Cream Cheese-Filled Almond Flour Banana Muffins (Gluten-Free)

If you’re on the lookout for a deliciously moist, gluten-free treat that’s perfect for breakfast or as a snack, you’ve landed in the right spot. These Cream Cheese-Filled Almond Flour Banana Muffins are a delightful combination of sweet, ripe bananas and creamy, tangy cream cheese, all wrapped in a tender muffin made from almond and coconut flour. The beauty of this recipe lies not only in its flavor but also in its simplicity and health-conscious ingredients. Let’s dive into why this recipe is a keeper!

Why This Recipe is a Keeper

These Cream Cheese-Filled Almond Flour Banana Muffins are not just gluten-free; they’re also packed with wholesome ingredients. The use of almond flour gives these muffins a rich, nutty flavor and a satisfying texture, while coconut flour adds a hint of sweetness and helps with moisture retention. The gooey cream cheese center adds an indulgent touch that elevates these muffins from ordinary to extraordinary. Plus, with the natural sweetness of very ripe bananas, you can enjoy these muffins without feeling guilty!

What Goes In

To create these luscious muffins, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 2/3 cups very ripe bananas (about 3 medium-sized bananas, mashed)
• 1 cup almond flour (for a nutty flavor and gluten-free base)
• 1/3 cup coconut flour (to add moisture and a subtle sweetness)
• 2 teaspoons baking powder (to help the muffins rise)
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda (to enhance the leavening process)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (to balance the sweetness)
• 2 tablespoons butter, softened (for richness and flavor)
• 1/3 cup unpacked brown sugar, divided (to sweeten the batter)
• 2 large eggs (to bind the ingredients together)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for added depth of flavor)
• 4 ounces reduced fat cream cheese (for the delightful cream cheese filling)

Recommended Tools

To make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable, gather the following tools:

• Muffin tin (to shape your muffins perfectly)
• Mixing bowls (for combining ingredients)
• Whisk (to mix dry ingredients)
• Rubber spatula (to fold in ingredients gently)
• Measuring cups and spoons (for accurate ingredient measurements)
• Cooling rack (to cool your muffins after baking)

Stepwise Method: Cream Cheese-Filled Almond Flour Banana Muffins (Gluten-Free)

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your muffins will bake evenly and rise perfectly.

Step 2: Prepare Your Muffin Tin

Grease a muffin tin or line it with muffin liners for easy removal after baking.

Step 3: Mash the Bananas

In a medium mixing bowl, mash the very ripe bananas until smooth. You want about 1 2/3 cups of banana puree.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the almond flour, coconut flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.

Step 5: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and 1/4 cup of the brown sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.

Step 6: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until fully combined.

Step 7: Combine Banana and Dry Ingredients

Add the mashed bananas to the wet ingredients, mixing until well blended. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients, being careful not to overmix.

Step 8: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

In a small bowl, mix the remaining 1/4 cup of brown sugar with the reduced fat cream cheese until smooth and combined.

Step 9: Fill the Muffin Tin

Spoon a small amount of the banana batter into each muffin cup, filling about 1/3 of the way. Add a generous dollop of the cream cheese mixture on top, then fill the rest of the way with more banana batter, covering the cream cheese completely.

Step 10: Bake the Muffins

Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 11: Cool and Enjoy

Once baked, allow the muffins to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature!

Dietary Customizations

If you have specific dietary needs, consider these customizations:

• Vegan: Replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg).
• Dairy-Free: Substitute cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative and use coconut oil instead of butter.
• Lower Sugar: Reduce the amount of brown sugar or use a sugar substitute like coconut sugar or stevia.
• Nut-Free: Replace almond flour with sunflower seed flour for a nut-free option.

Missteps & Fixes

Baking can sometimes lead to unexpected results. Here are some potential missteps and how to fix them:

• Muffins are too dense: Ensure you accurately measure your flours and avoid overmixing the batter.
• Burnt tops: If the tops are browning too quickly, cover them with foil during the last few minutes of baking.
• Dry muffins: Overbaking can lead to dryness. Check for doneness a minute or two before the suggested baking time.
• Uneven cream cheese filling: Make sure to distribute the cream cheese evenly among the muffins.

Keep It Fresh: Storage Guide

To maintain the freshness of your Cream Cheese-Filled Almond Flour Banana Muffins, consider the following:

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to a week.
• Freezer: Freeze muffins individually wrapped in plastic wrap, then placed in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before mashing them.

How can I make these muffins less sweet?

You can reduce the amount of brown sugar or substitute it with a lower-sugar alternative. Adjust according to your taste preferences!

What can I use instead of cream cheese?

If you want to avoid cream cheese, try using a dairy-free cream cheese alternative or even a nut butter for a different flavor profile.

Can I add chocolate chips or nuts?

Definitely! Chocolate chips or chopped nuts can be folded into the batter for added texture and flavor—just be mindful of the quantities to keep the muffins from being too heavy.

You Might Also Like

• Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Almond Flour Pancakes
• Coconut Flour Chocolate Cake
• Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Bars

The Takeaway

These Cream Cheese-Filled Almond Flour Banana Muffins are a delightful treat that combines healthful ingredients with incredible taste. They are perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even a light dessert. With a little preparation, you can whip up a batch that is sure to impress family and friends. Plus, the gluten-free aspect makes them accessible for a variety of diets without sacrificing flavor or texture. Enjoy making this recipe and savor the deliciousness of each bite!