Nbirz

Plant-based, gluten-free cooking.

Vegan Chocolate Banana Teff Muffins (Oil-Free, GF)

Breakfast

Vegan Chocolate Banana Teff Muffins (Oil-Free, GF)

Whole grain vegan baking is straightforward as can be with teff flour! Use it to make a batch of my vegan chocolate banana teff muffins, which are gluten-free, oil-free,and added sugar free.

overhead shot of chocolate banana teff muffins

Straightforward Vegan Teff Flour Muffins

Looking for new ways to bake gluten-free without a myriad of flours, starches and gums? Look no further than teff flour. t is used to make the flatbread of Ethiopia, but works in a wide range of other baked goods, too.

For example, my straightforward vegan chocolate banana teff muffins!

What is Teff?

a wooden bowl filled with whole grain teff

Teff (also known as eragrostis tef, or lovegrass), is an ancient, tiny grain from Northeast Africa. It originates from Ethiopia and Eritrea and is one of the earliest know cultivated crops.

Teff, an ancient grain, is naturally gluten-free, lectin-free, high in protein (7 grams per 1/4 cup) and exceptionally high in lysine. It is estimated that Ethiopians and Eritreans get about 2/3 of their dietary protein from teff, and it is renowned for the energy it supplies to those who eat it (notably, the world class runners of Ethiopia and Eritrea).

What is Teff Flour

a wooden bowl filled with teff flour

Teff flour is finely milled teff grains. It is gluten-free. Teff flour (like the grain itself), comes in shades of light and dark brown. Use either in cooking and baking, as they are interchangeable. Both are faintly nutty in flavor, but the lighter flour is especially mild.

Teff flour is used to make Ethiopia’s famous flatbread, injera. But it has multiple uses beyond flatbread. It can be used in a wide variety of sweet and savory baking recipe, including these straightforward muffins.

Recipe Benefits

  • Vegan (dairy-free, egg-free)
  • Gluten-free
  • Added sugar-free
  • Oil-free
  • Quick and straightforward to make
  • Plain ingredients

Ingredients

The exact amounts of each ingredient are indicated in the recipe card at the end of the post.Toggle betweenUS Customary(volume) andMetric(weights) for preferred measurement option.

The essential recipe has just five ingredients:

  • flaxseed meal
  • mashed very ripe banana (use over-ripe bananas)
  • teff flour
  • unsweetened natural cocoa powder
  • baking powder (certified gluten-free, as needed)

You will also need a small amount of water and salt. I also like to add in some dark chocolate chunks or miniature chips, but they are optional.

Step by Step Instructions

Note that the complete instructions are also in the recipe card below.

  • Preheat oven to 350F (180C). Line 10 cups of a standard sze muffin tin with paper or foil liners.
  • In a large bowl, combine the flaxseed meal, water and banana. Let stand for 5 minutes to thicken.
  • Add the teff flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt, stirring until blended. Add the chocolate chips, if using.
  • Divide batter evenly among prepared cups.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Let muffins cool in the muffin tin for 10 minutes, then remove and let cool completely on a wire rack.

Enjoy!

teff muffins on a white wood background

FAQ

How should I store the teff muffins?

Store the cooled teff muffins in an airtight container at cool room temperature for 3 days, the refrigerator for 5 days, or the freezer for up to 6 months.

Can I substitute teff flour with another flour?

I do not recommend it.This recipe was designed specifically for use with teff flour.

two vegan oil-free chocolate banana teff muffins on a dish towel

Vegan Chocolate Banana Teff Muffins (Oil-Free, GF)

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 18 minutes
  • Total Time: 33 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons flaxseed meal
  • 3/4 cup water
  • 1.5 cups mashed very ripe banana
  • 1 cup teff flour
  • 3 tablespoons unsweetened natural cocoa powder
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Optional: 1/3 cup chopped dark chocolate chunks or chips

Method

  1. Preheat oven to 350F (180C). Line 10 cups of a standard sze muffin tin with paper or foil liners.
  2. In a large bowl , combine the flaxseed meal , water and banana. Let stand for 5 minutes to thicken.
  3. Add the teff flour , cocoa powder , baking powder , and salt, stirring until blended. Add the chocolate chips, if using.
  4. Divide batter evenly among prepared cups.
  5. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let muffins cool in the muffin tin for 10 minutes, then remove and let cool completely on a wire rack.

Notes

Storage: Store the cooled muffins in an airtight container at cool room temperature for 3 days, the refrigerator for 5 days, or the freezer for up to 6 months.