These banana & date muffins are naturally sweetened, soft, and delicious—perfect for a healthy breakfast or snack. Made without refined sugar, they rely on ripe bananas and dates for a natural sweetness that makes them both nutritious and satisfying. Vegan and easy to make, they are ideal for meal prep, lunchboxes, or an afternoon treat with a cup of tea. Light, moist, and packed with flavour.
![Banana & Date Muffins [vegan] [no added sugar] by The Flexitarian](https://theflexitarian.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Banana-Date-Muffins-vegan-no-added-sugar-by-The-Flexitarian-v83-683x1024.png)
Banana & Date Muffins (Vegan, No Sugar Added)
These banana & date muffins are naturally sweetened with ripe bananas, sultanas, and dates, making them a wholesome and delicious treat. Soft, moist, and full of flavour, they are a great alternative to traditional sugary baked goods while still feeling like a satisfying indulgence. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast, as a mid-day snack, or packed in a lunchbox, these muffins are perfect for the whole family.
A few weeks ago, UK charity Send a Cow reached out to me to help spread the word about their Sweet Swap challenge. During the month of May, they encourage people to give up sugary treats for anywhere from a week to the whole month and donate the money saved—or raised through sponsorships—to support their work. While there’s been plenty of discussion about sugar consumption in the news, I was particularly interested in shedding light on another side of the story: the struggles of smallholder sugarcane farmers in Africa, many of whom remain trapped in a cycle of extreme poverty.
Since my kids love muffins, this recipe seemed like the perfect way to get them involved in the challenge while also having a meaningful conversation about where our food comes from. Baking together gave us the chance to talk about the importance of fair food systems while enjoying a naturally sweet treat that didn’t rely on refined sugar.
With no added sugar and only a small amount of oil, these muffins are a healthy, satisfying choice that you can enjoy guilt-free. Needless to say, the two batches we made disappeared almost instantly—a sure sign that even without refined sugar, they’re an absolute hit.
You can read more about the Sweet Swap challenge here.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Naturally Sweetened – No refined sugar! These muffins get their sweetness from bananas, dates, and sultanas.
- Healthy & Wholesome – Made with minimal oil and packed with natural ingredients, they’re a nutritious choice for breakfast or snacks.
- Vegan & Dairy-Free – A plant-based treat that everyone can enjoy.
- Great for Meal Prep – Bake a batch ahead of time for easy, grab-and-go breakfasts or lunchbox snacks.
- Soft & Moist – Despite being free from added sugar, these muffins are wonderfully light, fluffy, and delicious.
- Family-Friendly – Kids and adults alike will love them, making them a perfect homemade alternative to store-bought treats.
- Supports a Good Cause – Inspired by the Sweet Swap Challenge from Send a Cow, these muffins highlight the importance of ethical food choices.
I hope you enjoy this banana & date muffin recipe as much as I do. If you do make it, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram!
![Banana & Dates Muffin [vegan] [no refined sugar] by The Flexitarian](https://theflexitarian.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Banana-Dates-Muffin%E2%80%8F-vegan-no-refined-sugar-by-The-Flexitarian-Send-A-Cow-v8-300x300.jpg)
Banana & Date Muffins [vegan] [no added sugar]
Equipment
Disclaimer: the equipment list above includes affiliate links to products I use and like.
Ingredients
- 125 g plain flour
- 125 g wholemeal flour
- 175 g dates
- 75 g sultanas
- 3 overripe bananas
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
- 1 chia egg [1 Tbsp ground chia seeds + 3 Tbsp of water] or 1 beaten organic egg
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 75 ml vegetable oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to Fan 180°C / 200°C/400°F/Gas 6.
- Place 12 large paper baking cases in a muffin tin.
- Prepare the chia egg by mixing 1 Tbsp of ground chia seeds with 3 Tbsp of water. Set aside for 10 mins.1 chia egg [1 Tbsp ground chia seeds + 3 Tbsp of water] or 1 beaten organic egg
- Put the sultanas in a bowl. Pour boiling water to cover. Set aside.75 g sultanas
- Place the dates in a blender with 125ml [US 1/2 cup] of hot water. Whizz to a paste.175 g dates
- Sieve flours, baking powder, bicarbonate soda and salt in the large bowl of a food processor.125 g plain flour, 125 g wholemeal flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda, 1/2 tsp salt
- In a separate bowl mash the bananas. Add oil, vanilla extract, date paste and chia egg. Mix well.3 overripe bananas, 75 ml vegetable oil, 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Add the banana mixture plus drained sultanas to the dry ingredients. Blend until well combined.
- Carefully spoon into each muffin paper baking case in muffin tin to 3/4 height.
- Place in the oven for around 20mins. Insert a skewer to check they are cooked. The skewer should come out clean.
Nutrition
Find this recipe online:
Banana & Date Muffins [vegan] [no added sugar]
https://theflexitarian.co.uk/recipe-items/banana-dates-muffins-vegan-no-sugar-added/
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