Delicious & Allergy-Friendly SunButter, Honey & Banana Muffins (Gluten-Free, Top 8 Free, Vegan Option)

Prepare to fall in love with these incredibly soft, perfectly sweet, and wonderfully portable SunButter, Honey & Banana Muffins! Infused with that distinct, delightful SunButter flavor and naturally sweetened with ripe bananas and a touch of honey, these muffins are an absolute dream. They are not just delicious; they are a beacon of inclusivity for those with dietary restrictions. Crafted to be gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, soy-free, peanut-free, and tree nut-free, these muffins are proudly Top 8 Allergen Free. Plus, with a simple swap, they can be made completely vegan! Whether it’s a quick breakfast on a busy morning, a satisfying after-school snack, or a delightful treat for any time of day, these muffins are guaranteed to become a family favorite.

This post contains affiliate links.

For full transparency, SunButter kindly sent me free product, and I’m proud to be one of their official bloggers. However, our family was already a loyal customer, purchasing SunButter long before this partnership. It truly is the closest and most reliable peanut butter substitute we’ve discovered.

They say that the best recipes often hark back to cherished childhood memories. One of my fondest recollections of a satisfying breakfast (and sometimes an afternoon snack) involved a generous slice of toast piled high with peanut butter, sliced bananas, and a drizzle of golden honey. It was a wholesome, comforting, and incredibly filling treat.

When the idea for these particular muffins came to mind, I instantly knew I had to adapt them to be allergy-friendly, especially for my son. I wanted him to experience a similar taste of childhood comfort, but in a way that was safe and convenient for his dietary needs. These muffins capture all those beloved flavors – the richness of SunButter, the sweetness of banana, and the subtle warmth of honey – without the inevitable mess that came with my childhood toast (peanut butter always seemed to end up on my hands!). These muffins are far less sticky, unless, of course, you can’t resist adding an extra honey drizzle, which I certainly couldn’t!

As you can probably tell from the photo, my boys were beyond excited to sample these SunButter muffins! I couldn’t resist sharing this heartwarming snap on my Instagram immediately; it was simply too good not to. My youngest, in particular, has a knack for lingering nearby whenever I’m baking or photographing food, patiently (or sometimes not-so-patiently) awaiting his chance to dive in and “inhale” the delicious results.

These versatile muffins have also served as wonderful neighborly gestures. We’ve shared them with our new neighbors as a welcoming gift and even used them to make amends with another neighbor whose flowers unfortunately met an untimely end (oops!). SunButter muffins, it turns out, can cover a multitude of sins, right? Such is life with lively little boys! (And just for the record, it was his friend, not my son, who was the culprit that particular time.)

I especially love baking breakfast items during the summer months. Our schedule becomes much more relaxed, and it’s perfectly fine if breakfast rolls around at 10 AM since there’s no school to rush off to! While these muffins are fantastic any time of year, there’s something extra special about enjoying a warm, fresh muffin for breakfast, especially after a lovely sleep-in. As someone who is definitely not a morning person, those late breakfasts are a cherished luxury. #thestruggleisreal

Let these delightful SunButter muffins help you create wonderful new memories for your family too! They’re more than just a treat; they’re a symbol of comfort, care, and delicious inclusivity. Enjoy every single bite!

Why These SunButter Muffins Are a Must-Try for Allergy Families

Navigating food allergies can be challenging, but delicious food shouldn’t be sacrificed. This recipe is designed to be incredibly accommodating, making it a staple for families managing multiple allergies. Being “Top 8 Free” means it avoids the most common allergens: milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish, and shellfish. This makes these SunButter, Honey & Banana muffins a safe and joyful option for many, especially for school lunchboxes where nut-free policies are common.

• Truly Allergy-Friendly: Free from gluten, dairy, eggs, soy, peanuts, and tree nuts, addressing the major allergen concerns.
• Vegan Option Available: Easily swap honey for maple syrup to make them completely plant-based.
• Nutrient-Rich: Bananas provide natural sweetness and fiber, while SunButter offers healthy fats and protein.
• Kid-Approved: The sweet and slightly savory flavor profile is a hit with children, making healthy eating fun.
• Portable & Convenient: Perfect for grab-and-go breakfasts, school snacks, or picnics.

