Quick and easy (plus freezer friendly!) lactation muffins for nursing Mamas! Perfect nutritious snack to grab at anytime.
Note to my 4 male readers, you might want to step away from this post…or share it with someone you love!
I know, I know. You’re thinking “What the?! Your oldest is 4!” Truth. But I have SO MANY friends with babies, I thought it was time to share my muffin recipe. They’ve been called everything: milky muffins, Mama muffins…but I wanted to keep it simple.
These are great to snack on while nursing or for meals. I remember when I was nursing, I wanted to eat ALL OF THE TIME. Lactation muffins are a healthy way to get some vitamins and help with the milk production.
My twins turned 7 last week and it’s been a bit of a shock for me. The girls are getting SO old and mature, it’s crazy. Looking back at pictures of when they were babies, I can barely remember those special moments. Needless to say, nursing twins was not easy, but it was something I was determined to do.
Since I was the first of my friends to have kids, I didn’t really have close ones to turn to for advice. I found our local chapter of the La Leche League when we were in Madison to be super helpful. They had weekly groups where you could ask any questions or to just meet other mothers.
After a month or so, Maddie was having issues with reflux and couldn’t nurse anymore. I was completely devastated, but relieved at the same time! I actually started to get some rest while only having to nurse one. As my supply started to dip, I searched for recipes to help. I came across this Banana Chip recipe from an old pamphlet and had to try it!
Now I will not give any guarantees for this recipe. It has worked for many of my friends, but it’s not a cure for everyone. I found these muffins to be a great, nutritious snack to enjoy which happened to help my milk supply. With Gabby, I stocked up the freezer with these and would eat them while nursing or just when I had those OMG-GIVE-ME-FOOD moments.
Once you buy the brewers yeast, you can use it in everything! I love to mix it in granola, top my yogurt with honey, in smoothies and even salad dressings. It really doesn’t have much flavor, just a TON of nutrients. Look for one that states “debittered” on the label for a milder taste.
You can also switch up the flavors. I’ve used grated apples, blueberries and zucchini! Use whatever you have on hand. I have also tried to cut back the sugar with stevia, which worked well.
- 3-4 very ripe bananas
- 1/3 cup of coconut oil , melted (or butter)
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1 tsp of vanilla
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp of baking soda
- Pinch of Salt
- 1 cup of flour
- 1/2 cup of rolled oats
- 2 Tbsp . Brewer’s Yeast
- 2 Tbsp . GROUND Flax Seed
- 1 cup of chocolate chips
- 1 cup of chopped nuts (optional) I loved walnuts or almonds
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Preheat oven to 350.
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Put muffin wrappers in a muffin pan. (Or just spray pan well)
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In a large mixing bowl, mash up bananas. Add the melted coconut oil (or butter) and mix until blended.
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Add vanilla and egg and mix until blended, then add sugar and mix until combined.
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In a separate large mixing bowl, mix flour, baking soda, salt, Brewer’s Yeast and Flax Seed until blended.
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Add the banana mixture into the dry ingredients. Once well blended, mix in the rolled oats. Then add chocolate chips and nuts (if you are using them) and mix well.
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Once all ingredients have been well combined, fill each muffin wrapper about 3/4 of the way with batter.
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Bake 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out dry.
Are you a nursing Mama? What are your go-to snacks?
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Want to try cookies instead? I have a delish new Milky Monster Cookie recipe to try too!
I’m confused as you never mention YIELD is this for 12 or 24, seems like too much for 12 but not enough for 24?? Help
I’m sorry! It makes between 12-15 regular sized muffins or 24 mini muffins, depending on your pan. I try to fill the cups 3/4 full, but I never really measure.
