Delicious Whole Wheat Pumpkin Banana Muffins: Your Easy, Oil-Free, Dairy-Free Fall Treat

Embrace the cozy flavors of autumn with these incredibly moist and satisfying whole wheat Pumpkin Banana Muffins. Perfectly blending the comforting warmth of pumpkin purée with the natural sweetness of mashed banana, these muffins are studded with melty chocolate chips, making them an irresistible treat for any time of day. What makes them even better? They are completely oil-free and dairy-free, with a simple vegan option included, catering to various dietary needs without compromising on flavor or texture.

Lately, there’s been a delightful obsession with banana muffins, and it was only a matter of time before the autumnal goodness of pumpkin joined the party! Banana and pumpkin are truly a dynamic duo in baking. Both ingredients are naturally rich in moisture, ensuring these muffins stay incredibly soft and tender. This clever combination also allows for a reduction in added sugar and completely eliminates the need for oil, making them a healthier indulgence.

Beyond these delightful pumpkin banana muffins, we’ve also been savoring other banana muffin variations like these almond flour banana muffins and banana blackberry oatmeal muffins. Each recipe brings its unique charm, but these pumpkin banana muffins hold a special place for their comforting fall flavors.

Enjoy these wholesome muffins for breakfast, perhaps with a generous smear of creamy peanut butter for an extra protein boost. They are equally delicious on their own, or warmed slightly out of the oven, allowing the chocolate chips to turn into gooey pockets of bliss. This recipe, originally shared in October 2021, has been thoroughly updated with new photos and even more helpful tips to ensure your baking success.

Why You’ll Adore These Pumpkin Banana Muffins

• Smartly Uses Leftovers: This recipe is a fantastic way to utilize that single ripe banana sitting on your counter and any leftover canned pumpkin puree. It’s perfect for minimizing food waste while creating something delicious.
• Effortless & Quick Preparation: Forget the electric mixer! These muffins come together with just a few bowls, a whisk, and a spatula, making cleanup a breeze. Their simplicity means you can whip up a batch on a busy morning or for an impromptu snack.
• Ideal for Meal Prep: These wholesome muffins are a lifesaver for quick breakfasts or healthy snacks throughout the week. They maintain their delightful moist and fluffy texture when stored at room temperature for 4-5 days, or can be frozen for 2-3 months, ensuring you always have a tasty option on hand.
• Wholesome & Satisfying: Thanks to the use of whole wheat flour, fiber-rich pumpkin, and healthy fats from peanut butter (if used), these muffins are incredibly filling and nutritious, keeping you energized longer.
• Dietary-Friendly: This recipe is naturally dairy-free, and with a simple flax egg substitution, it can be easily made completely vegan, accommodating various dietary preferences without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Essential Ingredients & Smart Substitutions

Below is a detailed look at the ingredients required for these delicious muffins, along with helpful suggestions for substitutions. For precise quantities, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card at the bottom of this post.

• Pumpkin Purée: You must use pure pumpkin purée, not pumpkin pie filling. Pie filling is already sweetened and spiced, which would drastically alter the flavor profile and sweetness balance of these muffins. Look for cans labeled “100% Pure Pumpkin” or “Pumpkin Purée.”
• Ripe Banana: A key player for both natural sweetness and incredible moisture, you’ll need about 1/2 a cup of mashed ripe banana. This typically equates to one very large banana or two smaller ones. Ensure your bananas are overly ripe, with plenty of brown spots on the peel, as this indicates maximum sweetness and flavor development.
• Pumpkin Spice: These muffins are generously seasoned with 4 teaspoons of pumpkin spice, giving them that classic fall aroma and taste. While you can certainly purchase pre-made pumpkin pie spice (especially prevalent during the fall season), making your own homemade pumpkin pie spice blend allows for customizable flavors and fresh potency.
• Natural Peanut Butter: To effectively replace the oil typically found in muffin recipes, natural peanut butter (the kind that requires stirring) is essential. Its creamy texture and healthy fats provide the necessary moisture and richness. Avoid using shelf-stable peanut butter, as its texture and consistency differ significantly and may yield less desirable results. For an alternative, almond butter can be used, offering a slightly different nutty flavor.
• Whole Wheat Flour: As the name suggests, whole wheat flour forms the wholesome base of these muffins. You’ll need 225 grams or 1 3/4 cups. We highly recommend sticking to whole wheat flour for the intended texture and nutritional benefits. This recipe has not been tested with all-purpose white flour, so results may vary.
• Unsweetened Almond Milk: To maintain the dairy-free nature of this recipe, unsweetened almond milk is the preferred choice. However, feel free to substitute with other plant-based milks like cashew milk or oat milk. If a dairy-free recipe isn’t a strict requirement for you, regular dairy milk can also be used.
• Coconut Sugar: This provides a gentle sweetness and imparts a subtle caramel-like depth of flavor to the muffins. If coconut sugar isn’t available, brown sugar is an excellent substitute, though be aware it may add a touch more moisture to the batter.
• Large Egg: One large egg acts as a binder, adds moisture, and contributes to the muffin’s overall structure and leavening. For the vegan option, see the FAQ section.
• Baking Soda: This acts as a crucial leavening agent, helping the muffins rise and become wonderfully fluffy.
• Salt: A small amount of salt is used to enhance all the other flavors in the muffins, balancing the sweetness and making the spices pop. Fine sea salt, table salt, or kosher salt will all work effectively.
• Vanilla Extract: Real vanilla extract is a flavor enhancer that adds a warm, inviting aroma and depth to baked goods. Opt for pure vanilla extract for the best possible flavor.
• Chocolate Chips: The recipe calls for plant-based chocolate chips to keep it dairy-free. If you don’t require the muffins to be dairy-free, feel free to use your favorite type of chocolate chips – milk, semi-sweet, or dark will all be delicious.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Bake Pumpkin Banana Muffins

