Muffins are perhaps one of the most popular baked goods. They can be enjoyed as a snack, for breakfast or simply just ‘because’. If you love muffins, but want a healthier, guilt-free alternative, you need to try our whole wheat banana oatmeal muffins with applesauce!
Baked goods such as cakes and muffins, can often end up unhealthier than we would like. With high amounts of sugar, and white flour, they often end up with little nutritious value. Not only that, but for some, dairy ingredients in muffins can be problematic. For those that are lactose intolerant or vegan, an alternative to butter is needed. In fact, dairy free alternatives are popular in lots of recipes, from pancakes to overnight oats!
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Yes, when it comes to making muffins, applesauce is the way to go! It is a healthy and easy alternative to butter baking. Which is partly why our whole wheat banana oatmeal muffins are so delicious – and healthy!
Now, you might be wondering whether muffins can actually be healthy? It sounds too good to be true!
Well, let’s take a look at what makes our whole wheat banana oatmeal muffins a healthy alternative. And find out how to make them!
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Whole Wheat Banana Oatmeal Muffins: Are there Any Health Benefits?
If you enjoy muffins, you’ll be no stranger to the fact that they are high in sugar. Delicious? Yes. Healthy? No.
Luckily, there are now alternatives to our favourite sugary foods, such as whole wheat banana oatmeal muffins. These delicious muffins are not only a healthy alternative, but they are even more delicious and can actually provide some health benefits!
So, what makes these whole wheat muffins so great? Let’s find out!
Whole Wheat is Healthy
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Using whole wheat flour over plain white flour is the first thing that makes these muffins a better alternative.
Why?
Well, whole wheat flour contains higher amounts of fibre, an important part of a healthy and balanced diet. Not only that, but whole wheat products are more likely to be filling, and keep us feeling full for longer!
Whole Wheat Banana Muffins: Dairy Free Alternative
Whole wheat banana oatmeal muffins using applesauce are completely dairy free! Which is great news for those who eat a vegan diet or are lactose intolerant.
Not only that, but dairy products used in baking, such as butter, or milk, are generally high in fat content and calories. So, occasionally choosing dairy free can be a healthy alternative. In fact, many people say that those on a vegan diet are healthier than meat eaters who consume dairy regularly. Whether that’s the case or not, dairy free can be a healthy option when it comes to baking!
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Low in Sugar and Fat
Whole wheat banana oat muffins do contain a small amount of sugar. However, the majority of the sweet flavour comes naturally from the bananas, applesauce, and cinnamon! Compared to traditional muffins, these whole wheat alternatives contain relatively little refined sugar!
Not only that, but using applesauce instead of butter makes these low-fat and low calorie. You can enjoy these muffins for breakfast, as an afternoon snack or enjoy with friends for a birthday!
Whole Wheat Banana Oatmeal Muffins & Applesauce: An Ideal Treat for Kids
As we all know, most children (and adults, let’s be honest), have a sweet tooth. Of course, sugar isn’t always the best idea for young children, due to obesity risk and tooth decay.
Well, luckily, these whole wheat banana oatmeal muffins are perfect for kids! They are packed with real fruit and low in sugar, making them a great treat for lunchboxes or snacking on the go!
As you can see, for a muffin recipe this is certainly on the healthy side! But why use applesauce in baking?
Let’s find out!
Baking Alternatives: Why Use Applesauce?
Applesauce has become a popular alternative in baking recently, due to its versatility and convenience.
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But why is it so good for baking?
Well, applesauce is used as a substitute for the fatty ingredients in baking such as butter. This makes it a popular substitute in vegan baking recipes.
Applesauce is low calorie, and sugar when using unsweetened (which is recommended). It is also high in fibre, making it a much healthier alternative to butter!
Not only that, but applesauce also contains water, so it will keep cakes and muffins nice and moist, and fresher for longer too!
So, how do we make whole wheat banana oatmeal muffins with applesauce?
Read on to find out!
How to Make Whole Wheat Banana Oatmeal Muffins with Applesauce
To make these delicious healthy muffins you will need:
- 2 mashed, over-ripe bananas
- 5 cups of whole wheat flour
- ½ cup applesauce (unsweetened)
- ½ cup of brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla bean paste (vanilla extract will work too)
- ½ teaspoon of salt
- ½ teaspoon of baking powder
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- ¼ cup of oatmeal
You will also need:
- Muffin pan
- Muffin cases
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
Instructions
- Start by preheating the oven to 200⁰
- Line muffin tin with muffin cases ready filling.
- Mix together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, sugar, oatmeal, and salt.
- Separately, mix the mashed banana, applesauce, and oil
- Add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, adding a bit at a time,
- Mix well until smooth.
- Pour the batter into the muffin cases until ¾ full
- Sprinkle some oats on top of each muffin before baking – this will give them a delicious, oat-y, crunchy topping!
- Bake for 15 – 20 minutes.
- Cool in tray for 10 minutes
- Enjoy your warm fresh muffins!
So, there you have it! Healthy whole wheat banana oatmeal muffins with applesauce that can be easily made at home!
Photo credit: Verstappen Photography via Unsplash
Whole Wheat Banana Oatmeal Muffins: Recipe Variations
If you want to avoid using applesauce there are other alternatives you can use.
Coconut oil and avocado can both be used in replacement to applesauce, switch out at a 1:1 ration. So, ½ cup of applesauce will equal ½ coconut oil or ½ cup of pureed avocado.
You can also add extra ingredients to your muffins for an additional treat. Chopped pecans are a great addition to this recipe, as are dark chocolate chunks or walnuts!
If you enjoyed this healthy whole wheat banana oatmeal muffin recipe, you might also enjoy our recipe for superfood acai bowls! These are a great way to start the day, and incredibly delicious!
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