Sweet Spinach Muffins are a clever solution for families looking to include more vegetables in their day without sacrificing taste. These soft, naturally sweet muffins are bursting with vibrant green color thanks to fresh spinach, but you’d never know it from the flavor. They’re perfect for children and adults, whether enjoyed as a breakfast on the go, a lunchbox addition, or an afternoon pick-me-up.
With ingredients blended together for quick preparation and minimal mess, this recipe is ideal for busy weekdays. Not only are the muffins colorful and fun, but they’re also full of nutritious ingredients that offer real value in every bite.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are plenty of reasons to make these muffins part of your regular routine. First, the sweetness comes from ripe bananas and honey, making them free from refined sugar. They use whole wheat flour for added fiber, while applesauce helps keep the texture moist without added fat. Spinach offers a hidden dose of vitamins and minerals, and it blends so smoothly that even picky eaters won’t notice.
The entire recipe is made in a blender, meaning less cleanup and a faster prep time. They store well, freeze even better, and make an excellent grab-and-go option for all ages.
Ingredients You’ll Need
10 ounces fresh spinach
Spinach adds natural color and a wealth of nutrients like vitamin A, iron, and fiber.
6 ounces unsweetened applesauce
This keeps the muffins moist while also adding a mild fruity flavor.
3 overripe bananas
Bananas provide both sweetness and structure. Choose soft bananas with dark spots.
2 large eggs
Eggs help the muffins rise and hold together.
¼ cup vegetable oil
Just a small amount of oil is enough to give the muffins a soft, tender crumb.
¼ cup honey
A touch of honey balances the flavors and brings natural sweetness.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Vanilla adds depth and warmth to the flavor.
2 cups white whole wheat flour
This flour gives the muffins more fiber and nutrients than all-purpose, while still keeping a soft texture.
2 teaspoons baking powder
Helps the muffins rise and become light and fluffy.
½ teaspoon baking soda
Works alongside the baking powder for a balanced rise and texture.
½ teaspoon salt
Brings out the flavors and prevents the muffins from tasting flat.
How to Make Sweet Spinach Muffins
This recipe is designed to be as efficient as it is nutritious. Start by blending the wet ingredients into a smooth base. Then, mix in the dry ingredients before dividing the batter into a muffin tin. A quick bake in the oven is all that’s left before these bright muffins are ready to enjoy.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Set your oven to 350°F. Prepare a muffin tin by lining it with paper liners or spraying it with non-stick spray.
Step 2: Blend the wet ingredients
Place spinach, applesauce, bananas, eggs, oil, honey, and vanilla extract into a blender. Blend until completely smooth.
Step 3: Add dry ingredients
Add flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt directly into the blender. Gently mix with a spatula first, then pulse until just combined. The batter will be thick.
Step 4: Divide the batter
Evenly scoop the batter into 14 muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full.
Step 5: Bake
Place in the oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes. Check for doneness with a toothpick—it should come out clean from the center.
Step 6: Cool and store
Let the muffins rest in the pan for five minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool fully before serving or storing.
Helpful Tips
Using very ripe bananas ensures the best sweetness and moisture. For a smooth, vibrant green finish, blend the spinach thoroughly and bake right away. If you’d like a less sweet version, reduce the honey slightly. These muffins freeze beautifully—just wrap them individually and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months.
Details
Flavor: Naturally sweet with banana and mild vanilla
Texture: Soft, moist, and tender
Occasion: Breakfast, snack, or lunchbox addition
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Notes
To make these muffins egg-free, use flax eggs as a substitute. You can replace the honey with maple syrup for a vegan-friendly version. For a gluten-free twist, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Keep in mind that texture may vary slightly with substitutions, but the flavor and color will remain delightful.
Nutritional Information (Per Muffin)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 118 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 25 g |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Fat | 1 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1 g |
| Cholesterol | 23 mg |
| Sodium | 208 mg |
| Potassium | 244 mg |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 9 g |
| Vitamin A | 1952 IU |
| Vitamin C | 8 mg |
| Iron | 1 mg |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do sweet spinach muffins taste like spinach?
No. The spinach flavor is barely noticeable. The banana and honey are much more dominant, giving the muffins a classic sweet taste.
Can spinach be used raw in muffin batter?
Yes, raw spinach works perfectly. It blends well and bakes beautifully without any need for cooking first.
Are sweet spinach muffins healthy for kids?
Yes. These muffins are full of natural ingredients and make a nutritious snack that children enjoy. They’re free from refined sugar and packed with fiber and vitamins.
How do you keep spinach muffins bright green after baking?
Blend the spinach completely and bake the muffins immediately. Also, avoid overbaking, which can dull the color.
Storage Instructions
Store your muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate them for up to 5. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or microwave for 20 to 30 seconds for a quick warm-up.
Print
Sweet Spinach Muffins | A Bright, Healthy Snack for Kids and Adults
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 14 muffins 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These muffins are soft, green, and full of good-for-you ingredients like spinach, bananas, and whole wheat flour. Perfect for breakfast or snacks.
Ingredients
10 ounces fresh spinach
6 ounces unsweetened applesauce
3 overripe bananas
2 large eggs
¼ cup vegetable oil
¼ cup honey
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups white whole wheat flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare muffin tin.
2. Blend spinach, applesauce, bananas, eggs, oil, honey, and vanilla until smooth.
3. Add flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir gently, then blend briefly.
4. Scoop batter into 14 muffin cups.
5. Bake for 18–20 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Let cool in pan, then transfer to wire rack.
Notes
Use ripe bananas for best flavor and moisture.
Maple syrup can replace honey for vegan option.
Store in fridge for 5 days or freeze up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast & Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories: 118
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 208mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 23mg
Conclusion
Sweet Spinach Muffins are a fantastic way to blend wholesome ingredients with a sweet, satisfying flavor. They’re easy to prepare, family-friendly, and a wonderful alternative to traditional sugary snacks. Whether you’re looking for a colorful addition to the breakfast table or a convenient snack for your kids, these muffins deliver both nutrition and comfort in every bite. Try them today and see just how enjoyable spinach can be.