I used 12. You are doing amazing work! Thanks for sharing your wonderful recipes. I think the combination of this muffins and Domperidone had the best effect. Until I started the domperidone my baby may well have fed on blood from a stone. We tried the skin-to-skin, the constant feeding, the teas, the massages, but basically my milk never came in in sufficient quantity. Just as I was about to quit, a friend suggested domperidone (So happy ❤️ I found “Make24milk” 😊 in Google and got Dom). I was able to stop the domperidone after a while and supply held more or less steady.
I got 1.5 dozen. Lasted me a week. They are so good!
Hi, how long can you keep these after baking? And when you freeze them, is it after baking or before? Thank you!
Hi Shermaine! They’re good in an airtight container for up to 5 days–even longer in the fridge. You can reheat quickly in the microwave or toaster oven. Always freeze after baking. I usually triple the batch and freeze most. I have found baking without cupcake liners freezes better–sometimes the paper can be hard to remove.
Everytime I have made anything with the brewers yeast it tastes horrible… how would you say these taste… can you really taste the yeast? And wth the flax seed did you grind it or leave it in seeds?
Hi Laura!
I don’t think the brewers yeast is detectable. I think the bananas help mask the flavor. Also, I should update the recipe: I use ground flax. I buy it from Costco and add it to smoothies too! Let me know if you try these! 🙂
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I always have the same problem, too, but you definitely cannot taste the brewers yeast in this recipe. I used 4 bananas, and they were delicious! Even my 4-year-old begs for them lol!
There are many different types of brewers yeast: some have a stronger bitter taste, others taste more tart. Try a different type of beer yeast. I believe last time I made these it was an american beer year, which is known to be less flavourful than other yeasts.
Can I grind up the oats? I hate biting into oats, it won’t mess anything up right?
Of course! I would keep it a coarse grind, if possible, but it should be fine! Let me know what you think!
They turned out so good! For my taste though is I’d prolly use either less chocolate or milk chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet. But the ground up oats were perfect in there, couldn’t taste them.
YAY! I’m so glad you liked them! There are a few more varieties in the works–stay tuned 🙂
Just wanted to thank you for these! I’ve made them many times and I love to make a batch for friends after they give birth! So delicious and they really do help with milk production!
Oh my gosh, I love to hear this! Thank you for trying the recipe! I’m working on other varieties, too.
If you substitute with zucchini, would you replace the bananas and still do the chocolate chips? I have a lot of shredded zucchini I froze from last summer that I need to use and also need to make some lactation snacks…trying to make some multipurpose muffins!
Hi Ginny! I would say keep one banana and add 1.5-2 cups of the zucchini. The chips are up to you, I think either way would be delish. Tip: make sure the zucchini is thawed and strained of extra moisture. I also love the combo of strawberries and zucchini. You could do 1 banana, 1 cup of zucchini and 1 cup diced strawberries. There are so many ways to switch up the muffins. Let me know how they turn out! 🙂
The edges of my muffins were turning brown with 9 minutes to go. Then I pulled them out with 7 minutes to go because the whole top was browning. I hope it’s cooked in the center. I really would like to try these.
P.S. I followed the recipe exactly.
Oh no! How did they end up? Your oven might run a little hotter than mine. 🙁
I am due really soon and would like
Improve my supply as with previous pregs not great supply. These sounds yummy. My question is – what can I substitute for bananas. I hate bananas. Can i use apple? Mango? Or just leave it out.
Apple is great! Also strawberry or zucchini! I recommend using some type of fruit/veggie for consistency, without they might be super dense.
These look great! I’m due at the end of April so I wanted to go ahead and have the freezer stocked with these. How long do you think they will last in the freezer? Do you just put them in the microwave or oven from the freezer? Thanks:)
First of all, CONGRATS! I bet you’re getting excited! I would say up to 6 months. I usually eat them within 2 or 3 months, though. I take them out of the freezer and put them in the fridge. You can reheat in the microwave or oven, whatever you prefer. They’re not bad just defrosted, either. I have a toaster oven, so it takes about 1 minute to reheat.