The Magic of SunButter: A Peanut Butter Alternative

For many families, SunButter is a game-changer. Made from roasted sunflower seeds, it offers a creamy, satisfying texture and a rich, slightly toasted flavor that closely mimics peanut butter, but without the common allergen. It’s an excellent source of protein, healthy fats, and Vitamin E, making it a nutritious choice for everyone. Using SunButter in these muffins not only ensures they are safe for those with nut allergies but also adds a unique depth of flavor that is simply irresistible. There are various types of SunButter available, from creamy to crunchy, and for baking, the creamy varieties tend to yield the best texture.

Key Ingredients Spotlight & Substitutions

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in creating the perfect allergy-friendly muffin. Let’s take a closer look:

• Gluten-Free Flour: A good quality all-purpose gluten-free flour blend is essential. Look for blends that contain xanthan gum for best results. If your blend doesn’t have it, add about 1/2 teaspoon per cup of flour.
• Bananas: The riper the better! Brown-speckled bananas are ideal as they are sweeter and easier to mash, contributing significantly to the muffins’ moisture and natural sweetness.
• Honey (or Maple Syrup): Honey provides a unique sweetness and binds the ingredients. For a vegan version, simply swap honey for an equal amount of pure maple syrup.
• Coconut Oil: Melted coconut oil adds richness and helps create a tender crumb. Ensure it’s fully melted but not hot when adding to other liquids.
• Ener-G Egg Replacer: This is a fantastic product for egg-free baking. It helps with binding and leavening. If you don’t have Ener-G, a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water, let sit for 5 minutes) can often work as a substitute, though results may vary slightly.
• Creamy SunButter: The star of the show! Use creamy SunButter for the best texture and consistent flavor throughout the muffins.
• Rice Milk (or Flax Milk): These dairy-free milks add necessary moisture without introducing allergens. Other plant-based milks like oat milk or soy milk (if not avoiding soy) could also be used, but always check for hidden allergens.

Tips for Perfect SunButter Banana Muffins Every Time

Achieving bakery-quality muffins at home is easier than you think with these simple tips:

• Don’t Overmix: This is crucial for tender muffins. Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined. Lumps are perfectly fine! Overmixing develops gluten (even in gluten-free flours, it can make them tough) and leads to dense, dry muffins.
• Grease Generously: Gluten-free muffins can sometimes stick, so make sure your muffin tin is well-greased, or use muffin liners. You can also use a non-stick spray.
• Ripe Bananas are Key: As mentioned, very ripe, spotty bananas provide the most flavor and moisture. If your bananas aren’t ripe enough, you can quickly ripen them by baking them in their skins at 300°F (150°C) for 15-20 minutes until they turn black.
• Measure Accurately: Especially with gluten-free baking, precise measurements are important. Use a kitchen scale for flour if possible, or the “spoon and level” method (spoon flour into the measuring cup and level off with a straight edge) to avoid compacting it.
• Check for Doneness: Muffins are ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, and the tops are golden brown and spring back when gently pressed.
• Cool in the Pan Briefly: Let the muffins cool in the muffin tin for about 5-10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set and prevents sticking.

Beyond Breakfast: Creative Ways to Enjoy Your Muffins

While these SunButter, Honey & Banana Muffins are undeniably perfect for breakfast, their versatility extends much further. They make a fantastic addition to:

• School Lunchboxes: Safe for nut-free environments, they provide a healthy, satisfying snack for kids.
• Post-Workout Snack: A great source of energy and protein to refuel your body.
• Road Trips & Picnics: Their portability makes them an ideal snack for on-the-go adventures.
• Dessert: Warm them slightly and serve with a dollop of dairy-free whipped cream or a drizzle of extra honey for a simple, comforting dessert.
• Coffee/Tea Time: The perfect companion to your favorite hot beverage for a moment of quiet enjoyment.

Do you have other allergy-friendly SunButter recipes?

