for these.
• Add plant-based candy eyeballs to make truly ghastly- or silly- faces on your green monster muffins.
• Sprinkle shredded coconut on top to make a wild hairdo or fur coat.
• Decorate with vegan sprinkles to bring on a festive cupcake feel!

FAQs