Hummingbird muffins plated with colorful flowers in the background.

Happy Healthy Hummingbird Muffins with Pineapple, Banana, and Pecans

In Brunch, Snacks by sarawalkenbach6 Comments

Muffins are a staple breakfast food that people often reach for when they’re in a hurry. However, many muffins are packed with unrefined sugar and unhealthy ingredients that can do more harm than good. Healthy hummingbird muffins with pineapple, banana, and pecans are packed with wholesome ingredients and are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth without derailing your health goals.

Try these other healthy and delicious muffins: Healthy Pumpkin Muffins with Maple Cream Cheese Glaze, and Lightened Up Spiced Apple Muffins.

hummingbird muffins out of the oven on a cooling rack.
Straight outta the oven, these Healthy Hummingbird Muffins are a delight for snacking or breakfast.

What are Hummingbird Muffins?

These hummingbird muffins are a spin off from the Hummingbird Cake. Hummingbird cake is thought to have originated in the Carribean due to the delicious tropical flavors. Southern Living debuted this cake in 1978, making it a hit in the Southern states.

The name “hummingbird” comes from the fact that the cake is so sweet and delicious that they attract hummingbirds! The hummingbirds are migrating now. Maybe the muffins will sweeten you up a little bit for planting those hummingbird loving flowers.

We are making healthy muffins over here. So, these are sweetened with natural sugars from pineapple, banana, and maple syrup.

Ingredients for Healthy Hummingbird Muffins

Healthy hummingbird muffin ingredients are filled with tropical flair.
Use canned pineapple in this Healthy Hummingbird Muffin recipe for the fruit and the juice.

Bananas

These muffins are a great way to use up those freckly bananas sitting on your counter. Bananas are a good source of potassium, which can help regulate blood pressure and support heart health. They also contain fiber, vitamin C, and other nutrients.

Pineapple

This sweet tropical fruit is a powerhouse when it comes to health benefits. According to Healthline.com article, Pineapple: 8 Impressive Health Benefits, written by Lisa Wartenberg, MFA, RD, LD and Ryan Raman, MS, RD:

  • Lowers cancer risk
  • Improves recovery time after surgery
  • Helps with Immunity

Pineapples contain bromelain, a group of digestive enzymes that may help break down protein and aid digestion.

Lisa Wartenberg, MFA, RD, LD and Ryan Raman, MS, RD, Pineapple: 8 Impressive Health Benefits

According to the same article, there have been several studies that have shown bromelain may also “reduce the inflammation, swelling, bruising, and pain that often occur after surgery, including dental and skin procedures.” Where are all my freckle faces at? Eat your pineapple!

Pineapple is also an excellent source for vitamin C which helps with iron absorption. Use canned pineapple packed in pineapple juice, or fresh.

Love pineapple? Make these Pina Colada Energy Balls. They’re ready in 15 minutes!

Pecans

Pecans are a good source of healthy fats, fiber, and protein. They also contain antioxidants and other nutrients that can support heart health.

Close up of these Hummingbird Muffins which are full of pineapple, bananas, and pecans.
Hummingbird Muffins are a sweet treat perfect of an afternoon snack.

Oats & Whole Wheat Flour (or Gluten Free Flour)

Oats and whole wheat flour are both rich in fiber, which helps to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. Either old fashion or quick oats work in this recipe.

If you are gluten free, swap out the whole wheat flour for a 1:1 gluten free baking flour like Bob’s Red Mill. You will need to increase the bake time to 20-25 minutes.

Eggs

Eggs are a good source of protein, which can help you feel full and satisfied after eating. They also contain vitamin D and other nutrients.

Looking for a savory Brunch recipe, make my Crustless Green Chili Quiche.

Maple Syrup

A natural sweetener, maple syrup is a decent source of antioxidants as well as nutrients like riboflavin, zinc, magnesium, calcium, and potassium. 

Coconut Oil

Unrefined coconut oil really brings a nice flavor to these tropical muffins. However, refined coconut oil works, as well as avocado oil.

Hummingbird muffin batter in muffin pans ready for the oven.
These naturally sweetened Healthy Hummingbird Muffins are easy to whip up.

How to Make Hummingbird Muffins?

All you need is 2 mixing bowls and a whisk!

  1. Whisk together dry ingredients in one bowl.
  2. Whisk together wet ingredients in the other bowl.
  3. Combine the two and bake. So easy!

Now is the perfect time to make these delicious tropical treats. Those tiny hummingbirds are migrating from Central America to the North as I type.

These healthy hummingbird muffins would make a nice May Day Basket treat. What a great way to sweeten up your neighbors.

Substitutions

2 Eggs: Combine two tablespoon of flaxseed meal with six tablespoons of water. Allow to sit for about 5 minutes, then use as you would eggs.

