Welcome to the ultimate guide for creating the most delicious and genuinely healthy banana applesauce muffins! This recipe transforms the classic banana muffin into a wholesome treat by incorporating nutritious ingredients like whole wheat flour, hearty oats, and natural applesauce, all lightly sweetened with pure maple syrup. Designed for ease and convenience, these simple-to-make muffins are perfectly suited for a variety of occasions. They make an excellent addition to school lunchboxes, a satisfying afternoon snack, or a quick, energizing breakfast on those busy mornings when you need something nourishing and ready to grab-and-go. Get ready to bake a batch of muffins that are not only moist and flavorful but also packed with goodness that you and your family will absolutely adore.
For another delightful and easy-to-make muffin option, be sure to try these scrumptious banana bread mini muffins.
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love These Healthy Banana Applesauce Muffins
- Key Ingredients for Healthy Banana Applesauce Muffins
- Equipment You’ll Need
- Step-by-Step Baking Guide
- Expert Baking Tips for Perfect Muffins
- Storage & Make-Ahead Options
- Delicious Serving Suggestions
- Creative Variations to Try
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- More Muffin & Breakfast Delights
❤️ Why You’ll Love These Healthy Banana Applesauce Muffins
These healthy banana applesauce muffins are not just a treat for your taste buds, but a fantastic choice for a nourishing lifestyle. Here’s why they’ll become a staple in your kitchen:
- **Perfect for Lunchboxes:** Easily packable and delightfully satisfying, they make an ideal school or work lunchbox snack, offering a burst of natural sweetness and energy. Their wholesome ingredients provide sustained energy throughout the day, making them a better choice than many processed snacks.
- **Effortless On-the-Go Breakfast:** When mornings are rushed, grabbing one of these wholesome muffins is a game-changer. They’re a convenient and nutritious breakfast solution that keeps you fueled and focused without slowing you down. Prepare them ahead of time for ultimate morning convenience.
- **The Ultimate Anytime Snack:** Whether it’s a mid-morning pick-me-up or an afternoon treat, these muffins are satisfyingly moist and perfectly balanced to curb cravings healthily. They offer a guilt-free indulgence that fits seamlessly into a balanced diet.
- **Versatile and Adaptable:** These muffins pair wonderfully with a variety of beverages and spreads, making them a flexible addition to any meal or snack time. Enjoy them plain, with a smear of butter, or alongside your favorite coffee or tea.
- **Clever Use of Overripe Bananas:** Don’t toss those speckled bananas! This recipe is the perfect excuse to transform them into something truly delicious. Overripe bananas not only lend intense natural sweetness, significantly reducing the need for added sugar, but also contribute to an incredibly moist texture.
- **Quick & Easy Preparation:** From start to finish, you can have these delicious muffins ready in under 30 minutes. This makes them perfect for busy individuals and families who want homemade goodness without spending hours in the kitchen.
- **Family-Friendly Baking Fun:** Kids love to get involved in mashing bananas and stirring ingredients. It’s a wonderful activity that encourages healthy eating habits from a young age and creates lasting memories in the kitchen. Plus, they’ll be more likely to enjoy something they helped create!
- **Made with Wholesome Ingredients:** Featuring fiber-rich whole wheat flour, heart-healthy oats, and natural applesauce, these muffins are a step above traditional recipes. They offer more fiber, essential vitamins, and minerals, making them a truly nourishing option.
These healthy banana muffins are incredibly moist, bursting with flavor, and can be whipped up in under 30 minutes. They’re a delight for all ages, and kids especially love to help with the baking process, adding their favorite nuts or fruits for extra flavor and a personalized touch.
📝 Key Ingredients for Healthy Banana Applesauce Muffins
Crafting these healthy and delicious banana applesauce muffins begins with a selection of wholesome ingredients designed to provide both flavor and nutritional benefits. Below is an overview of the essential components that contribute to the exceptional taste and health profile of these muffins. For precise measurements and a detailed step-by-step recipe, please refer to the printable recipe card located at the bottom of this page.
Here’s a closer look at what makes these muffins so special and how each ingredient plays a vital role:
- **Ripe Bananas (3):** The foundation of these muffins. Very ripe bananas, ideally with plenty of brown spots, are crucial. They provide intense natural sweetness and contribute significantly to the moist, tender texture, allowing us to reduce added sugars.
- **Large Eggs (2):** Eggs act as a binder, providing structure and helping the muffins rise. They also contribute to the richness and moistness of the crumb.
