Imagine the warm scent of bananas and cinnamon wafting through your kitchen as you bake these delightful Applesauce Banana Muffins.
Simple to make and irresistibly comforting, they’re perfect for a cozy breakfast or a quick snack.
As the ingredients blend and transform in the oven, these muffins come out fluffy and flavorful, with a hint of sweetness.
Let’s bring these delectable treats to life and fill your home with their inviting aroma.
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 muffin tin
- 12 paper muffin liners
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 medium mixing bowl
- 1 whisk
- 1 spatula
- 1 measuring cup set
- 1 measuring spoon set
Ingredients
- 1 cup mashed bananas
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking Applesauce Banana Muffins, you can follow this timeline:
- Reading and Preparation (5 minutes)
- Spend a few minutes reading through the entire recipe to familiarize yourself with the steps and ingredients.
- Preheat & Setup (5 minutes)
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line the muffin tin with paper muffin liners.
- Mix Wet Ingredients (5 minutes)
- In a large mixing bowl, combine mashed bananas, applesauce, vegetable oil, sugar, vanilla extract, and eggs.
- Mix Dry Ingredients (5 minutes)
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Combine Ingredients (5 minutes)
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped walnuts if using.
- Fill Muffin Liners (5 minutes)
- Divide the batter evenly among the muffin liners, filling each about 3/4 full.
- Bake Muffins (25 minutes)
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes.
- Use this time to clean up your workspace and wash any used dishes.
- Cool Muffins (10 minutes)
- Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Adjust the timing as needed based on your pace and any additional garnishes you might want to add.
Recipe Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line the muffin tin with paper muffin liners.
In a large mixing bowl, combine mashed bananas, applesauce, vegetable oil, sugar, vanilla extract, and eggs.
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Fold in the chopped walnuts if using.
Divide the batter evenly among the muffin liners, filling each about 3/4 full.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serving Tips
- Yogurt and Fresh Berries: Pair the muffins with a bowl of yogurt topped with fresh berries for a balanced and invigorating breakfast.
- Honey or Maple Syrup Drizzle: Serve the muffins with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup to add a touch of sweetness.
- Nut Butter Spread: Spread some almond or peanut butter on the muffins for a protein-rich snack.
- Fruit Salad: Accompany the muffins with a colorful fruit salad for a vibrant and nutritious meal.
- Herbal Tea or Coffee: Enjoy the muffins with a cup of herbal tea or coffee for a comforting start to the day.
Storage
To store Applesauce Banana Muffins, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
For longer storage, freeze them for up to three months.
Freezing
To freeze Applesauce Banana Muffins, allow them to cool completely.
Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap, and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months.
Thaw before serving.
Reheating
To reheat Applesauce Banana Muffins, wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 20-30 seconds.
Alternatively, warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-10 minutes.
Final Thoughts
Applesauce Banana Muffins are a delightful and healthy breakfast option.
They’re simple to prepare and offer a delicious taste that combines the flavors of bananas and applesauce.
These muffins can be enjoyed fresh out of the oven or stored for later.
Just be sure to keep them in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.
With the option to add walnuts or chocolate chips, you can customize them to your liking.
Whether you stick to the classic recipe or make some tweaks, these muffins are sure to be a hit for breakfast or as a snack.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Frozen Bananas for the Muffins?
You can use frozen bananas for the muffins. Thaw them first, then mash well. Make sure any excess liquid is discarded. Frozen bananas might add extra moisture, so adjust the baking time slightly if needed for perfect results.
What’s a Good Substitute for Vegetable Oil?
You can substitute vegetable oil with an equal amount of melted coconut oil or unsweetened applesauce. Both options maintain moisture and texture. Coconut oil adds a subtle flavor, while applesauce keeps it light and fruity.
Are There Any Vegan Alternatives for Eggs?
For vegan egg alternatives, use flaxseed or chia seeds mixed with water. Combine one tablespoon of ground flaxseed or chia seeds with three tablespoons of water, let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes gel-like.
How Can I Make These Muffins Gluten-Free?
To make these muffins gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Verify the blend contains xanthan gum for proper texture. Check all ingredients, like baking soda and vanilla extract, for gluten-free certification.
What Can I Use Instead of Walnuts?
You can replace walnuts with pecans, almonds, or sunflower seeds for a crunchy texture. For a nut-free option, try using dried cranberries or raisins. These alternatives maintain the muffins’ delightful flavor and add a unique twist.
Applesauce Banana Muffins
Equipment
- 1 muffin tin
- 12 Paper muffin liners
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 medium mixing bowl
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Spatula
- 1 measuring cup set
- 1 measuring spoon set
Ingredients
- 1 cup mashed bananas
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line the muffin tin with paper muffin liners.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine mashed bananas, applesauce, vegetable oil, sugar, vanilla extract, and eggs.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped walnuts if using.
- Divide the batter evenly among the muffin liners, filling each about 3/4 full.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
