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These Whole Grain Banana Walnut Muffins don’t need an introduction.  They stand alone on their own.  Lightly sweetened and made with good-for-you ingredients, they will nourish your body and delight your taste buds.

If you are in need of a quick breakfast to sustain your kids (and yourself!) or an afternoon snack that doesn’t come loaded with sugar, processed ingredients and artificial ‘stuff’ then these muffins are sure to impress you and your family.  My 2-year-old adores these muffins and it’s not uncommon to hear her ask for “Muffin?” as soon as I say it’s time for breakfast!

Of course, she doesn’t mind these Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Muffins either.

While it is tempting to head to the coffee shop drive-through on your way to work or school, you may want to reconsider…  A slice of Starbucks banana nut bread boasts 420 calories, 30 grams sugar, 22 grams fat and a measly 2 grams fiber.  This high sugar, whole grain-LESS option won’t do much to keep you full and don’t be surprised if you get some cravings come mid-morning!

My version has only 4 grams of added sugar– the rest is from the bananas.  You can smear on some almond or peanut butter for some healthy protein and fat- the perfect breakfast on the go!

If banana bread is what you crave, this easy whole grain banana walnut muffins can be whipped up quickly and stored for several days in an airtight container. But they won’t last long- at least they don’t in our house!

Breakfast time can feel rushed and crazy trying to get everyone out of the door- on time.  Make a batch of these muffins over the weekend so you don’t go bananas!

Whole Grain Banana Walnut Muffins

Jennifer Hunt, RDN, LD
Lightly sweetened and made with good-for-you ingredients, these Whole Grain Banana Walnut Muffins will nourish your body and delight your taste buds.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Servings 12 muffins
Calories 147 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 3 large very ripe bananas
  • 1 ¼ cup Whole Wheat Flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ¾ tsp baking soda
  • 1 ½ tsp cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tbsp flax seed ground
  • 3 tbsp water
  • 3 tbsp honey or maple syrup
  • ¼ cup butter melted (or margarine spread or coconut butter)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • cup chopped walnuts plus extra for topping (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grind flax seed in spice grinder (or use pre-ground flaxseed) and then combine with water in a small bowl.  Allow mixture sit for at least 5 minutes to thicken.  
  • Combine dry ingredients in a medium bowl.  In a separate mixing bowl, mash bananas and then add flax seed mixture, honey, vanilla, and butter.  Stir dry into the wet ingredients until just barely combined.  Then stir in ⅓ cup walnuts.  
  • Spray foil muffin wrappers or muffin tin (I use my Misto). Scoop batter into muffin tins and top with additional chopped walnuts, if desired.  Bake for ~23-26 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.

Notes

  • Brown speckled bananas make the sweetest muffins!!
NUTRITION PER MUFFIN
Calories 147; Fat 7g; Saturated Fat 3g; Cholesterol 10mg; Sodium 160mg; Potassium 141mg; Carbohydrate 22g; Fiber 3g; Added Sugar 4g; Naturally Occurring Sugars 4g; Protein 3g

Begin with really ripe bananas

flaxseed and water after 5 minutes- aka “flax egg”

Mashing bananas- the perfect job for a kid!

Leave the walnuts out if anyone in your home has a tree nut allergy OR if it’s not your preference.

 

Golden brown and delicious!

Portable breakfast or snack… packing a lunchbox, anyone?

Ready to be devoured!

A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE SPREADS

  • Butter– …divine
  • Almond butter- just 1 tablespoon adds 4 grams protein, 1.5 grams fiber and 8.5grams healthy fats to help keep you satisfied for hours!
  • Goat Cheese– add a little tang to balance out the sweet
  • Peanut butter– a classic combo with banana
  • Banana butter– mashed banana smeared on your muffin will put you in banana bread heaven
  • Cream cheese– rich, creamy, and dreamy

 

Don’t toss those brown speckled bananas sitting in the corner of your kitchen!  Try out these Whole Grain Banana Walnut Muffins to satisfy your sweet tooth and simplify your morning breakfast routine.

 

For more easy breakfast ideas, check out 4 Kid-Friendly Breakfast Ideas- Delicious Eats for Your Growing Tot.  Healthy Inspiration has more great snack recipes too!

 

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