- **Applesauce (½ cup):** A brilliant healthy substitute for oil or butter. Unsweetened applesauce adds essential moisture without extra fat, enhancing the muffin’s tender crumb and contributing a subtle, complementary fruit flavor to the banana.
- **Maple Syrup (¼ cup):** Our natural sweetener of choice. Pure maple syrup offers a rich, nuanced sweetness that harmonizes beautifully with the banana and applesauce, providing a healthier alternative to refined sugars.
- **Olive Oil (2 Tablespoons):** A small amount of healthy fat is used to ensure a perfectly tender crumb and a pleasant mouthfeel. You can also use other neutral-flavored oils like avocado oil if preferred.
- **Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon):** A touch of vanilla enhances all the other flavors, adding a warm and comforting aroma to the muffins.
- **Whole Wheat Flour (1½ cups):** A key healthy swap. Whole wheat flour replaces all-purpose flour, boosting the fiber content, protein, zinc, and B vitamins. This makes the muffins more satisfying and nutritious, supporting digestive health.
- **Baking Soda (1 teaspoon):** A leavening agent that reacts with acidic ingredients (like applesauce and brown bananas) to create carbon dioxide, helping the muffins rise and become light.
- **Baking Powder (½ teaspoon):** Another leavening agent that provides an additional lift, ensuring a fluffy and well-domed muffin top.
- **Ground Cinnamon (1 teaspoon):** Adds a comforting warmth and depth of flavor that perfectly complements the fruitiness of the bananas and applesauce.
- **Old-Fashioned Oats (¼ cup):** Incorporated for texture and an additional fiber boost. Oats contribute to a chewier muffin and provide sustained energy release, making them more filling.
- **Salt (¼ teaspoon):** Essential for balancing the sweetness and enhancing all the other flavors in the muffin, preventing them from tasting flat.
- **Granulated Sugar (⅓ cup):** A small amount of sugar is used to ensure the perfect level of sweetness, working with the maple syrup and natural banana sugars.
- **Chocolate Chips (⅓ cup, optional):** For those who love a hint of chocolate! Dark chocolate chips are recommended for a healthier option, adding a delightful indulgence. Feel free to adjust the amount or use any type of chocolate you prefer.
⚙️ Equipment You’ll Need
To make your baking process seamless and enjoyable, gather these basic kitchen tools before you begin. Having everything prepped will ensure a smooth execution of this healthy banana applesauce muffin recipe:
- **Large Mixing Bowls (2):** You’ll need one for combining your wet ingredients and a separate one for whisking your dry ingredients. This two-bowl method is crucial for ensuring proper ingredient distribution and preventing overmixing.
- **Whisk:** An essential tool for thoroughly combining the dry ingredients, ensuring the baking powder, baking soda, and spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour mixture.
- **Fork or Potato Masher:** Perfect for easily mashing those ripe bananas to the desired consistency – mostly smooth with a few small lumps for texture.
- **Rubber Spatula:** Ideal for gently folding the dry ingredients into the wet. Its flexibility helps to scrape down the sides of the bowl and avoid overmixing, which is key for tender muffins.
- **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** Accurate measurement is vital in baking. Have a full set of dry measuring cups, liquid measuring cups, and measuring spoons on hand for precise ingredient proportions.
- **12-Cup Muffin Tin:** A standard-sized muffin tin is required for baking a full batch of these delicious muffins.
- **Muffin Liners:** While optional, using paper or silicone muffin liners prevents sticking, makes cleanup a breeze, and allows for easy removal of the muffins from the tin.
- **Wire Cooling Rack:** Essential for cooling the muffins properly after they come out of the oven. This allows air to circulate around them, preventing soggy bottoms and ensuring a perfectly textured muffin.
- **Oven Mitts:** For safely handling the hot muffin tin.
🥄 Step-by-Step Baking Guide
Making these healthy banana applesauce muffins is incredibly simple and quick, even for novice bakers. Follow these easy steps to bake a batch of warm, fragrant muffins that will fill your home with a wonderful aroma. For all detailed measurements, please refer to the complete recipe card found at the very bottom of this page.
- **Prepare Your Bananas:** In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly mash your ripe bananas using a fork or potato masher until they are mostly smooth. A few small lumps are perfectly fine and will add pleasant texture to your finished muffins.
- **Combine Wet Ingredients:** Add the eggs, applesauce, maple syrup, olive oil, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Stir these wet ingredients together vigorously with a spoon or whisk until they are well combined and appear smooth.
