Moist and delicious, these lunchbox-friendly banana and blueberry muffins have no added sugar, making them a healthy treat that children will love.
My daughter Kipper had a friend coming round to play and I’d promised we’d bake something. I’d bought a huge bag of coconut flour at the weekend, and was hoping to use the opportunity to experiment with it, but Kipper was adamant that we stick to tried and tested. There was no way she was going to be a guinea pig for some dodgy gluten-free effort, that much was clear.
Sugar free muffins
Instead we decided to make some sugar free banana and blueberry muffins, which would:
a) use up some of the rapidly browning bananas in the fruit bowl, and
b) avoid the devastation caused by two sugar-fuelled pre-schoolers enthusiastically enjoying themselves with no regard for the furniture.
Delicious sugar-free muffins!
These sugar free banana and blueberry muffins were a success on both counts. Although even without the added sugar the girls managed to play in EVERY ROOM IN THE HOUSE. Seriously. I went round after Kipper’s friend had left turning off hundreds of lights.
The fruit makes these muffins naturally sweet, and the banana flavour is delicious and goes really well with the tang of the blueberries.
Kitchen helper
Kipper had lots of fun mashing the bananas while I weighed out the flour and prepared the other ingredients. Then it was mix, mix, mix and ready to dollop.
The house smelled deliciously fragrant and welcoming when her friend arrived, and they had time to play while the banana and blueberry muffins cooled down. Finally, it was snack time! Surely the best bit of any playdate?
I’m pleased to report that Kipper and her friend enthusiastically devoured their muffins. Little did they realise that these tasty treats also count towards their 5-a-day!
Lunchbox treats
Kipper has also taken these banana and blueberry muffins in her lunchbox, which is a bit of a treat. We have a ‘no sugary snacks in the lunchbox’ rule but I figure that these have sidestepped exclusion by being free from added sugar. Bonus!
Fresh or frozen fruit
I used frozen blueberries in these muffins, because I have an enormous bag of them! I also think that frozen berries ‘leak’ less into the muffins, so the whole thing doesn’t turn purple. However, you could just as easily use fresh blueberries and the results will still be delicious.
Likewise with bananas. I often peel spotty or brown bananas and freeze them for use later, and these muffins are a great way to use them. Leave them to defrost for a few minutes then mash with a fork or potato masher.
Banana and blueberry muffins
This recipe made 15 small but tasty banana and blueberry muffins. Between Kipper, her friend, and myself and DH, we had no problems at all seeing them off!
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📖 Recipe
Banana and blueberry muffins
Ingredients
- 125 g butter or margarine (approx. ½ cup)
- 225 g plain flour (scant 2 cups)
- 1½ teaspoon baking powder
- 2 medium-large ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 egg
- 50 ml milk (¼ cup + 1 tsp)
- 100 g fresh or frozen blueberries (approx. 1 cup)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Prepare a tray with little paper cases.
- 125 g (½ cups) butter or margarineMelt the butter/margarine and set aside to cool.
- 225 g (2 cups) plain flour, 1½ tsp baking powderMix the flour and baking powder in a large bowl.
- 2 medium-large ripe bananas, mashed, 1 egg, 50 ml (¼ cups) milkIn a separate bowl, mash the bananas. Add the egg, milk and melted butter to the mashed banana and mix well.
- 100 g (1 cups) fresh or frozen blueberriesStir the banana mixture into the dry ingredients until just blended – you may need to add a little extra milk if the mixture is very stiff. Stir in the blueberries carefully, trying not to break them up.
- Divide the mixture between the paper cases, filling each around three quarters full.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until risen and browned and a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean.
- Cool in the tin for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling.
Nutrition
More banana recipes
Other recipes that use up ripe bananas include family-favourite banana scones, indulgent fresh strawberry and banana loaf cake, and yummy chocolate chip banana oat bars.
Helen
.Hubby recovering from heart attack so needs to cut down on sugar and fat,these sound a good start.Will i need to defrost blueberries before using..
Thanks
Helen
Hi Helen. You don’t need to defrost the blueberries, just add them in frozen. It’s actually better that way as they don’t turn the batter quite so purple! I hope your husband makes a full recovery, and enjoys the muffins. All the best, Helen x.
Hazel
Hi Helen, this recipe looks great as I’m looking at ways to bake with less sugar. Do you think I could substitute some of the flour for some oats? How much would you recommend? Thank you!
Helen
Hi Hazel. You should be fine substituting some of the flour for oats, but I would whizz them in the food processor a bit before using them in the recipe. I would probably try substituting about 1/3 of the flour to begin with and see how it goes. Let me know how you get on! Thanks, Helen.
Hazel
Hi Helen, they turned out great. I added some nutmeg and cinnamon also. Thanks!
Helen
Thanks Hazel. Nutmeg and cinnamon sounds delish! Glad you enjoyed them.
Lisa
Hi can you tell me how to store these and how long do they last , thankyou
Helen
Hi Lisa, they will keep for a day or two in an airtight box but the blueberries will tend to go a bit mushy. They are best eaten straightaway! Alternatively you can freeze them when fresh and defrost one or two as needed. I hope this helps! All the best, Helen.
Judy
For the blueberry banana muffins can you please tell what the measurements are in cups please
Thsnks
Helen
Done! See above ?
Mala
Made them this afternoon very delicious came out perfect. Thanks for the receipe. Me and my husband are diabetics . A little goes a long way what we fancy. Thanks
Helen
Thanks Mala, that’s great to hear you enjoyed them. DH is diabetic, so I’m always trying to find little treats for him that aren’t too sugary. Take care and all the best, Helen.
Diane Carey
Really fancy these. I love making muffins. The hubby loves Blueberries
Helen
Thanks Diane. I hope you both enjoy them!
Lois Gill
Very pleased with how these turned out. Will make them again.
FFF
Thanks Lois – I’m glad you enjoyed them 😀
harrietyoung38
Brilliant post – guilt free and they look delicious!
FFF
Thanks Harriet – they’re very yummy, and compensate for all the chocolate we ate in January…
Helen @ Fuss Free Flavours
Yay for no added sugar. I love a nice fruity muffin!
FFF
Thanks Helen. Is it just me, or does ‘nice fruity muffin’ sound like a euphemism for something naughty?! 😉
fabfood4all
I love the combination of bananas and blueberries so these are just perfect:-)
FFF
Thanks Camilla. We really enjoyed them.