These Banana Blueberry Spelt Muffins are vegan, but more importantly, they’re moist, delicious, and healthy. So everyone, vegan or not, is going to love them. They’re vegan, because they don’t contain eggs or butter. There’s no refined sugar, either.
Besides, obviously, bananas and blueberries, these muffins are made with spelt flour, coconut oil, walnuts, and a flax egg. Which I’ll talk about a little later here.
About Spelt Flour
Spelt is an ancient grain that’s thought to be about 9000 years old. That’s pretty ancient, right?! It’s a grain that’s in the wheat family, but spelt is a completely different species from our familiar bread wheat. Although spelt is not wheat, it’s important to note that is still does contain gluten. Like most whole grains, spelt is high in protein, fibre, vitamins, minerals, and carbohydrates. It’s nutritional profile is similar to whole wheat, but it’s thought to be more easily digested than wheat. You can use spelt flour in the same ratios in any recipe calling for wheat flour. Here’s more detailed info on spelt: What is Spelt?
Spelt Vs Whole Wheat Flour
Being that the two flours are similar nutritionally, and that both have gluten, the main difference for me, lies in the taste and texture that the two flours give to baked goods. Spelt flour gives you a lighter and softer baking result, and has a very mild, nutty and slightly sweet taste. It makes a great substitute for white flour when you simply want more nutrition. Depending on what you want your result to be, either flour works great.
Coconut, The Wonder Oil
I’m not going to tout the benefits of eating coconut oil.There’s been so much hype about it. However, it is great for cooking and baking. And it’s super useful as a natural alternative for all kinds of cosmetic uses. But I’m just going to talk about cooking and baking here, of course. Coconut oil is a highly saturated fat. Like butter. And, like butter, it’s a healthy addition to any diet. In very small quantities. Both are real, and not manufactured foods. The difference is, of course, that coconut oil is a very good substitute for butter in a vegan diet. It also works really well when you want coconut flavour in your recipe, like in these Coconut Shrimp Tacos, or this Jackfruit Curry.
OK, Now About That Flax Egg
Many cooks and bakers who eat a vegan diet are familiar with a flax egg. Flax eggs make a great egg substitute in baking. If you haven’t heard of it, or tried it, it may sound strange to you. But really, a flax egg is simply a tablespoon of ground flax seed that you soak in a few tablespoons of water. When soaked, the seed becomes a glutinous mass, much like an egg. The flax egg works like an actual egg as a binder in baked goods. Pretty simple! And it works. This recipe is proof of that.
I used maple syrup as the sweetener in this recipe and I also added walnuts for a delicious nutty crunch. Even if you don’t adhere to a strict vegan diet, it’s always a good thing to widen the ingredient horizons. These healthy banana blueberry spelt muffins are so good, it doesn’t matter if you call them vegan (except to vegans), they will get gobbled up fast. And they are every bit as quick to whip up as your standard flour & egg muffins. But far more nutritious.
How To Make Banana Blueberry Spelt Muffins
Delicious and easy to make vegan banana blueberry muffins made with healthy spelt flour, coconut oil, flax, maple syrup and walnuts.
- 1 tbsp ground flaxseed
- 3 tbsp water
- 2 cups spelt flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup blueberries fresh or frozen
- 1 cup walnuts chopped
- 3 very ripe bananas peeled
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup coconut oil melted
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Preheat oven to 350°
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Combine ground flaxseed and water in a small bowl, and allow to sit while you continue with the recipe.
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Line a 12 cup muffin tin with liners, or use a non stick muffin tin
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In a bowl, combine spelt flour, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, blueberries, and walnuts.
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In another bowl, mash bananas with a fork or potato masher
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Add maple syrup, your flax egg, and coconut oil to the bananas, and combine
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Add banana mixture to the dry ingredients, mixing quickly to just combine and moisten. Don't over mix.
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Spoon mixture into muffins cups, dividing evenly.
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Bake in center of oven, about 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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Remove from oven, and cool on a wire rack
Tip for mashing bananas: Sometimes a fork is awkward to use in a bowl, and a potato masher is too big. Try using a pastry blender instead.
If using frozen blueberries, use from frozen, without thawing.
Love it. I am a huge fan of spelt flour which I use regularly and prefer to whole wheat for its texture and flavor. Only yesterday I made vegan brownies with spelt flour and loved them 🙂 . Here the flavors are so good together, the blueberries, walnuts and banana!
Nicoletta, isn’t spelt flour great? And those brownies sound delicious!
I am also a fan of spelt flour and use it often in muffin recipes. Can’t wait to try this recipe Colleen… have pinned to try. Thanks for sharing ♥
Hi Maria, I agree, spelt is perfect for muffins. I hope you love these ones. 🙂
Spelt is my go-to flour. You are right about it being ideal for fluffier baked goods as apposed to the whole wheat. These muffins look soft and light. Delicious! 🙂
Thanks Sharon. They really are light and delicious. 🙂
I can’t say no to a banana blueberry muffin, especially when they have a hint of maple. I’m totally sold on this! Have a great weekend, Colleen!!
Thanks Nicole. The maple really makes these muffins extra good. 🙂
These look like the perfect way to start the day! So many lovely flavors!
Hi Debi, yes these are a great way to start the day. Muffins are perfect for grab & go, and these ones are so healthy as well as tasty.
These look so healthy and delicious~! And I never knew about ‘flax eggs’ – love learning something new! 🙂
Thanks for stopping by, Terri! Flax eggs sound so strange, but, they really aren’t! Glad I could share with you something new! 🙂
I never know that until I translated spelt to German and that’s when I realized it’s Dinkel. We use it a lot in our own baking in central Europe. I would make your gorgeous muffins with blueberries collected in the forests in July. 🙂
Helene, that’s really interesting to know that spelt is dinkel in Germany! And wild blueberries would make these muffins even better! 🙂
I’m definitely adding this to the list of must-try recipes! I’ve always wanted to bake with spelt flour but have been looking for the perfect recipe. Love all the ingredients in this one. And they’re healthy! Bonus!
Hi Leanne. Spelt flour is wonderful for baking. I definitely recommend giving it a try! 🙂
I love to use spelt flour in my kids’ muffins! The flax eggs are the perfect solution to keep things egg-free – I know a surprising amount of people (especially kids) who have egg intolerances.
Hi Leslie-Anne, I have really noticed that too, so many kids can’t tolerate eggs. Flax eggs work really well though, fortunately!
Yum, these muffins look delicious! Love that they are vegan! Will be making these for my next brunch.
Thanks, Sam, they really are delicious. I hope you enjoy them!
Mmmmm, and just like that I’m craving muffins…!
A perfect excuse to make these, Jane! 🙂
I’ve never tried spelt flour but you have me convinced! And these muffins look beautiful and like the perfect way to get started!
Hi Amy, spelt flour is easy to work with, and gives great baking results, so I hope you give it a try!
Thank you for this amazing recipe. I made these and they were soooo delicious (the texture was on point). I used both coconut butter and coconut oil.
Hi Shazaa! I’m so glad that you enjoyed them as much as we do. The texture of these muffins is just amazing, in my humble opinion. 🙂 So lovely to get your feedback, thank you!
Thank you for this recipe. I made them for a school bake sale. It is so tricky finding something easy and healthy to bring, especially with all the allergies. Your recipe is exactly what I needed.
Hi Rachelle. You are so welcome. These muffins are a fave in our family, so I’m super happy that they worked for your bake sale. Thanks so much for your feedback; it is very appreciated. ♥