- **Mix Dry Ingredients:** In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, old-fashioned oats, salt, and granulated sugar. Ensure all dry ingredients are evenly distributed to guarantee a consistent rise and flavor in every muffin.
- **Gently Combine Wet and Dry:** Pour the dry ingredient mixture directly into the wet ingredient bowl with the banana mixture. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the ingredients together. Mix just until no dry streaks of flour remain in the batter. The key here is to avoid overmixing, which can lead to tough muffins.
- **Add Optional Mix-ins:** If you plan to incorporate chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or other desired additions, gently fold them into the batter at this stage until they are evenly distributed.
- **Fill Muffin Cups:** Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or generously grease each cup to prevent sticking. Distribute the prepared muffin batter evenly among the cups, filling each one approximately ¾ full. This ensures proper rising and uniform baking.
- **Bake to Golden Perfection:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the filled muffin tin into the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes. The muffins are done when their tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
- **Cooling Process (Initial):** Once baked, remove the muffin tin from the oven. Allow the muffins to cool in the muffin tin on a wire rack for about 5 minutes. This initial cooling period helps them to firm up slightly before being moved.
- **Finish Cooling:** Carefully transfer the muffins from the tin to the wire rack to cool completely. Allowing them to cool fully on a rack prevents condensation, which can make the bottoms soggy, and ensures a perfect texture throughout.
💡 Expert Baking Tips for Perfect Muffins
Achieve bakery-quality results every time with these helpful tips designed to make your healthy banana applesauce muffins truly exceptional:
- **Prioritize Very Ripe Bananas:** This is perhaps the most crucial tip. The browner and spottier your bananas are, the sweeter and more intensely flavored your muffins will be. Ripe bananas are also significantly easier to mash, ensuring a smooth base for your batter. Don’t be afraid of bananas that look “too far gone” – they’re perfect for baking!
- **Avoid Overmixing the Batter at All Costs:** Overmixing is the most common mistake in muffin making. It develops the gluten in the flour, leading to dense, tough, and chewy muffins instead of light and fluffy ones. Mix the wet and dry ingredients together just until they are barely combined and no dry streaks of flour are visible. A few small lumps in the batter are perfectly acceptable and often result in a more tender crumb.
- **Leverage Applesauce for Health and Moisture:** Unsweetened applesauce is a fantastic natural sweetener and a superb fat substitute in baking. It adds considerable moisture to your muffins without piling on extra calories or unhealthy fats. Using unsweetened applesauce also gives you greater control over the overall sugar content of your recipe.
- **Embrace Customization with Add-ins:** While classic chocolate chips (especially dark chocolate for a healthier boost) are always a popular choice, don’t hesitate to get creative. Chopped nuts like walnuts, pecans, or almonds provide delightful crunch, healthy fats, and protein. For different fruity notes, try dried fruits such as raisins, cranberries, or finely chopped dates.
- **Consider Mini Muffins for Portability and Portions:** If you’re baking for younger children or prefer smaller, bite-sized portions, a mini-muffin tin is an excellent option. Remember that mini muffins will bake much faster due to their size, typically requiring only 10-12 minutes in the oven, so keep a close eye on them to prevent overbaking.
- **Master Accurate Flour Measurement:** For consistently good results, avoid scooping flour directly from the bag with your measuring cup. This can compact the flour, leading to too much dry ingredient and potentially dry, dense muffins. Instead, spoon your whole wheat flour into the measuring cup and then level it off with the back of a knife or a straight edge.
- **Always Preheat Your Oven Thoroughly:** A properly preheated oven is vital for successful baking. Placing your muffin batter into a hot oven ensures a rapid initial rise, which helps create that desirable domed top and an even bake. Don’t rush this step; give your oven ample time to reach the specified temperature.
- **Don’t Overfill Muffin Cups:** Filling muffin cups approximately ¾ full is the sweet spot. This allows the muffins enough room to rise beautifully without overflowing and creating a mess.
🧺 Storage & Make-Ahead Options
These healthy banana applesauce muffins are wonderfully convenient and perfect for meal prepping. You can enjoy them fresh out of the oven or save them for later enjoyment with these simple storage and make-ahead tips:
- **Countertop Storage for Short-Term Freshness:** Once your muffins have completely cooled to room temperature, store them in an airtight container. To maximize freshness and prevent them from becoming soggy due to condensation, line the bottom of the container with a paper towel. Place your muffins in a single layer, if possible, and then cover the top of the muffins with another paper towel to absorb any excess moisture. Stored this way, these muffins will remain wonderfully fresh and delicious for up to 4 days at room temperature. There’s no need to refrigerate them, as refrigeration can sometimes dry out baked goods.
