Making use of the ripe bananas on your counter is easy when you bake banana muffins. Thankfully, these muffins are even better for you as I have included some healthier alternatives to basic ingredients, as well as a reduction in sugar. I added flax, which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, and substituted unsweetened applesauce for some of the oil, reducing the fat content. I used semi-sweet chocolate chips for those of you with a sweet tooth! This recipe makes approximately 30 muffins when the muffin cups are filled halfway. They are very soft and chewy and freeze well.
Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins
1 1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. canola oil
1/2 c. unsweetened applesauce
2 eggs
2 c. mashed ripe bananas (or 4 medium ripe bananas)
2 tsp. vanilla (optional)
2 c. all-purpose flour
1 c. whole wheat flour
1/3 c. ground flaxseed
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 c. semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
Combine liquid ingredients and beat together. Add dry ingredients and mix well, scraping the bottom and sides of bowl occasionally. If the mix seems too thick or dry, slowly add up to 2 Tbsp. warm water until you reach the desired consistency.
Gently fold in chocolate chips with a spatula. Line the muffin pan with paper muffin cups. Fill muffin cups half full and bake in a 350 degree F oven for 20 minutes or until golden brown on the top. If baked thoroughly, muffin tops should spring back when touched with your finger.
Banana Muffins are a Tasty All-Around Snack
These muffins are very tasty straight out of the oven, but if you haven’t eaten all of them in one sitting, they can serve as a filling snack for any time of the day. Muffins are commonly eaten for breakfast, but can also be a perfect snack on the go (they’re already individually packaged!) or a good addition to your child’s school lunch. Or simply set them out in a lined basket on the kitchen table and watch how quickly they disappear!
Baking is a Great Family Activity
I love these muffins because they are fun and easy to make with my son. Baking can be a great family activity for children of many ages. A small toddler can mix the chocolate chips into the batter, while an older toddler can help pour the ingredients into the bowl. My three and a half year old son loves to measure the ingredients, leveling off the measuring cups before mixing everything together. With help, older toddlers and preschoolers can also help fill the muffin pan. This is a quick recipe too, which is great for the rather short attention span of a youngster. Baking is a great way to spend quality time with your children!