Thank you so much:)
One more question, are these safe to eat now, while I’m still pregnant? I’ve read online (I know, super trustworthy source-haha) not to eat certain ingredients that increase lactation because it can cause contractions-obviously not a good thing yet. I was wondering if you’ve eaten these while pregnant/know anyone that has. It’s not a big deal to wait a few more weeks, I was just curious:)
Thank you for your quick reply!
Yup, these are a-okay for EVERYONE to eat. My husband ate a few before he realized what they were…and my kiddos gobble them up. They’re a healthy snack for everyone.
So thought you should know I modified a little to fit my needs. I live off of a mostly plant based lifestyle ( I love my cheese and butter every now and then lol). So I made my egg, flax, and I also used coconut sugar instead for a more nutritional sweetener. Making them now so will let you know how it turns out. This seems to be the easiest recipe I’ve found. Thank you!!
Yay! Please let me know how they turn out! 🙂 I should try coconut sugar next time!
Hi Gabrielle, how did they turn out with coconut sugar and flax egg? Thank you!
How do you store them in the freezer
Hi Sara! After baking, allow them to cool. I put them in a gallon sized bag and seal it. Place the bag(s) on a cookie sheet to freeze the muffins on first. Once they’re frozen, you can remove the cookie sheet. This ensures they won’t get smashed. To reheat, defrost in fridge or the oven. I love them warm!
I have made these muffins twice and they are delicious but for some reason they did not rise at all either time. Any suggestions?
Yay, I’m glad you like them! Hmmm. Is your baking soda new? Sometimes if the baking soda is a bit older, it could cause issues. Also, make sure you aren’t mixing the batter too much after adding the dry ingredients. These don’t rise a ton, but they should top the muffin tins at least!
These are awesome! Just made them in preparation for having my baby next week. Tried one warm out of the oven and it tastes amazing. I did add the chocolate chips and walnuts and used coconut oil. You can’t taste the brewers yeast at all.
Yay!! I am so happy you enjoyed them! Best of luck to you next week! ?
Could I add chia seeds to these? If so what would be the appropriate amount?
Hi Amber! I’ve never tried them with this recipe, but I love to add chia seeds to baked goods. I would start with 2 Tablespoons, since they expand a little.
I made these last night after the kid went to bed and when I woke up they had eaten almost all of them!! Lol! I didn’t tell my husband they were lactation ones and he gobbled down a few as well. Guess I’ll just have to make more! I loved this recipe because it’s non-dairy (I used non dairy chocolate chips) which my baby is intolerant to. Thanks!! This will be a weekly thing for us!
YAY! I’m so glad everyone is enjoying them. You might have to hide some in the back of the fridge 🙂
I LOVE these muffins. A great snack and/or quick breakfast. Right now, I’m baking it as a loaf instead of muffins. I’m lazy and tired and thought the loaf would be a little bit quicker. Not sure how long I should cook it?? It’ll be an experiment.
I love how you think–a loaf is a great idea! I think maybe cooking like a banana bread, like 45-50 minutes would be best for a full loaf pan and 20-25 for mini loaves. Did you try it?
Thank you for this delicious recipe! I used coconut sugar and flax egg but otherwise followed the recipe and I truly appreciate it!
Hi Amy! Thank you so much for commenting. It’s good to hear the coconut sugar/flax egg combo worked! I get a lot of questions about using a flax egg and I haven’t tried it with this recipe yet.
Just made a double recipe of these and let me say, wow! These are so good! For the future, do you think it would change the texture/taste to double the amount of the brewers yeast and flax seed flour? I’d love to get more benefits of these as 1 serving is 2 TBSP. Thanks so much for sharing this recipe!
Yay! I’m so glad you like them! I’ve doubled and even tripled the amount before and I like the taste. Just make sure you use the de-bittered Brewers yeast. ?
Thank you!
My muffins don’t seem to rise. I don’t think it’s an issue with my baking soda since I’ve previously used it without a problem. Is there a reason you didn’t add baking powder?