- **Freezing for Longer Enjoyment:** For extended storage, these muffins freeze beautifully, making them an excellent option for grab-and-go snacks or breakfasts throughout the week. Once completely cooled, wrap individual muffins tightly in plastic wrap. This step is crucial to prevent freezer burn and maintain moisture. After wrapping, place the individually wrapped muffins into a freezer-safe bag or an airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- **Thawing Frozen Muffins:** To enjoy a frozen muffin, simply let it thaw on the countertop at room temperature for a few hours. If you’re in a hurry and want a warm muffin, you can also use the defrost setting on your microwave. A quick zap can bring them back to their delicious, moist state, tasting almost as good as freshly baked.
⌛ Make Ahead
The make-ahead capabilities of these muffins are one of their greatest assets. By baking a large batch, wrapping, and freezing them, you can have a nutritious breakfast or snack ready for up to 3 months. This is perfect for busy families, meal planners, or anyone looking to reduce daily cooking time.
🍽️ Delicious Serving Suggestions
While these healthy banana applesauce muffins are absolutely delightful on their own, here are some creative and classic ways to enjoy them and elevate your experience:
- **Classic Pairings:** For a simple yet satisfying treat, enjoy your muffin with a light spread of butter, a dollop of creamy peanut butter, or your favorite nut butter. The combination of the moist muffin and a rich spread offers an extra boost of protein and healthy fats.
- **With Your Favorite Brew:** These muffins are the perfect companion to a warm cup of coffee, a soothing mug of tea, or even a cold glass of milk. They make for a comforting breakfast, a relaxing afternoon break, or a gentle evening treat.
- **Sweet Enhancements:** A delicate drizzle of extra maple syrup can amplify the natural sweetness. Alternatively, a swirl of honey or a smear of your favorite fruit jam or preserves can add an extra layer of sweetness and delightful fruitiness.
- **As Part of a Balanced Breakfast:** Serve a muffin alongside a bowl of protein-rich Greek yogurt and a vibrant fresh fruit salad for a well-rounded, nutritious, and incredibly satisfying breakfast.
- **Warm & Toasted:** For an extra cozy experience, slice a muffin in half and lightly toast it. The slightly crispy edges and warm, soft interior are simply irresistible.
👩🍳 Creative Variations to Try
One of the best things about these healthy banana applesauce muffins is their versatility. Feel free to customize them to suit your taste preferences, dietary needs, or simply to use up ingredients you have on hand. Here are some delicious variations you can try:
- **Nutty Boost:** Enhance the texture and nutritional value by incorporating any kind of chopped nuts. Walnuts, pecans, almonds, or even a mix of your favorites, add healthy fats, protein, and a satisfying crunch. Aim for about ½ cup of chopped nuts.
- **Chocolate Lovers’ Delight:** For a touch of indulgence, stir in your favorite type of chocolate chips. Milk, semi-sweet, or dark chocolate chips all work wonderfully. Mini chocolate chips are a particularly fun addition as they distribute more evenly throughout the muffin, ensuring a little bit of chocolate in every bite.
- **Fresh Fruit Additions:** Introduce another layer of fruitiness and moisture by folding in fresh berries like blueberries or raspberries. Finely chopped apples (like Granny Smith for a tart contrast or Fuji for sweetness) also make a fantastic addition.
- **Dried Fruit Medley:** Boost the sweetness and chewiness with dried fruits such as raisins, cranberries, chopped dates, or apricots. These add concentrated bursts of flavor and a lovely texture.
- **Spice It Up:** Elevate the warm flavors beyond just cinnamon. A pinch of nutmeg, allspice, or ground ginger can add a richer, more complex spice profile, especially appealing during cooler months.
- **Citrus Zest for Brightness:** A teaspoon of finely grated lemon or orange zest can dramatically brighten the flavor profile of the muffins, adding a refreshing zing that cuts through the sweetness.
- **Gluten-Free Option:** To make these muffins suitable for a gluten-free diet, simply substitute the whole wheat flour with a high-quality 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Ensure your chosen blend contains xanthan gum for optimal texture.
- **Dairy-Free Option:** This recipe is naturally dairy-free thanks to the use of olive oil. If you choose to add chocolate chips, simply opt for a dairy-free variety to keep the entire recipe dairy-free.
- **Seed Power:** Add a tablespoon or two of chia seeds, flax seeds, or hemp seeds for an extra nutritional punch, including omega-3s and fiber.
