Main Ingredients
Ripe Bananas
Ripe bananas are the star ingredient in this recipe. Ideally, they should be brown-spotted or fully brown for maximum sweetness and flavor. You’ll need three medium-sized ripe bananas—around 1 ½ cups once mashed. The natural sugars in ripe bananas not only provide sweetness but also moisture to the muffins. They serve as a binding agent in place of eggs while adding potassium and fiber to your diet.
Whole Wheat Flour
Using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour enhances the nutritional profile of your muffins. Whole wheat flour contains more fiber and essential nutrients compared to its refined counterpart. You’ll need about 1 ½ cups for this recipe. This ingredient helps give structure to the muffins while keeping them hearty and satisfying.
Oats
Adding oats is a great way to boost the fiber content in your Healthy Banana Muffins. Use rolled oats for better texture; they absorb moisture without becoming mushy. You will require around ¾ cup of oats in this recipe. They add chewiness and help keep you full longer—making these muffins an excellent choice for breakfast.
Honey or Maple Syrup
For sweetness without refined sugar, honey or maple syrup works perfectly as a natural sweetener in these muffins. You’ll need about ⅓ cup of either option based on your preference. Both options keep the muffins moist while adding their unique flavors.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is crucial for leavening the muffins. It reacts with the acidity in the bananas to create lift during baking. Use one teaspoon of baking soda for optimal results.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon adds warmth and depth of flavor to your Healthy Banana Muffins. Just one teaspoon is enough to elevate their taste profile significantly. Not only does it enhance flavor but cinnamon also has numerous health benefits including anti-inflammatory properties.