Noticed our bananas were getting too ripe so looked up a lactation banana muffin and found your page. Didn’t have chocolate chips so I added carsins and some cinnamon. Very good recipe thank you!
Hi! Do I measure the coconut oil before I melt it or after? I don’t know if that makes a difference actually lol but just to be sure.
Hi Mariah! I measure it beforehand and then check after melted…it pretty much remains the same.
Thank you so much for the quick response!:)
No problem 🙂 Let me know how they turn out!
Can you substitute the sugar for another sweetener..? Recommendations..?
Hi Sara! You can try 1/2 cup honey or maybe some applesauce. I haven’t tried either yet, but I’m sure they’d taste fine. You could also try Stevia or maple syrup. Let me know if you try anything and if it works!
How much stevia do you substitute for the sugar?
I think it’s 1 teaspoon to 1 cup of sugar…but I could be wrong. I would look on the package for the conversion–usually it’s on the back! Let me now how they turn out 🙂
I used the swerve substitute for sugar and it’s 1:1
Very interested to try this. I have a lactation cookie recipe of my own but I was looking for something different to try when I came across your recipe. My question is…do you think adding a protein powder to this would be ok and if so how much would you add, so it doesnt come out too dry?
Hi Kelly! I haven’t tried protein powder with this recipe yet, but maybe start with your typical one serving size? For mine, it’s 2 scoops. You could probably do more, but you don’t want it to take up too much of the moisture! Let me know if you try it….I’d love to know!
Can these be made without flour?
Hello! I’ve never tried without flour, but I know they need some sort of binding ingredient. I bet you could try a gluten free flour. Sorry I’m not much help!
I use gf flour and they are delicious! Btw, instead of a pinch of salt, I used a tsp and in place of white sugar, I used brown, (simply because I didn’t have enough white sugar). Super yummy recipe! My 5 1/2 year old loves these!
Love the substitutions! So happy you and your kiddo are enjoying these!!
I usually make no bake lactation cookies but really wanted to try something different, plus had some bananas that I didn’t want to toss. Found your website during a middle of the night nursing session and made these yesterday — they are delicious! Followed the recipe exactly except I used a bit more brewers yeast since I’m used to the taste – I may have also used a bit more butter since my 4 year old was helping! Dark chocolate chips and walnuts ended up complimenting the banana and oats perfectly! So happy to have found your recipe, my little guy is 4 months old but in 6/9mo clothes so he’s an eater (nurser) lol
Would it change anything if I didn’t use any brewers yeast? I don’t have any but I figured it would still help with lactation by the other ingredients and adding in some chia seeds as well..
Hi Mercedes! It might not have as much of the lactation boosting effects, but they’ll totally be a great, healthy snack for nursing. Chia seeds would be great, try maybe 2 Tablespoons?
Thank you so much!! I would try the brewers yeast in it if I had any but I don’t! I will get some and try with it next time!
Yeah, it’s not super common. I’d never heard of it before I started baking these muffins. I like to buy it in bulk at our local health food store or from Amazon.
Can you omit the brewers yeast altogether?
Hi Heather! So sorry for the delay in response, I miss this question. Yes, you can omit it–although the brewers yeast helps with lactation. They’ll still be delish, though!
How long does it take for you milk supply to increase.?
It really depends on your body. Sometimes it can increase within 24 hours, other times it takes up to a 4-5 days. Increasing your water intake sometimes helps too. If you’re having issues, I highly suggest meeting with a lactation consultant in your area. They are lifesavers!
This is my second time making these and I love them! The first batch I split with a fellow breastfeeding friend and her whole family loved them. I froze mine and would grab one for my 3 am feedings. I’d either let it thaw as I breastfed and then I ate it, or I’d microwave on 50% power for 30-60 seconds and it was perfect! Once I ate them all, I HAD to restock my freezer! So I cranked them out during baby’s naptime today! Thanks for the great, easy recipe!