💬 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
These banana applesauce muffins are intentionally designed to be a significantly healthier alternative to traditional muffin recipes. We achieve this by making several key ingredient swaps: using fiber-rich whole wheat flour instead of refined all-purpose flour, incorporating natural unsweetened applesauce to replace a substantial amount of oil or butter (thus reducing saturated fats), and sweetening primarily with pure maple syrup and the natural sugars from very ripe bananas instead of excessive refined white sugar. The addition of oats further boosts the fiber content, contributing to a more nutritious, satisfying, and gut-friendly snack or breakfast.
No, traditional banana muffins, especially those commonly found in bakeries, coffee shops, or many store-bought varieties, are often not considered a healthy food item. They typically contain high amounts of refined sugar, saturated fats (from butter, oil, or shortening), and white flour, leading to a product that can be high in calories, low in fiber, and lacking in essential nutrients. However, by carefully selecting and substituting ingredients, as demonstrated in this recipe, banana muffins can be transformed into a wholesome, beneficial, and delicious treat that supports a healthy lifestyle.
Applesauce is a fantastic secret weapon in baking, particularly in recipes like these healthy banana applesauce muffins. Its primary role is to serve as an excellent alternative to oil or melted butter, significantly lowering the fat content of your baked goods without compromising moisture. Beyond its function as a fat substitute, applesauce also adds a subtle, pleasant fruit flavor and helps maintain a wonderfully moist, tender, and light crumb in muffins, cakes, and quick breads. It’s a simple, natural swap that enhances both the health profile and the delicious texture of your baked treats.
Absolutely! Frozen ripe bananas are an excellent option for this recipe, especially if you have an abundance of overripe bananas you want to save. Just make sure to thaw them completely before you begin mashing. As they thaw, they will naturally release some liquid. Do not discard this liquid, as it’s full of flavor and moisture that will greatly benefit your muffins. Simply mash the thawed bananas along with any released liquid directly into your large mixing bowl before adding the other wet ingredients.
Ensuring moist muffins involves a few critical steps. First, use very ripe bananas and applesauce, as both contribute natural moisture. Second, and crucially, avoid overmixing the batter. Mix just until the dry ingredients are barely incorporated into the wet, and a few small lumps are still visible; overmixing develops gluten and leads to tough, dry muffins. Third, do not overbake! Once a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached, they are done. Overbaking quickly dries out muffins.
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be gluten-free. Simply substitute the whole wheat flour with a high-quality 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Most good quality gluten-free blends already contain xanthan gum, which helps with the structure and texture of baked goods in the absence of gluten. Follow the rest of the recipe instructions as written, and you should achieve delicious gluten-free banana applesauce muffins.
📣 More Muffin & Breakfast Delights
If you loved these healthy banana applesauce muffins, you’ll definitely want to explore these other delicious and easy recipes perfect for a wholesome breakfast, a satisfying snack, or a delightful dessert:
- **Light and Fluffy Pistachio Muffins:** These incredibly simple-to-make muffins are light, fluffy, and burst with nutty pistachio flavor, making them an ideal companion to your morning coffee or tea.
- **Delightful Banana Bread Mini Muffins:** All the comforting flavors of classic banana bread, but in a convenient, bite-sized mini muffin form. Perfect for little hands or for portion-controlled indulgence.
- **Easy and Flavorful Orange Loaf Cake:** Experience sunny goodness in every moist and vibrant bite of this easy-to-make loaf cake. It’s fantastic as a simple dessert or a bright, sweet start to your day.
- **Golden Saffron Orange Bundt Cake:** This is the elegant cake you’ve been looking for! Moist, fluffy, and boasting a unique flavor profile with the perfect balance of saffron and orange.
- **Irresistible Chocolate Biscuit Cake:** A delicious, no-bake recipe that everyone loves! It’s incredibly easy to prepare and requires no special equipment, making it a stress-free dessert option.
- **Quick Banana Bread without Butter:** When a craving strikes, this simple and quick recipe will become your go-to. It’s perfect for inexperienced bakers, requiring just a blender and a bowl for an effortlessly moist loaf.
- **Nutty Banana Bread with Almonds:** Enjoy all the classic flavors of banana bread enhanced with a delightful twist – a satisfying crunch of almonds. This moist and sweet bread is truly irresistible.
- **Buttery Flaky Rhubarb Scones:** These easy-to-make homemade scones are buttery, flaky, and feature a perfect balance of tangy and sweet rhubarb flavors. An ideal treat for a quick breakfast or afternoon snack.
