Healthy Muffins With Banana And Cinnamon
Highlighted under: Mindful Eating
I love starting my day with a delicious and healthy breakfast, and these muffins are my go-to. They're moist, fluffy, and filled with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and a warm hint of cinnamon. Making them is a breeze; in just a few minutes, I have fresh muffins ready to accompany my coffee. Plus, they are perfect for on-the-go meals or healthy snacks for the kids. These muffins make mornings feel a little more special without the guilt!
When I first experimented with these muffins, I wanted to create a healthy version of a traditional muffin that my family would actually enjoy. I combined ripe bananas with wholesome ingredients and added a sprinkle of cinnamon to enhance the sweetness without adding sugar. What surprised me was how well the flavors melded together, making these muffins a hit!
With each bite, you get the lovely aroma of cinnamon, and the bananas keep the muffins incredibly moist. I recommend letting them cool completely before storing them. This will help maintain their texture and taste for days. Trust me; they might just become a staple in your home, just like they did in mine!
Why You'll Love These Muffins
- Bursting with natural sweetness from ripe bananas
- Warm cinnamon flavor that comforts the soul
- Perfectly moist and fluffy texture
- Easy to make and great for meal prep
The Benefits of Using Whole Wheat Flour
Whole wheat flour is a key ingredient in these muffins, contributing to their hearty texture and enhancing their nutritional profile. Unlike white flour, whole wheat flour retains the bran and germ of the wheat grain, providing more fiber, vitamins, and minerals. This means not only are you getting more nutrients in your breakfast but also a longer-lasting energy boost. The nutty flavor complements the sweetness of the bananas, creating a delicious balance in every bite.
When substituting whole wheat flour for white flour in recipes, it's essential to remember that it absorbs more moisture. For these muffins, if you find the batter too dry, consider increasing the banana quantity or adding an extra tablespoon of coconut oil to achieve the ideal consistency. This will ensure your muffins remain perfectly moist and fluffy without compromising their health benefits.
Tips for Perfectly Baked Muffins
For successful muffins, ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature before you start mixing. This simple step allows the batter to blend more uniformly, resulting in a better texture. I recommend taking your egg and coconut oil out of the fridge at least 30 minutes prior. Additionally, be cautious when mixing; over-mixing can lead to dense muffins. Once you see no dry flour left, stop mixing and let the ingredients do their magic in the oven.
Another handy tip is to check for doneness with a toothpick around the 18-minute mark. Every oven is different, and factors like pan material can affect cooking times. Your muffins are ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. This ensures you won’t have undercooked centers, which could be a disappointment when enjoying your healthy treat.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to make your delicious healthy muffins:
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
These ingredients come together for a wholesome treat that everyone will enjoy!
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your muffins:
Prepare the Oven and Muffin Tin
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it with cooking spray.
Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, honey (or maple syrup), melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and egg. Whisk everything until well combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, mix together the baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and whole wheat flour. Stir until evenly combined.
Combine Wet and Dry Mixes
Pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and gently fold them together until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix.
Fill Muffin Tins
Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each liner about 2/3 full.
Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool and Enjoy
Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serve these delicious muffins warm or store them in an airtight container for later. Enjoy!
Pro Tips
- For added texture and flavor, consider tossing in some chopped nuts or dark chocolate chips into the batter before baking.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you're looking to adjust the sweetness of the muffins, you can swap honey or maple syrup for alternatives like coconut sugar or even applesauce, which adds moisture and a subtle flavor. When doing this, just make sure the total liquid quantity stays consistent—too much liquid can lead to overly soggy muffins. Consider the balance of flavors as you make these changes, as they can impact the end result significantly.
For those with allergies or dietary restrictions, the egg in this recipe can be replaced with a flaxseed egg—mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with two and a half tablespoons of water and let it sit for 5 minutes until it thickens. This substitution works particularly well for binding and ensures that your muffins still rise beautifully while remaining vegan-friendly.
Storage and Freezing Tips
These muffins are perfect for meal prep and can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, freezing is a great option. Allow the muffins to cool completely before placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container, ensuring to label with the date. They can last up to three months in the freezer, making them an ideal quick breakfast option for busy mornings.
When you're ready to enjoy a frozen muffin, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes or microwave it for 15-20 seconds for a quick warm-up. This method not only revives their fluffy texture but also enhances the comforting scents of banana and cinnamon throughout your kitchen.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use other sweeteners instead of honey?
Absolutely! Maple syrup or agave syrup are great alternatives that will work just as well.
→ How do I store these muffins?
Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate them for longer freshness.
→ Can I freeze these muffins?
Yes, these muffins freeze beautifully! Just wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag.
→ What can I add for extra flavor?
You can add nuts, cranberries, or even chocolate chips to the batter for a delightful twist!
Healthy Muffins With Banana And Cinnamon
I love starting my day with a delicious and healthy breakfast, and these muffins are my go-to. They're moist, fluffy, and filled with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and a warm hint of cinnamon. Making them is a breeze; in just a few minutes, I have fresh muffins ready to accompany my coffee. Plus, they are perfect for on-the-go meals or healthy snacks for the kids. These muffins make mornings feel a little more special without the guilt!
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it with cooking spray.
In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, honey (or maple syrup), melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and egg. Whisk everything until well combined.
In another bowl, mix together the baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and whole wheat flour. Stir until evenly combined.
Pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and gently fold them together until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix.
Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each liner about 2/3 full.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Extra Tips
- For added texture and flavor, consider tossing in some chopped nuts or dark chocolate chips into the batter before baking.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 22g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 3g