I am so happy you are enjoying them Dalynn! These used to be my 3am snacks, too. Thank you for coming back to comment!
Can you skip the sugar all together? It seems like the bananas and coconut oil would be sweet enough?
I haven’t tried it personally, but it should work! Let me know if you do 🙂
These are soooo good! I omitted the nuts and did 2/3cup sugar. I cooked them on convect 350° for around 14 min and they were perfect. They are still sweet and delicious and hopefully will help boost my milk supply! Thank you for this recipe!
Yay Christy! I am so happy you liked them. Fingers crossed for more milk for your little one!
how many muffin do u have to eat in a day to booast your milk supply?
It really depends on everyone individually. I would start with 2 a day.
can you substitute the bananas with apple sauce. I have a friend (new mother) and she hates bananas.
Yes, that would be fine! Try regular or strawberry applesauce!
Can you make these without the brewers yeast? If so, do I need to change the amount of any other ingredients?
Overall very good but these turned out really greasy for me. I used four bananas so I think they were just too moist. I’ll make again but try reducing oil to 1/4 cup. They were delicious in flavor, though!
Yes, if your bananas are super brown, you might need one less. I’m so sorry they turned out greasy!
How much applesauce do you need to replace the bananas? I cannot handle bananas. Thanks!
Just seeing this! I would say about 1/2 a cup. If the mixture is still quite thick, try 2/3.
These muffins are AMAZING! They smelled so good coming out of the oven that I just had to try one before freezing the rest. Can’t taste the brewers yeast at all, and the subtle flavour of the coconut oil is just delicious 🙂 reminds me of my honeymoon in the Dominican!
Now on to the lactation cookies!
Yay! I love to hear this Lauren! Enjoy 🙂
I substituted pumpkin puree for the bananas as that is what I had on hand, and only put in about a cup of choc chips/nuts. Stellar recipe! Love it.
Awesome recipe and thank you for it. It looks quite easy and your instructions are quite easy to understand also. looking forward to making it ASAP.
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I use 1/2 cup of honey instead of sugar. My kids and I love these healthy muffins. I have made them at least five times. I have also substituted the banana with pumpkin in the past.
Thank you so much for the review, Anna. I am SO trying the honey and pumpkin next time!
I use 1/2 cup of honey instead of sugar. My kids and I love these healthy muffins. I have made them at least five times. I have also substituted the banana with pumpkin in the past
These muffins are amazing , I loved them ! Totally replaces my regular recipe for banana walnut muffins and chocolate chip muffins – they are better than both combined, even without the lactation benefits ! I had to make a few minor adjustments- didn’t have enough sugar so I used a half cup sugar and half cup applesauce, and no brewers yeast so I just replaced it with more flax. I used 3 bananas and added walnuts and ended up with a dozen regular sized muffins and 10 mini muffins.
I love making a combo of regular and mini sized! Thank you so much for trying the recipe. I love the adjustments. 🙂
This is literally the first thing I have ever baked that didn’t come from a box! I baked them last night, and this morning I realized I completely forgot to add the sugar! I also didn’t have yeast – can’t find it in ANY grocery stores so I ordered it online, but I was too impatient to wait for it to arrive. I used a baking soda/lemon juice substitute. These are SO good. My husband loves them. I’m going to try another batch and follow the recipe exactly, but I may revert to my “messed up” version!
Oh my gosh, I love this so much! YAY! If the accident tastes fab, go with it!
I adore these muffins…..ADORE them! I’ve been making these every single week for the last month and a half. I’m cutting gluten to see if it helps my babe’s eczema, so I’m testing replacing the flour with oat flour and will see if it turns out!
I adore these muffins….ADORE them! I’ve been making them every week for the last 6 weeks. I’m cutting gluten to see if it helps my babe’s eczema, so I’m testing replacing the flour with oat flour and will see how it turns out!