Pecans: Macadamia nuts, almonds, cashews, or coconut. Pumpkin seeds can be substituted for a nut-free option.

Milk: Any type of milk will do in these muffins, just keep it unsweetened.

Whole Wheat Flour: A 1:1 ratio baking gluten free flour can be swapped out for the whole wheat flour in equal parts.

Maple Syrup: Honey can be substituted 1:1. However, honey is slightly sweeter than maple syrup. If you want to reduce the sweetness, go with 1/3 cup of honey.

Coconut Oil: Avocado oil, butter, olive oil, or grapeseed oil can all be substituted in equal amounts.

Milk: Cow’s, almond, coconut, soy all work in this recipe.

A healthy hummingbird muffin with a tropical bite devoured.
Banana, pineapple, and pecans make these Hummingbird Muffins irresistible.

These muffins are fabulous for brunch or an afternoon snack. If you are looking for a savory brunch recipe, try my Green Chili Crustless Quiche. For a bite-size option, make these in muffin cups too.

FAQ

Can I use fresh pineapple in these muffins?

Yes! You will need pineapple juice too.

What can I sub for the pecans in this muffin recipe?

Coconut flake is a delicious sub, keeping with the tropical flavor. Almonds, macadamia nuts or cashews would taste great too.

How do you tell when the muffins are done?

Insert a toothpick or cake tester. When it comes out clean, they’re done.

Is it okay not to use muffin liners in my pan?

Yes. Make sure you spray your pan well with pan coat so they don’t stick.

thyme branch

Thank you for reading along . If you would like to get more recipes like this right off the press, sign up for my FREE Recipe Drops.

If you love this recipe, please consider giving me a 5-star rating below.

Close up of these Hummingbird Muffins which are full of pineapple, bananas, and pecans.

Healthy Hummingbird Muffins with Banana, Pineapple, and Pecans

Sara Walkenbach
These naturally sweetened tropical flavored muffins are a great grab and go breakfast item or afternoon snack.
5 from 2 votes
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 17 minutes
Total Time 32 minutes
Course Breakfast, brunch, Snack
Cuisine American, Caribbean
Servings 16 muffins
Calories 168 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
  

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 cup Oats quick or old fashion
  • 1-1/2 cups Whole Wheat Flour or Gluten Free 1:1 Baking Flour
  • 1/4 cup Flax Seed milled
  • 1-1/2 tsp Cinnamon
  • 1 tsp Ginger ground
  • 1 tsp Baking Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Baking Soda
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 cup Pecans chopped

Wet Ingredients

  • 2 large Eggs
  • 8oz can Pineapple Chunks in pineapple juice SAVE THE JUICE
  • 2 medium Bananas 1 cup smashed
  • 1/2 cup Maple Syrup
  • 1/4 cup Coconut Oil – melted or Avocado oil
  • 3/4 cup Combined Pineapple juice from can, and Milk (of choice) to equal 3/4 cup total. or preferred milk
  • 1 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven at 350℉. Spray muffin pans. In large bowl, whisk all dry ingredients until combined. Set aside.
  • In medium bowl, smash bananas. Add in eggs, whisk until incorporated. Add maple syrup, oil, vanilla and whisk.
  • Drain juice from canned pineapple into measuring cup. Roughly chop pineapple and add pineapple into wet ingredients. Add milk of choice into measuring cup with pineapple until you have 3/4 cup total. Add to wet ingredients and whisk until incorporated.
  • Combine wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Stir until incorporated. Scoop into muffin pans (about 3/4 full). Bake for 16-18 minutes until tester comes out clean. Let cool and enjoy!

Video

Notes

These muffins will stay fresh on the counter in an air-tight container for 3 days. 
They freeze well in a freezer safe zip bag or container.
See post for substitution options.
If using gluten free flour, increase your bake time to 20-25 minutes.

Nutrition

Serving: 1muffinCalories: 168kcalCarbohydrates: 23gProtein: 3gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.003gCholesterol: 23mgSodium: 134mgPotassium: 195mgFiber: 3gSugar: 13gVitamin A: 63IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 48mgIron: 1mg
Keyword Caribbean Breakfast, Grab n Go Breakfast, Healthy Hummingbird Muffins, Tropical Healthy Muffins
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Comments

    1. Author

      YES! Spray the muffin tins. Thanks for making my muffins, Karen!

  1. 5 stars
    Made these. Just the right amount of sweetness. I did add 1/4 cup of unsweetened coconut flakes just for a little more texture. Will make again.

    1. Author

      Yum Karen! Coconut sounds like a good add. Thanks for making my recipes!

    1. Author

      Thanks for your question, Marie. It’s 3/4 cup total liquid. Use pineapple juice from canned pineapple and add in enough milk of choice to that to equal 3/4 cup.

5 from 2 votes (1 rating without comment)

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating