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Home » Recipes » Muffins

Banana Quinoa Flour Muffins

Published: Mar 29, 2022 by Kate Hackworthy · 13 Comments

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A pile of muffins, with the text: Fluffy Gluten-Free Quinoa Flour Muffins.
Muffin with a bite out, and text: How to make gluten free banana quinoa flour muffins.

These Banana Quinoa Flour Muffins are moist, tender, and perfect for a quick gluten-free breakfast, snack, or dessert. Quinoa flour is a great alternative to regular wheat flour, and it gives these muffins a great taste and fluffy texture that everyone will love!

A muffin with a bite out.
Banana Quinoa Flour Muffins.

If you love classic banana muffins, this twist gluten-free twist made with quinoa flour is sure to become a family favorite!

You might think that gluten-free muffins might be a bit dry or tough. But, NO!

These quinoa flour muffins may be gluten-free, but nobody will guess that they are! They're soft, tender, delicate, and absolutely delicious.

Not only do they taste like banana bread, but they have a decadent vanilla glaze and extra chopped walnuts on top.

Quinoa is a grain that is native to South America. It's a great source of protein and fiber, and it's also naturally gluten-free.

It is made from ground quinoa, and it's a great alternative to wheat flour for those who are gluten-free or looking for a healthier option.

Quinoa flour has a mildly nutty flavor that is similar to whole wheat flour and it's great for use in gluten-free baking including this recipe for banana muffins!

Banana muffins are a super versatile treat, and quinoa flour adds a healthy boost of protein and fiber. Besides the quinoa flour, you'll need just a few simple baking ingredients along with ripe bananas to whip up these muffins in no time.

These muffins are perfect for breakfast, snack time, or dessert!

Be sure to check out my many other muffin recipes, from mango muffins and kale muffins, to chocolate beet muffins and butternut squash muffins.

Jump to:
  • Why You'll Love This Recipe
  • Ingredients
  • Instructions
  • Top tips
  • Serving Suggestions
  • Variations
  • Storage
  • FAQs
  • More Muffin Recipes
  • 📖 Recipe
  • 💬 Comments
A pile of muffins.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • A great way to use up any ripe bananas you may have on hand.
  • Quinoa flour is a much healthier alternative to regular flour with lots of protein and fiber.
  • These banana muffins can be enjoyed any time of the day and are portable.
  • Quinoa flour muffins freeze well which is perfect for making a big batch for meal prep.
  • These quinoa flour muffins are gluten-free, but are still moist, tender, and fluffy!

Ingredients

  • Quinoa Flour - This flour is made by grinding quinoa into a fine meal. You can find it at most health food stores, or order it online. It's a naturally gluten-free alternative to wheat flour.
  • Baking Soda & Baking Powder - These are the leavening agents that help the muffins rise and become nice and fluffy. Double-check that your baking powder is gluten-free if required.
  • Cinnamon & Nutmeg - Adds a complementary warming flavor that pairs well with the natural sweetness of banana, and gives the muffins a banana bread flavor.
  • Sugar - Sweetens up the base of the muffin batter.
  • Vegetable Oil - Adds richness to the batter making them moist.
  • Ripe Bananas - Adds natural sweetness, banana flavor, and a soft texture.
  • Eggs - Binds all of the ingredients together so they are set properly when baked.
  • Water - Helps thin out the muffin batter to make them the perfect consistency.
  • Chopped Walnuts - Adds a nutty flavor and crunchy texture to the muffins.

Please see the recipe card below for quantities.

Instructions

Wondering how to make this Banana Bread Quinoa Flour Muffin recipe? It's easy! Just follow this step-by-step photo tutorial. Then, scroll down for the recipe card for the full ingredients list and recipe method.

Prepare for baking: Preheat the oven to 400°F/200°C and line a 12-cup muffin pan with muffin papers. Set aside.

Sifting dry ingredients together.

Mix the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisk until fully combined.

Wet ingredients mixed in a bowl.

Combine the wet ingredients: To a separate bowl, add the sugar, oil, bananas, and eggs. Use an electric mixer or a whisk to ensure everything is evenly combined into a smooth consistency.

Adding nuts and wet ingredients to the dry ingredients.

Assemble the muffin batter: Slowly add the wet ingredients and walnuts to the dry ingredients and gently mix until just combined making sure there are no dry streaks of flour. Do not overmix.

Bake and cool: Distribute the banana muffin batter into the prepared muffin tray filling each cup ⅔ full. Bake for 20 minutes or until risen, golden, and an inserted toothpick comes out clean. Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before enjoying.

Top tips

Make sure your bananas are very ripe as underripe bananas will not be as sweet or create a smooth batter.

When measuring quinoa flour, make sure to spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Do not scoop it as this will pack in too much flour which can make your muffins dense.

Mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined as overmixing can make the muffins tough.

Make sure your eggs are at room temperature before mixing to ensure they combine evenly.

When filling the muffin tins with batter only fill them ⅔ of the way to avoid spillover.

Make sure that your baking powder is also certified gluten-free before using.

Serving Suggestions

Serve alongside a refreshing Banana Lassi for even more banana flavor.

These muffins make a great addition to a Pancake Breakfast Board to serve for brunch.

Spread the tops with Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting for a decadent treat.

Enjoy for breakfast along with a warm mug of Pumpkin Spice Latte.

Variations

Instead of walnuts, try using chopped pecans, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, or almonds.

For a chocolate variation, add ½ cup of chocolate chips along with the walnuts.

Add a streusel topping by mixing together ⅓ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup quinoa flour, and ½ teaspoon cinnamon. Then sprinkle it over the top of the unbaked muffins before baking.

Use pumpkin pie spice instead of the cinnamon and nutmeg for warming fall flavors.

Add a ¼ cup of raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped dried apricots along with the walnuts for a sweet and tart flavor profile.

Use melted butter instead of oil for a rich buttery flavor.

Storage

Storing: These muffins can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or in the fridge for up to one week.

Freezing: To freeze, allow the quinoa flour muffins to cool completely. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store them in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge or on the countertop before enjoying.

Muffins on a table and one has a bite out.

FAQs

Is quinoa flour good for baking?

Yes! Quinoa flour is a great gluten-free option for baking. It's high in protein and has a nutty flavor that pairs well with banana.

What can I use instead of quinoa flour?

If you don't have quinoa flour, you can substitute it with an equal amount of gluten-free all-purpose flour, or all-purpose wheat flour if you're not gluten-free.

What is the secret to making moist banana muffins?

The key to making moist banana muffins is to use very ripe bananas. The browner they are, the sweeter and more flavorful they will be. You can also add an extra egg to the batter for added moisture. Finally, make sure not to overmix the batter as this can result in tough muffins.

More Muffin Recipes

  • Blackberry Muffins with Chocolate Chips
  • Kale and Lemon Muffins
  • Vanilla Mango Muffins
  • Chocolate Beet Muffins
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A table with muffins on a wire rack, plus bowl of vanilla glaze.

📖 Recipe

A muffin with a bite out.

Banana Quinoa Flour Muffins

Kate Hackworthy | Veggie Desserts
These easy gluten-free Banana Quinoa Flour Muffins are tender and delicious. Quinoa flour gives them a light, fluffy and moist texture.
4.90 from 19 votes
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Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Course Muffin
Cuisine American
Servings 12 muffins
Calories 226 kcal

Equipment

  • mixing bowl
  • 12-hole muffin pan

Ingredients
 

  • 1 ¼ cups quinoa flour (200g)
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder (check that it's gluten-free if required)
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 cup sugar (200g)
  • ⅓ cup oil (80ml)
  • 2 bananas very ripe, mashed
  • 2 eggs
  • 6 tablespoons water
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts (70g)

Vanilla Glaze

  • 1 cup powdered sugar (100g)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla
  • 1 teaspoon water (or more if needed)

Instructions
 

  • Pre-heat the oven to 400°F/200°C and line a 12-cup muffin pan with muffin papers.
  • Sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and nutmeg into a large mixing bowl.
  • In another bowl, beat the sugar, oil, bananas, eggs and water together well.
  • Add the wet ingredients and walnuts to the dry ingredients and gently mix to combine (but don’t overbeat or the muffins could be tough).
  • Spoon the mixture into the muffin tray filling each cup ⅔ full. Bake for 20 minutes or until risen, golden and an inserted toothpick comes out clean.
  • Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the vanilla glaze

  • Mix all glaze ingredients, and drizzle over the cooled muffins, then top with chopped walnuts.

Notes

Make sure your bananas are very ripe as underripe bananas will not be as sweet or create a smooth batter.
When measuring quinoa flour, make sure to spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Do not scoop it as this will pack in too much flour which can make your muffins dense.
Mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined as overmixing can make the muffins tough.
Make sure your eggs are at room temperature before mixing to ensure they combine evenly.
When filling the muffin tins with batter only fill them ⅔ of the way to avoid spillover.
Make sure that your baking powder is also certified gluten-free before using.