Let me know how it works!! I’ve had people ask about almond flour, too!
Can I make this recipe of the muffin in a cookie form?
Yes! I also have a lactation cookie recipe: https://www.dashofevans.com/milky-monster-lactation-cookies/
I apparently am suffering from pregnancy brain because I managed to leave out the sugar, eggs, AND vanilla. That entire step. Despite those glaring omissions, these muffins are still great, and I guess a bit healthier too! Thank you so much for this recipe — which is apparently very forgiving!
Have to say I make these weekly and eat about 2 a day for breakfast. Not sure if these are the reason or not but my milk supply this time (2nd child) is much more than the first. These are the only lactation muffins I have made that actually last 6 days without going bad (I keep them out, not fridge or freezer in a tupperware container). I took them to my MOPS meeting, and was asked to share the recipe to all because they loved them (even non nursing moms). I don’t taste the brewers yeast at all, which i usually do in other lactation recipes. Super easy to make. I will note that in my oven I have to pull them out at exactly 25 min or less, if they go over they dry out inside. My 2yr old even eats them with me. Thank you for this recipe.
Ahh, thank you so much for this review! I am so happy you’re enjoying. Also, amazing that you found a supportive MOPS group! Being a Mama can be hard at times!
I made a batch of these and they were SO good, and helped my milk supply! I had to keep my husband from eating all of them because they were so tasty. I’m about to make another batch (and I’m going to double it this time)! I would freeze half, but I think they’ll go too fast to freeze many of them! These are a great thing to grab and scarf down quickly in between newborn feedings and diaper changes for a meal or a snack!
I tried this fir my wife. Came out well . Easy and quick.
Yummy! You totally got me at buttermilk and blueberries!
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Hello, I’ve been making these muffins for a few months now (my EBF baby is 4 months old). I just joined weight watchers and I’m trying to figure out how these can fit in. Do you know how many weight watchers points these muffins would be?
Hello Victoria! I think it would depend on which plan you’re using. Their website should have a place to add recipes. I wish I could help more!
Thank you so much for sharing this recipe! I’ve been making it almost weekly since my baby was born a little over 6 months ago! These are a favorite of my hubby’s too (I have to keep him from eating too many since they really seem to help with my milk supply!)
These are so, so good! Have eaten one every morning for breakfast since my babe was born (going on 4 months). 🤩 I use cinnamon chips instead of chocolate chips and they are delish. 🙂
The BEST banana oat muffins and such a bonus that they are lactation boosting so I don’t have to feel guilty eating lots 😁
I used 4 bananas, slightly less sugar, a mix of whole meal and plain flour (plain flour is extremely hard to find after our local covid lockdown) and slightly less choc chips. They were AMAZING.
How would I make this into a blueberry muffin recipe? I love these muffins but want a variety.
Just add 3/4 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries. Baking time may vary, though!
I would like to add blueberries to this recipe instead of chocolate chips. How much could I add, and would I need to make any additional changes since blueberries would add liquid?
I make these for my mom who just gave birth in October, and she loved them. I do have a question tho, what is the serving size for these?
Just made these for a nursing friend. Followed the recipe except did add 1/2 tsp baking powder based on some comments of not rising. Also added about 3/4 tsp of cinnamon for extra flavour. The recipe made 18 regular sized muffins. I baked for 23 minutes and they came out nicely (a little dark, but not dry). Previously I found the brewers yeast too disgusting to use but this recipe masks it quite well. Thanks!
These turned out sooo super yummy! I made then into mini muffins and the recipe made about 45. They baked in about 12-14 minutes and were perfectly moist and sweet! I could not stop eating them and my one and a half year old loved them too! Next time I might cut back just a bit on the sugar because the bananas are naturally really sweet too. I also didn’t taste the brewers yeast at all so I could probably get away with adding more next time without affecting the flavor too much.
Made these today and they are DELISH!!! Thank you so much!!!