Name: Banana Oat Muffins (No Added Sugar!)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 2 cups quick oats; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon sea salt; 4 large ripe bananas (mashed (about 2 cups)); 2 large eggs; 4 tablespoons avocado oil; 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; ½ cup chocolate chips ((optional))

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There’s something undeniably comforting about the smell of freshly baked muffins wafting through your kitchen, especially when those muffins are packed with wholesome ingredients and contain no added sugar. Today, we’re whipping up a batch of Banana Oat Muffins that not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also keep things healthy. With ripe bananas and quick oats as the stars of the show, these muffins are perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even a guilt-free dessert. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that you’ll want to make again and again!

Why This Recipe Works

These Banana Oat Muffins are a fantastic option for anyone looking to enjoy a tasty treat without the guilt. The ripe bananas provide natural sweetness and moisture, while quick oats offer a hearty texture and nutritional benefits, including fiber and protein. By omitting added sugar, you’re allowing the natural flavors of the ingredients to shine through, making these muffins deliciously wholesome. Plus, they are incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal prep time and just one bowl!

What’s in the Bowl

To create these scrumptious Banana Oat Muffins, you’ll need the following ingredients:

2 cups quick oats
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon sea salt
4 large ripe bananas, mashed (about 2 cups)
2 large eggs
4 tablespoons avocado oil
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
½ cup chocolate chips (optional)

Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating the perfect muffin texture and flavor profile. The bananas provide moisture, while the oats give a satisfying chew.

What You’ll Need (Gear)

Before you get started, gather these essential kitchen tools:

Mixing bowl: A large bowl for combining all the ingredients.
Muffin tin: Standard 12-cup muffin tin to bake your muffins.
Whisk: For mixing the dry ingredients and incorporating the eggs and wet ingredients.
Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure accurate ingredient quantities.
Spatula: For folding in the chocolate chips and ensuring everything is well combined.
Cooling rack: To cool the muffins after baking.

Having these tools on hand will make the baking process smooth and enjoyable.

Cooking Banana Oat Muffins (No Added Sugar!): The Process

Now that you have your ingredients and gear ready, let’s get started on making these delicious muffins!

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your muffins bake evenly and rise beautifully.

Step 2: Prepare the Muffin Tin

Grease your muffin tin with a little avocado oil or line it with muffin liners to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In your mixing bowl, whisk together the quick oats, ground cinnamon, baking powder, and sea salt. This step helps distribute the leavening agent evenly throughout the mixture.

Step 4: Mash the Bananas

In a separate bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. If you prefer a few chunks for texture, feel free to leave some lumps. The riper the bananas, the sweeter your muffins will be!

Step 5: Mix the Wet Ingredients

Add the eggs, avocado oil, and pure vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Whisk until everything is well combined.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Use a spatula to gently fold everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine.

Step 7: Add Chocolate Chips (Optional)

If you’re adding chocolate chips, fold them in gently at this stage. They add a delicious touch, but feel free to leave them out for a more wholesome muffin.

Step 8: Fill the Muffin Tin

Spoon the batter into each muffin cup, filling them about ¾ full. This will give them room to rise without overflowing.

Step 9: Bake

Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 10: Cool and Enjoy

Once baked, remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the tin for about 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature!

No-Store Runs Needed

One of the best parts about this recipe is that you likely have all the ingredients on hand already. Check your pantry for:

Quick oats
Ground cinnamon
Baking powder
Sea salt
Ripe bananas
Eggs
Avocado oil
Pure vanilla extract
Chocolate chips (if desired)

This means you can whip up a batch of Banana Oat Muffins any time you crave something sweet yet healthy!

What I Learned Testing

Throughout the testing process, I discovered a few key tips that enhanced the overall muffin experience:

Using very ripe bananas maximizes sweetness and moisture.
Quick oats provide a lighter texture than rolled oats, making for a fluffier muffin.
Allowing the muffins to cool completely improves their flavor and texture.
Substituting the avocado oil with melted coconut oil works well too, if you prefer that flavor.

Experimenting with different variations can lead to delightful results!

Prep Ahead & Store

These muffins are perfect for meal prep. Here’s how to make them last longer:

Store cooled muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or let them thaw at room temperature.

Having these muffins ready to go makes busy mornings a breeze!

Common Qs About Banana Oat Muffins (No Added Sugar!)

Can I use rolled oats instead of quick oats?

Yes, you can use rolled oats, but the texture will be slightly denser. You may need to adjust the baking time as well.

Are these muffins gluten-free?

If you use certified gluten-free oats, these muffins can be gluten-free. Always check your oat packaging to be sure.

Can I substitute the eggs with a vegan alternative?

Absolutely! You can use flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg) as a substitute for the eggs.

What can I add for extra flavor?

Consider adding nuts, dried fruit, or spices like nutmeg or ginger for a unique flavor twist!

Healthy-ish Favorites

If you enjoyed these Banana Oat Muffins, you might also love these healthy recipes:

These recipes are not only healthy but also satisfy your cravings for something sweet!

Make It Tonight

Now that you have all the information you need, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get baking! These Banana Oat Muffins (No Added Sugar!) are simple, satisfying, and sure to become a staple in your home. With natural sweetness from ripe bananas and a tender crumb from quick oats, you’ll find they’re perfect for any time of day.

So grab those ripe bananas and let’s get to baking! You won’t regret adding this wholesome treat to your recipe collection. Enjoy every bite of your delicious, guilt-free muffins!