Hummingbird Muffins

These delicious Hummingbird Muffins are the perfect breakfast treat. They contain juicy pineapple, bananas, and crunchy pecans. My hummingbird muffins are also vegan and gluten-free!

These Hummingbird Muffins are an adaptation of the famous Hummingbird Cake. The original recipe is from Jamaica. It was originally called “Doctor Bird Cake”, which was the name for the island’s local hummingbird, and its national bird. To read more about the history of the cake see Wikipedia.

These muffins taste amazing, and the flavors of pineapple and bananas take you to the tropics. The recipe is easy to prepare and comes together quite easily.

Hummingbird Muffins

I decided to make muffins instead of a cake. I chose to do this because I didn’t want to have to make a frosting. The muffins would be quite flavorful without the added calories of frosting anyway, plus I find it easier to eat 1 muffin and freeze the rest to eat later. I use a combination of rice flour and almond flour for the gluten-free flour blend.

I included a substitute for cinnamon since it is a stomach irritant and some people are allergic to it. A blend of cardamom and coriander makes a great substitute.

For a tropical breakfast, serve these muffins with Scrambled Tofu and Baked Plantains!

Is Pineapple Good For You?

Pineapple is originally a South American fruit, that is now grown all over India, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, China, the Philippines, and Kenya.

Manganese, zinc, and vitamins B 6 and C are all in pineapple juice. These nutrients are essential for tissue repair, bone health, energy production, muscle growth, and the immune system. Zinc, phosphorus, calcium, choline, iron, and vitamin K are all present in minor or trace quantities, and several B vitamins are also present.

It is loaded with antioxidants and boosts immunity within the body. It also promotes cell growth and development. Also, anti-oxidants help in reducing inflammation and fighting chronic diseases.

Pineapples contain an enzyme known as bromelain. This enzyme aids in digestion and helps in breaking down protein more efficiently. It also assists with pancreatic insufficiency, which is a situation in which the pancreas is unable to produce enough digestive enzymes.

Health Benefits Of Pecans

Pecans have so many health benefits and can help to keep you energized. Check out some of the benefits below!

Pecans are heart-healthy and can aid in lowering blood pressure. This is a result of the magnesium, potassium, and calcium contained in them. The fats contained in pecans can help to lower bad cholesterol levels as they are monounsaturated fats.

Pecans also contain omega-3 acids, which are good for reducing inflammation.

Vitamin A, E, and zinc are some of the nutrients contained in pecans which can aid in boosting the immune system and fighting off infectious disease. This is certainly a good way to get kids and the elderly to get some nutrients in, without yucky supplements.

The USDA has ranked pecans as being in the top 20 for foods that are antioxidant-rich. Antioxidant-rich food helps to shield the nervous system and brain from damage and deterioration.

Even more important than consuming healthy food, is the importance of digestion. Pecans are rich in fiber and assist with frequent bowel movement, reduce the risk of colitis and the formation of hemorrhoids. The fiber contained in pecans may also assist with stabilizing blood sugar.

Flaxseed Nutrition Facts

Flaxseeds are sprinkled with quite an assortment of vitamins and minerals, along with being a great source of fiber and fats. 

However, their most notable claim to fame is the sheer amount of omega-3 fatty acids that they contain, which is usually found in fish and is quite rare to find from plant-based sources.

This makes them come very high on my list of important foods for every vegan pantry.

Moreover, they can produce a wonderful gel that is the perfect egg substitute for any recipes that require a binding agent. You can find ground flaxseeds in most of my baked goods, savory or sweet. 

Alpha-linolenic acid, the particular amino acid that flaxseed has plenty of, is important for your heart health since it helps prevent clogged arteries and high cholesterol.

Health Benefits Of Banana 

Bananas have many health benefits and can be consumed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Some of the nutrients contained in bananas are potassium, vitamin C, vitamin B6, magnesium, copper, fiber, and protein.

Eating bananas is also a good way to maintain blood sugar levels, aid with digestion, help to maintain heart health, assist with weight loss, and are easy to include in your diet.

Bananas are also very filling and will prevent you from feeling hungry for several hours. This will significantly assist those who are formulating weight loss plans. In addition, a medium banana contains only 102 calories.

Bananas also contain bioactive plant compounds such as dopamine and catechin. The dopamine which comes from bananas acts as an antioxidant and the catechin can assist with reducing the risk of heart disease.

I love that a recipe as delicious as this gluten-free banana bread can also pack a nutritious punch.

Hummingbird Muffin Recipe

• Brown Rice Flour
• Almond Flour
• Sugar
• Baking Powder
• Cinnamon (or coriander and cardamom)
• Salt
• Flaxseeds
• Banana
• Crushed Pineapple
• Almond Milk
• Oil
• Vanilla
• Chopped Pecans

How To Make Hummingbird Muffins?

1. Preheat oven 350℉. Prepare a 12-hole muffin pan with muffin liners, grease with cooking spray, and set aside.
2. In a medium-sized bowl, mix together rice flour, almond flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon (or substitute), and salt.
3. Mix together ground flaxseeds and water in a small bowl, and set aside for 5 minutes.
4. In another medium bowl, peel and mash the banana with a fork. Add crushed pineapple, almond milk, oil, vanilla, and flax seed mixture, then stir until fully combined.
5. Stir the mixture into the dry ingredients, and stir to fully combine.
6. Fold chopped pecans into the batter.
7. Fill a quarter measuring cup with muffin batter, and fill each muffin pan hole until the batter is used up.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until muffins are golden brown, and toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Transfer the muffins to a cooling rack to cool completely. Store at room temperature in a tightly fitted container, or freeze for 2 months.

More Vegan Muffin Recipes:

• Blueberry Muffins
• Butternut Squash Muffins
• Pumpkin Muffins
• Banana Muffins
• Persimmon Banana Muffins
• Corn Muffins
• Pear Muffins
• Carob Muffins
• Mango Muffins

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