Healthy Gluten-Free Vegan Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins

Indulge in a guilt-free treat that perfectly balances health and decadence with these Healthy Gluten-Free Vegan Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins. Bursting with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and studded with rich, dairy-free chocolate chips, these muffins are not only a delightful snack but also a wholesome choice. They are made with wholesome, simple ingredients and have the perfect fluffy texture and sweet taste. 

Homemade muffins are one of my favorite things to make. There are so many delicious flavor combinations to make and I love making them all. Some of my favorite muffin flavors include my Bakery Style Gluten-Free Vanilla Muffins, Vegan Cranberry Orange Muffins, Gluten-Free Sunflower Seed Muffins, and now these delicious vegan banana muffins. 

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

This recipe features several affiliate links, meaning I will earn a small commission if you purchase through these links.

Ingredients For Vegan Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins:

​One of the best things about this vegan banana muffin recipe is that it is made with simple plant-based ingredients that you either already have on hand or can easily pick up from your local grocery store. 

Dry Ingredients:

• 1:1 Gluten-Free Flour - Creates the structure of the muffins without using traditional wheat-based flour. Gluten-free flour blends can vary greatly, therefore I've linked my favorite one that is made with wholesome ingredients. 
• Oat Flour - Adds moisture and a nutty flavor while contributing to the overall texture. It is rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Oats may help lower cholesterol and regulate blood sugar levels.
• Coconut Sugar - provides natural sweetness to the muffins. It also contains vitamins and minerals and has a lower glycemic index than refined sugars such as brown sugar.
• Baking Soda -Acts as a leavening agent, helping the muffins rise.
• Baking Powder - Another leavening agent contributing to the muffins' light and fluffy texture.
• Ground Flaxseed—When turned into a flax egg, it acts as an egg substitute, providing moisture and binding. It is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and antioxidants. It may support heart health and digestion.
• Vegan Dark Chocolate Chips add sweetness and a delightful burst of chocolate flavor. For the best results, I recommend using mini chocolate chips. Dark chocolate contains antioxidants and may contribute to heart health. Choosing a vegan option eliminates dairy for those following a plant-based diet.

​Wet Ingredients:

• Ripe or Overripe Bananas - Adds natural sweetness, moisture, and flavor. Brown bananas are high in potassium, vitamins, and fiber. May aid digestion and provide sustained energy.
• Plant-Based Milk - Adds liquid to the batter for moisture. Plant-based milk can offer various nutrients like calcium, vitamin D, and protein. I recommend using unsweetened soy milk for baking. It adds the most moisture to vegan muffins. However, almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk are all great options.
• Apple Cider Vinegar - Reacts with baking soda to create leavening and helps in the rising process. 
• Vanilla Extract - Enhances the overall flavor of the muffins. I always recommend using Mexican vanilla extract because it has the best flavor.
• Water - This will be combined with the ground flaxseed to make the flax egg. 

See the recipe card for quantities.

How To Make These Vegan Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins:

These vegan banana muffins are one of the best muffins to make because they are super easy to throw together, and they taste absolutely amazing. 

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease the cups.
2. Prepare the Flax Eggs:
   • In a small bowl, mix the ground flaxseed with water (2 tablespoons ground flaxseed + 6 tablespoons water) and let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens, creating flax eggs.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients:
   • In a large bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, oat flour, coconut sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and vegan dark chocolate chips.
4. Combine Wet Ingredients:
   • In another bowl, mash the banana and combine the mashed bananas, non-dairy milk, apple cider vinegar, vanilla extract, and the prepared flax eggs.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
   • Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps of mashed banana are okay.
6. Fill Muffin Cups:
   • Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full. Sprinkle some extra chocolate chips on top of the muffins.
7. Bake:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool:
   • Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Enjoy:
   • Once cooled, enjoy these Healthy Gluten-Free Vegan Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins as a delicious and nutritious treat!

Substitutions:

There are a handful of easy substitutions that can be made to these chocolate banana muffins if needed. Here are some of the common ones. 

• Flour - If you do not follow a gluten-free diet, you can use all-purpose flour or whole wheat pastry flour in place of gluten-free flour. 
• Applesauce - You can use applesauce in place of the mashed banana if needed. Keep in mind that this will remove the banana flavor, but it will work if needed. 
• Coconut Sugar - The best natural sweetener replacement for coconut sugar is Maple Crystals. I love using maple crystals in baking. They are crystalized maple syrup. Therefore they are packed full of nutrients and do not spike your blood sugar as much as regular sugar. You can also replace the coconut sugar with brown sugar or white sugar, however this will not be as healthy.

If you have any questions about a particular substitution not listed, leave a comment, and I'll get back to you as quickly as possible!

Vegan Banana Chocolate Chip Muffin Variations:

There are so many ways to mix up these delicious vegan banana chocolate chip muffins. Here are some of my favorite ways. 

• Double Chocolate Banana Muffins - You can add ¼ cup cocoa powder and an additional 2 tablespoons of non-dairy milk. This is great for chocolate lovers like myself because it adds a decadent, rich chocolate flavor. 
• Chocolate Chunks - If you prefer larger chocolate chunks, you can break up your favorite chocolate bar and add the chopped chocolate to the muffin batter.
• Mini Muffins - You can change the size of these healthy muffins by using different muffin tins of different sizes. 

Make sure to check out my Healthy Banana Chocolate Chip Protein Muffins for a delicious high-protein variation. 

What Equipment You Need To Make These Vegan Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins:

To make your Healthy Gluten-Free Vegan Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins, you'll need the following basic kitchen equipment:

1. Mixing Bowls:
   • Large bowls for combining dry and wet ingredients.
2. Whisk:
   • To evenly combine the dry ingredients and ensure a smooth batter.
3. Measuring Cups and Spoons:
   • Essential for accurately measuring the ingredients.
4. Muffin Tin:
   • To shape and bake the muffins.
5. Muffin Liners or Cooking Spray:
   • To prevent sticking and make it easier to remove the muffins from the tin.
6. Spatula or Spoon:
   • For scooping the batter into the muffin cups.
7. Small Bowl:
   • For preparing the flax eggs.
8. Wire Rack:
   • For cooling the muffins after baking.
9. Optional: Electric Mixer (Hand or Stand Mixer):
   • While not strictly necessary, an electric mixer can make the mixing process quicker and easier.

As always you can find all my go-to equipment on my Amazon storefront or my affiliate page.

How To Store Healthy Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins:

To maintain the freshness and flavor of your Healthy Gluten-Free Vegan Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins, follow these storage guidelines:

1. Room Temperature (Short-Term):
   • If you plan to consume the muffins within 1-2 days, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Keep them away from direct sunlight and heat.
2. Refrigeration (Longer Shelf Life):
   • For longer storage (up to a week), refrigerate the muffins in an airtight container. This helps prevent the growth of mold and maintains freshness.
3. Freezing (Extended Storage):
   • Muffins can be frozen for an extended period. Place them in an airtight container once chilled for best results.
   • To thaw, place them in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in the microwave or oven when ready to eat.
4. Use Airtight Containers:
   • To maintain their moisture content, store the muffins in airtight containers or sealed plastic bags at room temperature, in the refrigerator, or in the freezer.
5. Separate with Parchment Paper:
   • If stacking muffins in a container, separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
6. Reheating:
   • If refrigerated or frozen, warm the muffins in the oven or microwave for a few seconds before serving. This helps restore their soft texture and enhances flavor.

Remember that gluten-free baked goods can sometimes dry out more quickly than their gluten-containing counterparts, so proper storage is essential for optimal taste and texture.

Top Tip:

For the best flavor and texture in these Healthy Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins, use ripe or overripe bananas. Bananas' natural sweetness intensifies as they ripen, reducing the need for additional sugar. Overripe bananas are also softer and easier to mash, contributing to the muffins' moist and fluffy texture. Embrace bananas' natural sweetness for a delightful and health-conscious treat.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Related Muffin Recipes:

Looking for more delicious vegan muffin recipes like these vegan banana chocolate chip muffins? Make sure to check out some of the other recipes on my website!

If you try this Healthy Gluten-Free Vegan Banana Chocolate Chip Muffin Recipe, I’d really love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. I’d also really appreciate a recipe card rating! Make sure to share it on social media and tag @theallnaturalvegan to be featured! Thank you for supporting The All Natural Vegan!

Related Banana Recipes:

Looking for more delicious banana recipes? Make sure to check out some of the other recipes on my website!