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Quick & Easy Kid-Friendly Whole Wheat Banana Spice Muffins

If you’re looking for a quick and easy recipe to make with your little ones, these Quick & Easy Kid-Friendly Whole Wheat Banana Spice Muffins are the perfect choice. As a pediatric dietitian, I’m always focused on creating recipes that are not only nutritious but also enjoyable for kids to help with. These muffins are […]

Quick & Easy Kid-Friendly Whole Wheat Banana Spice Muffins

A batch of homemade banana veggie muffins on a rustic wooden table, perfect for healthy snacks or breakfasts, made with wholesome ingredients.
Quick & Easy Kid-Friendly Banana Spice Muffins. Naturally sweetened, whole wheat, refined sugar-free, and a healthy snack or breakfast your family will love.

If you’re looking for a quick and easy recipe to make with your little ones, these Quick & Easy Kid-Friendly Whole Wheat Banana Spice Muffins are the perfect choice. As a pediatric dietitian, I’m always focused on creating recipes that are not only nutritious but also enjoyable for kids to help with. These muffins are a great way to get your kids involved in the kitchen. From mashing bananas to mixing the batter, they’ll have a blast helping out, and you’ll love how simple this recipe is.

What Makes These Kid-Friendly Banana Spice Muffins Special?

These Kid-Friendly Banana Spice Muffins are incredibly simple to whip up—perfect for busy mornings or a quick after-school snack. They’re packed with flavor from warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, which complement the natural sweetness of ripe bananas. Plus, they’re refined sugar-free, sweetened with coconut sugar, and made with wholesome whole wheat flour, making them a healthy treat you can feel good about serving.

A Kid-Friendly and Versatile Recipe

If you’ve been following me for a while, you know I swear by weekly fruit- and veggie-filled muffins. They’re not just a staple in my home—they’re also one of my top recommendations for clients. Why? Because they’re the ultimate key to minimizing store-bought and processed snacks while making it easy to include more wholesome fruits and vegetables in your family’s diet.

I love making muffins every week because they’re quick, versatile, and a huge time-saver. In less than 20 minutes, I can whip up a batch of nourishing, grab-and-go options that my family can enjoy all week. Whether it’s busy mornings, packing lunchboxes, or reaching for an afternoon snack, these muffins have us covered.

Baking your own muffins also gives you control over the ingredients, which means you can avoid added sugars and preservatives while creating something that fits your family’s needs. For clients, I always recommend starting with simple, fruit- or veggie-packed recipes to make them a fun and easy addition to their routine.

The best part about making weekly muffins is how much your little ones can get involved. Whether they’re measuring ingredients, mashing bananas, or stirring the batter, kids will feel proud of their creations. Baking these Kid-Friendly Banana Spice Muffins (or anything) together helps teach valuable kitchen skills while creating lasting memories.

Can I Use Frozen Bananas?

If you’ve got some ripe bananas stashed in the freezer, they’ll work just as well for this recipe. Simply thaw the bananas at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for about 30 seconds. Some bakers prefer to drain off the excess liquid from the thawed bananas, but I’ve found that adding them in without draining works perfectly every time. It ensures your muffins come out moist and flavorful every time.

Naturally Sweet and Refined Sugar-Free

These muffins are naturally sweetened with banana and coconut sugar, offering a gentle sweetness that doesn’t overwhelm, a hallmark of a great kid-friendly recipe. They also contain healthier fats from avocado oil, adding to their wholesome appeal. And if you’re looking to make them vegan, it’s easy to swap the egg for a flax egg without losing any of the delicious texture or flavor.

Vegan-Friendly Option

For those following a plant-based vegan diet, you can easily make these muffins vegan by using a flax egg (a simple mixture of ground flaxseed and water) in place of a traditional egg. It’s a great way to accommodate dietary preferences while keeping the muffins moist and fluffy.

Make Them Your Own!

Feel free to customize the recipe with add-ins like chopped nuts, raisins, or even a few dark chocolate chips for a fun twist. These muffins are great as-is, but a little extra creativity can make them even more exciting for your kids.

Not only are these muffins quick to prepare, but they’re also the perfect snack to keep on hand for the week. Whether it’s breakfast on-the-go, a healthy lunchbox addition, or a satisfying after-school treat, these Quick & Easy Kid-Friendly Whole Wheat Banana Spice Muffins are a nutritious and delicious choice the whole family will love.

Hungry for More?

If you love the idea of weekly fruit- and veggie-filled muffins, here are a few more must-try recipes from my kitchen:

  • Banana Lentil Muffins: Packed with protein and fiber, these muffins are a delicious way to sneak in lentils!
  • PB&J Muffins: A fun twist on a classic lunchbox favorite, these muffins are sweet, satisfying, and kid-approved.

These recipes are just as quick, easy, and nutritious as the ones we make in our house. Add them to your baking routine and enjoy healthy, homemade snacks all week long!

Now, let’s get baking!

Quick & Easy Kid-Friendly Whole Wheat Banana Spice Muffins

Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:20 minutes
Yield: 11
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Equipment

  • 1 Stand Mixer optional
  • 1 Muffin Tin
  • 12 Muffin Liners optional

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups whole wheat pastry flour (or white whole wheat flour or einkorn flour)
  • 1 teaspoon aluminum free baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 1/2 cups mashed ripe banana (about 3-4 medium sized bananas; frozen banana that is defrosted also works)
  • 6 tablespoons avocado oil
  • 2/3 cups brown coconut sugar (regular coconut sugar also works)
  • 1 large egg at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons milk of choice (we use almond milk but any milk works)
  • 1 cup chocolate chips, walnuts, or pecans optional

Notes

Storage: Keep muffins covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
 

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Grease a 12-count muffin pan with oil or butter or line with cupcake liners.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
  • In a large bowl (or in the bowl of a stand mixer), mash the bananas until smooth. Add in the avocado oil, coconut sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and milk. Mix on medium speed until well combined.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. The batter will be thick. If you're adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips, gently fold them into the batter now.
  • Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each to the top.
  • Bake at 425°F for 5 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (177°C) without removing the muffins. Continue baking for an additional 16–18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean (12–14 minutes for mini muffins).
  • Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.