Crafting these moist and flavorful pumpkin banana muffins is a straightforward process, perfect for bakers of all skill levels. Here’s a concise overview of the steps involved, complete with visual aids. For comprehensive details and the full recipe, please consult the recipe card at the conclusion of this post.

Precision in Baking: Measuring Your Ingredients Accurately

Accurate measurement is the cornerstone of successful baking, ensuring consistent and delicious results every time. While US cup measurements are conveniently included in the recipe card, we highly recommend using weight and volume measurements for superior accuracy. For ingredients specified in grams (g), a kitchen scale is your best friend, providing the most precise measurement. For liquids measured in milliliters (ml), a liquid measuring cup will give you the exact volume needed. Smaller quantities, such as spices or leavening agents, are typically measured with standard teaspoons and tablespoons. Investing in a good kitchen scale, especially for flour, can make a world of difference in the texture of your baked goods.

Creative Recipe Variations to Try

• Nutty Crunch: For an added layer of texture and flavor, swap out the chocolate chips for 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts. These nuts complement the pumpkin and banana beautifully, adding a satisfying crunch.
• Alternate Chips: Get creative with different types of baking chips! White chocolate chips offer a sweet contrast, butterscotch chips provide a rich, caramel-like note, and peanut butter chips will intensify the peanut butter flavor, creating a truly decadent muffin.
• Toddler-Friendly Option: If you’re baking for younger children or prefer a less sweet muffin, simply omit the chocolate chips entirely. The natural sweetness from the banana and pumpkin is often enough to satisfy little palates.
• Extra Texture & Tartness: Boost the visual appeal and texture by stirring in some pumpkin seeds for a subtle crunch, or add dried cranberries or raisins for bursts of chewy sweetness and a hint of tartness.

Storage & Freezing Tips for Freshness

Top Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Banana Muffins

• Pumpkin Purée is Key: Double-check your can to ensure you are using pure pumpkin purée, not pumpkin pie filling. Pie filling contains added sweeteners and spices that will throw off the delicate balance of this recipe. This is a common mistake that can significantly alter the final taste and texture.
• Embrace Spotty Bananas: The riper your bananas, the better! Bananas with numerous brown spots are not only sweeter but also provide more moisture, resulting in a richer banana flavor and a more tender muffin. Resist the urge to use firm, yellow bananas.
• Correct Flour Measurement: Accuracy with flour is vital in baking. If you don’t own a kitchen scale (which is highly recommended for precision), use the “spoon and level” method. Gently spoon the flour into your dry measuring cup until it overflows, then level it off with a straight edge (like the back of a knife). Scooping flour directly from the container compacts it, leading to an excess amount that can result in dense, dry muffins.
• Pan Color Matters: These muffins were developed using a lighter-colored muffin pan. If you’re using a darker muffin pan, be aware that it conducts heat more efficiently and may cause the bottoms of your muffins to brown a little quicker. Adjust baking time accordingly and check for doneness a few minutes early.
• Fill ‘Em Up: For those beautifully domed muffin tops, fill your muffin cups almost to the very top. To ensure easy release, generously grease your muffin pan or, for an even smoother experience, use high-quality parchment paper liners which rarely stick.
• Room Temperature Ingredients for Best Blend: For a smoothly incorporated batter, it’s best to bring cold ingredients to room temperature. Since natural peanut butter is often refrigerated, allow it to sit out for a while. Similarly, bringing your egg and almond milk to room temperature helps them emulsify better with the other ingredients, leading to a more consistent batter and a finer crumb.
• Avoid Overmixing: This is a golden rule for muffins. Stir the wet and dry ingredients together only until they are just combined and no streaks of dry flour remain. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to tough, dense, and chewy muffins instead of light and fluffy ones. A few lumps are perfectly fine!

Frequently Asked Questions

More Delightful Canned Pumpkin Recipes

Discover More Muffin Recipes

If you’re a muffin enthusiast like us, you’ll love exploring these other wholesome and delicious muffin recipes, perfect for any occasion:

• Almond Flour Zucchini Muffins
• Healthy Banana Nut Muffins
• Partridgeberry Muffins
• Cranberry Orange Oatmeal Muffins
• Blueberry Vanilla Almond Oatmeal Muffins

We hope you enjoy baking and savoring these wholesome whole wheat pumpkin banana muffins as much as we do. Your feedback is invaluable, so if you make this recipe, we’d absolutely love to hear what you think in the comments below!

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