Greek Yogurt Banana Bread
If you’re looking for a wholesome and delicious treat that’s as nutritious as it is satisfying, these banana oatmeal muffins are the perfect solution! Bursting with flavor and packed with wholesome ingredients, these muffins are an excellent choice for breakfast, snacks, or even a guilt-free dessert. With the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and a hint of cinnamon, they’re sure to please both kids and adults alike. Let’s explore the ingredients you’ll need, the step-by-step instructions to make these delightful muffins, and some helpful tips to ensure your baking experience is a success!
Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe:
Wholesome and Nutritious: These banana oatmeal muffins are packed with wholesome ingredients, making them a healthier alternative to traditional muffins loaded with refined sugars.
Versatile and Customizable: Feel free to customize your muffins by adding in your favorite mix-ins, such as nuts, dried fruits, or seeds. You can also swap the bananas for applesauce or pumpkin puree for a different flavor profile.
Perfect for Meal Prep: These muffins store well in an airtight container, making them perfect for meal prep. Bake a batch on the weekend, and you’ll have a nutritious snack or breakfast option ready to go throughout the week.
Kid-Friendly: With their sweet flavor and soft texture, these muffins are a hit with kids! They make a great after-school snack or a delicious addition to lunchboxes.
Helpful Tips:
Use Overripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter your muffins will be. Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots for the best flavor.
Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough muffins.
Storage: Store any leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze muffins for up to 3 months—simply thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy!
Ingredients You'll Need:
Ripe Bananas (2): The star of this recipe! Use two ripe bananas, as their natural sweetness and moisture will enhance the flavor and texture of the muffins. Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots, as this indicates they are perfectly ripe for baking.
Greek Yogurt (⅔ cup or 180 g): Greek yogurt adds creaminess and moisture to the muffins while providing a protein boost. Choose yogurt with a minimum of 2% fat for richness, which helps keep the muffins tender and flavorful.
Egg (1): The egg serves as a binding agent, helping to hold the muffins together while contributing to their fluffy texture. If you prefer a vegan option, you can substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water).
Honey or Maple Syrup (⅓ cup or 80 ml): For sweetness, you can use either honey or maple syrup. Both options provide natural sweetness and moisture to the muffins. If you’re looking to cut down on sugar, consider using stevia as a sugar substitute.
Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): A splash of vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor of the muffins, adding a lovely aroma that makes them even more enticing.
Ground Cinnamon (1 tsp): This warm spice adds depth and warmth to the muffins, perfectly complementing the sweetness of the bananas.
Salt (⅙ tsp): A pinch of salt is essential for balancing flavors and enhancing the overall taste of the muffins.
Oat Flour (1½ cup or 150 g): Oat flour is a fantastic gluten-free option that lends a nutty flavor and tender texture to the muffins. If you don’t have oat flour, you can easily make your own by blending rolled oats in a food processor until they reach a fine powder.
Gluten-Free Flour (½ cup or 50 g): For those who prefer a gluten-free option, using gluten-free flour helps to achieve a light and fluffy texture. You can also use regular all-purpose flour if gluten is not a concern.
Baking Powder (2 tsp): This leavening agent helps the muffins rise, giving them a light and airy texture.
Chocolate Chips (¼ cup or 40 g, optional): For a touch of indulgence, add chocolate chips to the batter. They melt beautifully during baking, creating pockets of gooey chocolate in each muffin. You can use dark chocolate, semi-sweet, or even dairy-free chocolate chips for a healthier option.
High Protein Option:
Protein Powder (½ cup or 50 g): For those looking to increase the protein content of these muffins, you can replace the ½ cup of gluten-free flour with protein powder. This is a fantastic way to make these muffins even more filling and nutritious, especially for post-workout snacks!
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your muffins bake evenly and rise properly.
2. Mash the Bananas: In a large mixing bowl, mash the two ripe bananas until they are smooth. You can use a fork or a potato masher for this step. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your muffins will be!
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: To the mashed bananas, add the Greek yogurt, egg, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Whisk everything together until well combined and smooth.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix together the oat flour, gluten-free flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Stir to combine, ensuring there are no lumps in the dry ingredients.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in dense muffins. If you’re using chocolate chips, fold them in at this stage.
6. Fill the Muffin Tin: Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it lightly with cooking spray. Evenly distribute the muffin batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about ¾ full.
7. Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for about 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. The tops should be golden brown and slightly domed.
8. Cool and Enjoy: Once baked, remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature!
