5-ingredient banana muffins

If you have one ripe banana sitting on your counter right now, these muffins need to happen.

They’re made with simple pantry staples, come together in one bowl, and are naturally sweetened with banana. I love keeping this recipe in my back pocket for busy mornings, after-school snacks, or those days when I want something homemade but don’t feel like pulling out a dozen ingredients.

They’re soft, fluffy, packed with peanut butter flavor, and honestly taste way more indulgent than they are.

Best of all? You only need a handful of ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Made with just 5 simple ingredients
• Naturally sweetened with banana
• High in protein and healthy fats
• One bowl recipe
• Great for meal prep
• Kid-friendly
• Perfect for breakfast or snacking

Ingredients

• 1 large ripe banana, mashed
• ⅓ cup natural peanut butter
• ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 large egg
• ¾ cup rolled oats (quick oats work great)
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• optional chocolate chips sprinkled on top

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a muffin tin with parchment liners.

In a mixing bowl, mash the banana until mostly smooth.

Add the peanut butter, vanilla, and egg, then whisk everything together until combined.

Add the oats and baking powder and stir until a batter forms.

Divide the batter between 4 muffin cups and sprinkle on chocolate chips if using.

Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Allow the muffins to cool slightly before serving.

I love them warm with a little drizzle on peanut butter on top, but they’re also delicious as-is.

Tips

• The riper the banana, the sweeter the muffins.
• Want a little extra sweetness? Add a handful of chocolate chips.
• Double or triple the recipe for easy weekly meal prep.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• These freeze beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use almond butter instead?

Absolutely. Almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter all work well.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes! Just make sure you’re using certified gluten-free oats.

Can I add mix-ins?

Definitely. Chocolate chips, blueberries, chopped walnuts, or cinnamon would all be delicious.

Final Thoughts

Sometimes the simplest recipes end up being the ones you make over and over again.

These banana muffins are proof that you don’t need a long ingredient list to make something delicious. They’re quick, nourishing, kid-approved, and perfect for those mornings when you need something easy to grab and go.

They’re one of those recipes I find myself making whenever I have a lonely banana on the counter, and they never last long in our house.

If you make this recipe, be sure to tag me on Instagram @whatrobineats so I can see your creations!