- **Healthy 3-Minute Banana Milk:** A refreshing and healthy breakfast drink that takes only 3 minutes to prepare. Delicious ripe bananas blended with your favorite milk and a splash of vanilla.
- **Crisp Anise Biscotti:** Dip these crisp and flavorful anise biscotti into your morning coffee for a truly quick and delightful breakfast experience.
- **Moroccan Spongy Semolina Pancakes (Baghrir):** Discover Baghrir, the unique Moroccan-style pancakes with a distinctive shape and texture. Served traditionally with honey and butter, these pancakes are sure to impress your guests.
- **Comforting Brioche French Toast Casserole:** When you’re in the mood for something sweet, warm, and buttery, there’s nothing better than this French toast casserole. It requires only 15 minutes of prep time, and your taste buds will thank you.
- **Refreshing Pineapple Cucumber Smoothie:** A truly refreshing smoothie recipe that expertly combines the natural sweetness of pineapple with the subtle, cool taste of cucumber. Blended with your favorite plant-based milk and dates for a creamy yet light and tasty drink any time of the day.
- **Creamy Banana Pineapple Smoothie:** Looking for a delicious and invigorating smoothie to brighten up your day? Try this wonderfully creamy and delightful banana pineapple smoothie.
- **Easy Tiramisu Overnight Oats:** An ingenious and easy breakfast recipe that promises creamy layers with a delightful, refreshing dose of caffeine. It’s the perfect 5-minute pick-me-up breakfast or snack in a jar.
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Healthy Banana Applesauce Muffins
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Breakfast, Snack
American
Halal
10 minutes
15 minutes
25 minutes
12 muffins
187kcal
Amira
Ingredients
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3 ripe bananas -
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2 large eggs -
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½ cup unsweetened applesauce -
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¼ cup maple syrup -
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2 Tablespoons olive oil -
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract -
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1½ cups whole wheat flour -
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1 teaspoon baking soda -
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½ teaspoon baking powder -
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon -
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¼ cup old fashioned oats -
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¼ teaspoon salt -
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⅓ cup granulated sugar -
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⅓ cup chocolate chips (optional, dark chocolate recommended for a healthier choice)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas thoroughly until mostly smooth, leaving a few small lumps for texture.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a 12-cup muffin tin by lining it with paper liners or greasing each cup well.
- Add all the wet ingredients to the mashed bananas: eggs, unsweetened applesauce, maple syrup, olive oil, and vanilla extract. Stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- In a separate medium bowl, combine all the dry ingredients: whole wheat flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, old-fashioned oats, salt, and granulated sugar. Whisk these together until they are evenly distributed.
- Gently pour the mixed dry ingredients into the bowl containing the wet ingredients.
- Using a spatula, mix the batter carefully until just combined. It’s important not to overmix; a few lumps are acceptable and will result in a more tender muffin. If you are adding chocolate chips or nuts, fold them in now.
- Distribute the muffin batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each approximately ¾ full.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the muffins achieve a beautiful golden brown color on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the baked muffins to cool in the muffin pan on a wire rack for 5 minutes. This helps them set and firm up before handling.
- Carefully remove the muffins from the pan and transfer them to a wire cookie rack to cool completely. This prevents any condensation from making the bottoms soggy.
Notes
- These healthy banana applesauce muffins are wonderfully versatile. Enjoy them on their own, or pair them with a spread of peanut butter or butter. They also make a fantastic accompaniment to your morning coffee or tea. Don’t forget, they’re an excellent and nutritious addition to kids’ lunchboxes!
- Feel free to customize these muffins with your favorite mix-ins. While I often include chocolate chips (dark chocolate is a great choice), you can also add any kind of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a protein boost and delightful crunch.
- If you decide to incorporate chocolate chips or nuts, remember to gently fold them into the batter after the wet and dry ingredients have been combined, just before you fill the muffin cups.
- The secret to the best flavor and easiest mashing for this recipe is to use very ripe bananas. Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots; they’re sweeter and soften beautifully.
- For the chocolate chips, I typically use square dark chocolate pieces, but you are welcome to use any kind of chocolate you prefer, or even omit it entirely for a simpler muffin.
- To make smaller, bite-sized muffins perfect for younger children or for catering, use a mini-muffin tin. Please note that mini muffins will cook much quicker in the oven, typically requiring only 10-12 minutes, so keep a close watch to prevent overbaking.
- For detailed information regarding nutritional values, please check our nutrition disclaimer policy.
