Description
Delight in these Skinny Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins, a healthier twist on a classic treat. Made with ripe bananas, whole wheat flour, and naturally sweetened with honey or maple syrup, these muffins are moist, flavorful, and perfect for breakfast or a guilt-free snack. The addition of mini chocolate chips adds a touch of indulgence without overwhelming the balanced nutritional profile.
Ingredients
Scale
Wet Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce (or Greek yogurt for extra protein)
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup whole wheat flour (or all-purpose flour)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
Add-ins
- 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips (dark or semi-sweet)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Add the unsweetened applesauce (or Greek yogurt), honey or maple syrup, egg, and vanilla extract. Whisk together until well combined.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon if using to ensure they are evenly distributed.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently just until combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the muffins tender.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in the mini chocolate chips evenly throughout the batter.
- Spoon into Muffin Tin: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full to allow room for rising.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- For extra protein and a creamier texture, substitute the applesauce with Greek yogurt.
- You can use all-purpose flour instead of whole wheat flour if you prefer a lighter texture.
- These muffins keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or can be frozen for longer storage.
- Feel free to swap mini chocolate chips with nuts or dried fruits to change up the flavors.
- Use dark chocolate chips for a richer taste and slightly less sugar.