Absolutely! If you’re looking to put that jar of SunButter to good use beyond these amazing muffins, I have a treasure trove of other favorite recipes that beautifully incorporate its unique flavor. Explore these delicious options:

• Blender Buckwheat, Banana & SunButter Waffles – Start your day with these hearty and flavorful waffles.
• Chocolate Banana SunButter Breakfast Shake – A quick, refreshing, and nutritious shake for busy mornings.
• SunButter Buckeye Bundt Cake – A show-stopping dessert that’s surprisingly allergy-friendly.
• Triple Layer SunButter Brownies – Indulge in these rich, fudgy, and decadent brownies.
• Allergy Friendly PB&J – The classic sandwich, made safe for everyone (with lots of gluten-free bread recommendations*).
• No Bake Chocolate Pretzel Bites – A simple, sweet, and salty treat that comes together in minutes.
• Chewy No Bake Chocolate Granola Bars – Perfect for school snacks or an energy boost on the go.

Do you have any other allergy-friendly muffins?

Muffins truly are my love language, and my recipe collection is overflowing with them! I honestly don’t know if I could ever pick a favorite. Perhaps you can help me decide by trying some of these fantastic allergy-friendly muffin recipes:

• 20+ Allergy-friendly Muffins Recipes – A comprehensive guide to an array of safe muffin options.
• Healthier Allergy-friendly Double Chocolate Muffins – For the chocolate lovers, a wholesome twist on a classic.
• Allergy-friendly Cinna-Swirl Muffins (tastes like cinnamon rolls!) – All the cozy flavor of cinnamon rolls, in a convenient muffin form.
• Blender Oatmeal Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins – Easy to make and packed with wholesome goodness.
• Allergy-friendly Banana Muffins – A simple, classic banana muffin recipe.
• Allergy-friendly Double Chocolate Banana Muffins – Double the chocolate, double the delight!
• Allergy-friendly Chocolate Chip Zucchini Muffins – A great way to sneak in some veggies.
• Allergy-friendly Spiced Pumpkin Muffins with Cinnamon Glaze – Perfect for fall or any time you crave warm spices.
• Allergy-friendly Chocolate Chip Muffins – A timeless favorite made safe for allergies.
• Allergy-friendly Cinnamon Applesauce Muffins – Moist and flavorful with a hint of cinnamon.
• Allergy-friendly Peach Muffins – A sweet taste of summer in every bite.
• Allergy-friendly Blender Oatmeal Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins – An incredibly easy and healthy option.

SunButter, Honey & Banana Muffins (Gluten Free, Top 8 Free, Refined Sugar Free, Vegan Option)

Yield:
16 muffins

Prep Time:
10 minutes

Cook Time:
15 minutes

Total Time:
25 minutes

Soft muffins, with that classic SunButter taste sweetened with bananas and honey. A great breakfast or after-school snack, these portable muffins are gluten, dairy, egg, soy, peanut and tree nut free as well as top 8 free with a vegan option!

Ingredients

• 2 cups gluten free flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 3 medium bananas
• 1/3 cup honey (can use maple syrup for a vegan version)
• 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
• 1 Ener-G egg (1 and 1/2 tsp Ener-G mixed with 2 Tablespoons of rice milk)
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup Creamy SunButter
• 1/3 cup rice milk (flax milk works too)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 F. Grease a muffin tin generously. I found it made 16 muffins, so either plan on using it twice, or do two muffin tin pans.
2. Mix together, in a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, all of the liquids: honey, coconut oil, Ener-G egg, vanilla, SunButter and rice milk. Next, add in the bananas and mix until you reach the desired texture. (I prefer my bananas to be completely mashed, but some like little pieces.)
3. With the stand mixer on low, slowly add in the baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and finally flour. Only mix until it’s just incorporated. It’s OK if the batter is lumpy.
4. Scoop into the muffin tins, about 3/4 the way full.
5. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the muffins have a cracked top and bounce back when touched.
6. Enjoy plain, with your favorite dairy-free butter, or honey. You can’t lose!

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 16
Serving Size: 1

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 181Total Fat: 8gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 132mgCarbohydrates: 25gFiber: 2gSugar: 10gProtein: 3g

This fantastic SunButter muffin recipe was tweaked and adapted from the fabulous Mel’s Kitchen Cafe, ensuring it’s perfect for allergy-friendly needs.

Don’t forget to pin this recipe so you don’t lose it!