Nutrition

Calories: 226kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 4gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 27mgSodium: 107mgPotassium: 204mgFiber: 2gSugar: 19gVitamin A: 54IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 1mg

The nutritional information provided is approximate and can vary depending on several factors, so is not guaranteed to be accurate. Please see a registered dietician for special diet advice.

Tried this recipe?Mention @kateveggiedesserts or tag #veggiedesserts! I love seeing your recreations.

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Comments

    4.90 from 19 votes (6 ratings without comment)

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    Recipe Rating




  1. Julie

    January 21, 2024 at 5:55 am

    5 stars
    Since I am trying avoid wheat, I have a huge amount of quinoa flour. (I did toast my flour beforehand to remove the bitter taste.) I wanted a recipe that used full quinoa flour.

    The only changes I made were reducing the baking soda and omitting the walnuts.

    These were AMAZING! So light and fluffy! I can't believe that quinoa flour produced such a fabulous treat. My family loved them.

    Next time I will add chocolate chips!

    Reply
  2. Lena

    January 19, 2024 at 3:39 am

    5 stars
    Incredibly moist and delicious! Some of the best banana bread I've made honestly. I reduced the sugar to 150g and it was definitely still sweet enough (will cut it another 25g next time to experiment). I opted to use butter instead of oil and milk instead of water. Omitted walnuts. Added about a half tsp of sea salt to enhance flavor. I also baked it into a loaf instead of muffins. Surprisingly the quinoa flour does not taste weird at all (it smelled different so I was suspicious lol) and honestly you would never know that it was an alternative flour. My bread came out with perfect texture and flavor. A keeper for sure!

    Reply
  3. Christine

    July 01, 2023 at 7:19 pm

    4 stars
    These are great! I take one star off for high sugar amount. Has anyone tried significantly reducing the amount and still getting the nice texture these have? Or possibly subbing coconut sugar or maple syrup?
    Thanks for a good recipe though with full quinoa flour!

    Reply
    • Nivedita

      October 24, 2023 at 2:02 am

      I made these today with the following changes:
      I used half quinoa flour and half all purpose flour; subbed whole milk for the water; reduced sugar to 150g and omitted the glaze. I used toasted pecans instead of walnuts and added 1/2C semi-sweet chocolate chips. Spices - I used 1.5 tsp of pumpkin-pie spice of unknown vintage and a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg. With these changes, they were sweet enough for my family. Next time, I will reduce either the baking soda or baking powder a little - I could taste it at the end - and also the muffins rose well out of their cups. Perhaps 2tsp baking powder and 1/2 tsp soda. I will also increase the proportion of quinoa flour to all purpose to 3:1.
      Overall a pretty good recipe, but since I changed it so much, it isn't fair for me to rate it. I'm only leaving my comment here because of the question about reducing sugar.

      Reply
  4. Slada

    March 18, 2023 at 2:41 am

    5 stars
    Great way to use up bananas. Really good muffins.

    Reply
  5. Heather

    February 28, 2023 at 11:32 am

    Hi. Can I substitute blueberries for walnuts? Thanks

    Reply
    • Kate Hackworthy

      April 04, 2023 at 10:04 am

      That should be just fine!

      Reply
  6. Amanda

    April 19, 2022 at 2:17 pm

    5 stars
    These muffins are delicious! They came out so moist with the perfect banana flavor. So perfect for spring brunch!

    Reply
    • Nida Polat

      May 21, 2023 at 11:05 am

      5 stars
      These are delicious! I can't have eggs, so I replaced them with flax eggs and that worked just fine. Very moist and soft. Thanks!

      Reply
  7. Danielle

    April 03, 2022 at 11:45 am

    5 stars
    These came out so delicious! I loved how easy they were and the banana flavor was so yummy.

    Reply
  8. Tonia

    March 31, 2022 at 2:10 pm

    5 stars
    These muffins were a huge hit at my house! So good!

    Reply
  9. Dana Sandonato

    March 29, 2022 at 2:51 pm

    5 stars
    Absolutely love this recipe. I always try to incorporate some healthy tidbits into my muffins, and this is such a nice way to add protein and fiber! Not to mention, they're freakin' delicious.

    Reply
  10. Beth Sachs

    March 29, 2022 at 11:47 am

    5 stars
    Perfect texture for a muffin - moist and tender crumb! Delicious banana muffin recipe!

    Reply

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Hi, I'm Kate, a journalist, author and multi-award-winning food blogger. Here you'll find vegetarian recipes and vegan recipes celebrating vegetables, from dinner to dessert! If you love vegetables, you've come to the right place. About Me

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