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.

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

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.

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.

If you like a breakfast of oats, you’ll love my Raspberry Overnight Oats.

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.

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.

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.

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