Name: Healthy Banana Bread Granola Muffins
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 cup unbleached all-purpose flour; 3/4 cup whole wheat flour; 3/4 cup light brown sugar (packed); 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 cup ripe bananas (mashed); 1/2 cup almond milk; 1/2 cup coconut oil (at room temperature); 1/2 cup granola (of your choice); 1 teaspoon cinnamon

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One of my fondest memories from childhood is the sweet aroma of fresh muffins wafting through the kitchen. It was during those cozy mornings that my love for baking truly blossomed. Today, I’m excited to share a delightful recipe that perfectly encapsulates that nostalgic feeling: Healthy Banana Bread Granola Muffins. These muffins are not only packed with flavor, but they also offer a healthier twist, making them a great breakfast option or snack. Imagine biting into a warm muffin, the flavors of ripe bananas and cinnamon melding beautifully, with a delightful crunch from your favorite granola. They’re perfect for busy mornings when you need something quick yet satisfying!

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
30 mins

Prep Time:
10 mins

Cook Time:
20 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
160 kcal

Protein:
2 g

Diet:
Standard

Fat:
6 g

Tools Used:
Oven, Wooden Spoon, Whisk, Baking Sheet, Mixing Bowl, Frying Pan

Why This Healthy Banana Bread Granola Muffins Works

Healthy Twist

What I absolutely love about Healthy Banana Bread Granola Muffins is that they offer a delicious way to enjoy a classic treat without the guilt. By incorporating whole wheat flour and using natural sweeteners like ripe bananas and light brown sugar, you’re not sacrificing flavor while keeping things healthy.

Easy to Make

This recipe is incredibly straightforward, perfect for both novice and seasoned bakers. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, so you probably won’t need to make an extra trip to the grocery store. In no time, you’ll have warm muffins ready to enjoy!

Versatility

Feel free to customize these muffins! Whether you want to add in nuts, seeds, or even a dash of vanilla for extra flavor, the base recipe is flexible enough to accommodate your preferences. It’s all about making it your own!

Perfect for Meal Prep

These muffins are great for meal prep, too! Make a batch ahead of time and store them in the fridge or freezer. They make for a quick grab-and-go breakfast option that can help you stay on track with your healthy eating goals.

Family-Friendly

Kids love them! The natural sweetness from the bananas makes them appealing to younger palates. They’re a great way to sneak in some nutritious ingredients while still satisfying a sweet tooth.

Ingredients Required for Healthy Banana Bread Granola Muffins

The ingredients for these muffins come together harmoniously to create a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Flours provide the structure, while bananas offer natural sweetness and moisture. And let’s not forget the granola which adds that perfect crunch to the muffins!

1 cup unbleached all-purpose flour: This serves as the base for the muffins, providing structure.
3/4 cup whole wheat flour: Adds fiber and a nutty flavor, enhancing the health aspect.
3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed: This brings sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor.
1 tablespoon baking powder: The leavening agent that helps the muffins rise.
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and a comforting flavor to the muffins.
1 cup ripe bananas, mashed: The star ingredient that provides natural sweetness and moisture.
1/2 cup almond milk: A dairy-free option that keeps the muffins moist.
1/2 cup coconut oil, at room temperature: This adds richness and helps bind the ingredients.
1/2 cup granola of your choice: Adds crunch and additional flavor to each bite.
1 teaspoon cinnamon: A sprinkle on top gives an extra aromatic touch.

Putting Together Healthy Banana Bread Granola Muffins

Making these muffins is an enjoyable process that fills your kitchen with a delightful aroma. Let’s walk through the steps together to create these yummy Healthy Banana Bread Granola Muffins.

Start by preheating your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease or line a 12-mold standard muffin tin with paper muffin cups to avoid any sticking later on.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the unbleached all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, light brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. Stir everything together until well mixed.
In a separate bowl, take your mashed bananas and whisk them together with the almond milk and melted coconut oil. Ensure the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Slowly pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently stir them together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine!
Now it’s time to spoon the batter into the prepared muffin cups. Fill each mold about two-thirds of the way full to allow room for rising.
For an extra touch, sprinkle the tops of each muffin with a little more cinnamon and a generous amount of your favorite granola.
Place your muffin pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and continue to bake for another 8 to 10 minutes.
Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a muffin. It should come out with just a few crumbs attached. If it’s too wet, give it a few more minutes.
Once baked, allow the muffins to cool in the pan for at least 5 minutes. Then, gently transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely. Trust me, they are worth the wait!

Things Worth Knowing

Use Ripe Bananas: Ensure your bananas are ripe or overripe for maximum sweetness and flavor.
Don’t Overmix: Stir just until combined to keep your muffins fluffy.
Cool Properly: Let the muffins cool completely to enhance their texture and flavor.
Storage Tip: Store any leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

Substitutions and Tips

These muffins are versatile, and there are plenty of ways to make them your own. Here are some tips to keep in mind!

Storage: These muffins can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Yes, you can freeze them! Just wrap them individually and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Pairing: Serve them warm with a side of fresh fruit or a dollop of yogurt for a balanced breakfast.
Flavor Variations: You can easily add nuts or dried fruits to the batter for an extra crunch or chewiness.
Vegan Option: Make sure to choose a vegan granola and plant-based milk to keep them vegan-friendly.

How to Enjoy Healthy Banana Bread Granola Muffins

These muffins are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some ideas:

Breakfast Delight: Perfect for a quick breakfast on the go, just grab and enjoy!
Snack Time: They make a wonderful afternoon snack paired with a cup of coffee or tea.
Lunchbox Treat: Pack them in your child’s lunchbox for a sweet surprise during the school day.
Healthy Dessert: Serve them as a light dessert after dinner, perhaps with a scoop of vegan ice cream on the side.
Brunch Event: Impress your friends at brunch by serving these muffins alongside fresh fruit platters.
Seasonal Serving: Enjoy them warm during cooler months for a comforting treat.

FAQ

Absolutely! Frozen bananas work wonderfully in Healthy Banana Bread Granola Muffins. Just make sure to thaw them and mash them well before incorporating them into the batter. They add the same moisture and sweetness as fresh bananas, making them a great option if you have them on hand.

If you’re looking to make Healthy Banana Bread Granola Muffins gluten-free, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure that the blend contains a binding agent, such as xanthan gum, to help mimic the texture of regular flour. This way, you can still enjoy these delicious muffins without gluten!

Yes, you can definitely add chocolate chips to your Healthy Banana Bread Granola Muffins for an extra treat! Just fold in about half a cup of your favorite chocolate chips into the batter before baking. It’ll complement the banana flavor beautifully and create a deliciously sweet surprise in every bite!

To enhance the flavor of your Healthy Banana Bread Granola Muffins, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of nutmeg in addition to the cinnamon. These spices will elevate the overall taste and create a more aromatic experience. Additionally, using high-quality ingredients will also make a significant difference in flavor.

Conclusion

Healthy Banana Bread Granola Muffins are a delightful way to enjoy a baked treat without compromising on health. With their moist texture and crunch from the granola, they make a perfect breakfast, snack, or dessert. I encourage you to try making these muffins; they’re not just easy to whip up but also a wonderful addition to any meal. Your taste buds will thank you!