Healthy Banana Bread Muffins

I’m sure by now we’ve all had our fair share of banana breads and muffins. There is just no escaping them! Perfectly sweet, easy to bake with, and oh so fun to mash up (my kids especially love this part), banana treats aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. And today I’m so excited to share with you all our Healthy Banana Bread Muffin recipe! We love them for lunchboxes, picnics, tea parties and more.

Not Paleo But Here’s Why

Typically, I like to bake up Paleo treats in our house so I don’t have to restrict myself from eating goodies. But these muffins are an exception because they aren’t made with nut flours like most Paleo treats are. This makes them lunchbox friendly! The flours are the only thing not Paleo about these, while all other ingredients follow suit. I love not having to worry about whether or not the kids can take these to school or share with their friends. And since they freeze up so nicely I always double the recipe and freeze extra for a yummy healthy snack or treat anytime.

Healthy + Yummy

Again, because bananas are a dream to bake with, these muffins are a healthy treat that don’t taste healthy at all. Another mom win that benefits the kids and my waistline! These muffins are perfectly sweet and balanced, just add in your own mix ins to take it over the top. It’s so fun giving the kids a say on mix ins. They feel so special creating their own combos. This time they chose fresh blueberries, but here is a list of other great mix ins:

walnuts (if no nut allergies)

chocolate chips

dried cranberries

cinnamon

dried orange zest

and so much more!

Get creative and have fun, This recipe is also one of our favorite activities! If there has ever been a wonder on how to get kids in the kitchen AND have a great time, this recipe is it. My tip is to prepare the dry ingredients in Tupperware the night before so the craziness of spilled flours doesn’t ensue. But if that’s not a worry, then go for it. There are no rules, only memories to be made. And speaking of memories, some of the best I have are of the kids taking turns mashing up bananas in a bowl. I will cherish those images forever!

Recipe Time

Here’s what you will need:

3 ripe mashed bananas

1/4 cup refined coconut oil, melted and cooled

1 egg room temp and whisked

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/4 cup to 1/2 cup honey (depending on sweetness preference)

1/4 cup dairy free milk like almond or coconut (coconut for nut free) room temp

1 cup unbleached all purpose flour like King Arthur Flour *

1 cup whole wheat flour like King Arthur Flour *

1 tsp salt

1 tsp baking soda

Optional mix-ins, your choice !

Muffin liners or coconut oil spray

*This post is not sponsored, I just love these flours as they are organic and high quality ingredients I have been baking with for years!

How To

Step 1: Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line a regular muffin tin with 12 liners or use coconut spray to spray muffin tin.

Step 2: Mash bananas (this is for the little ones to do!) in large bowl then add remainder of wet ingredients of milk, vanilla, coconut oil, honey, and whisked egg.

Step 3: In separate bowl, add in the flours using the spoon and level method. (I learned this from my girl Sally over at Sally’s Baking Addiction and it was a total game-changer!) Then add in salt and baking soda. Whisk until combined.

Step 4: Making a well in center of dry ingredients, pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Stir until moistened. Do not over mix! Gently fold in mix ins now.

Step 5: Fill muffin tins 2/3 way full. The batter will be enough for exactly 12 muffins. Pop into the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 222 minutes.

Step 6: Once baked, remove from oven and let rest 5 minutes in pan before removing to cool completely. Wait about 10 to 15 minutes to eat warm. Mix ins will be extra hot in center and sometimes I cut the muffin in half so the kids don’t burn themselves. Enjoy!

Storing is Easy

Keep muffins fresh in an airtight container for two days or freeze extra in an airtight container. To defrost, leave out for two hours or pop in microwave for a few seconds. I find that if I pack them in a lunchbox frozen, they are defrosted by lunchtime!

My hope for you friends is that you not only enjoy this healthy and yummy snack but that precious memories are made together. Below is a recipe card for you to use. Let me know how you are enjoying them if you give them a try and as always pictures are welcomed as they truly make my day. Until next time!

X o X o ,

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