HEALTHY BANANA PROTEIN MUFFINS

 

HEALTHY BANANA PROTEIN MUFFINS

 

Muffins are one of my favorite easy, portable breakfasts – so having a high protein option to enjoy makes me so happy! There’s nothing better than waking up to a healthy banana protein muffin, which is low in carbs but still really satisfying. And, I love that these are also vegan!

 

Want to know the best part? You can easily make them ahead of time and freeze them for an on-the-go breakfast or snack later. I usually like mine with almond butter and organic honey – yum!!

 

We hope you enjoy these healthy banana protein muffins as much as we do!

Banana Protein Muffins

 

Four medium bananas, mashed

 

Three eggs, at room temperature (use 2 for batter and use 1 for banana mixture; note that eggs should be at room temperature to whip well)

 

1/4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats or gluten-free rolled oats (not instant)*

 

1.5 tsp vanilla extract (or your favorite flavor)**

 

1/2 cup sweetener of choice*** – agave, maple syrup or honey works well* – see recipe notes for tips on using natural sweeteners* Use a natural sweetener like maple syrup or honey in these muffins – but do not add additional sweetener.

1/4 cup peanut butter****

 

1/4 cup coconut oil or melted butter

 

Two scoops (1/2 cup) vanilla protein powder****

 

2 tsp cinnamon (optional)**

 

 

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line a muffin tin with 8 cups. If using regular rolled oats, grind in a blender until it becomes a flour-like consistency. To an electric mixer or large bowl, add mashed banana, eggs, ground oats (if using), sweetener of choice, vanilla extract and cinnamon (if using). Mix well. Add in peanut butter and coconut oil or melted butter and mix well again. Add protein powder and mix until batter is smooth & creamy. Pour into pan.

 

2. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until muffins are lightly browned on top. Let cool a couple minutes before removing from the pan to cool completely on a wire rack.*

 

**** I like to use peanut butter that is at least 90% peanuts, but only when the amount of protein powder is small, such as 1 scoop. If you want to use peanut butter and the protein powder is larger such as 2 scoops, you should use only 1/4 cup of peanut butter*****

 

*=TIP: Be sure to read some natural sweetener information before using agave or maple syrup. The concern is that these liquid sweeteners have too much fructose (natural sugar) and not enough fiber – which can contribute to weight gain and weight fluctuations. However, our bodies do just fine on small amounts of added fructose in the form of natural sweeteners, so be sure to follow label instructions when substituting for regular sugar. And always check with your doctor if you are concerned about your sugar intake based on your medical history or medication.