Healthy Banana Bran Muffins

I’ve yet to meet a person who doesn’t like banana muffins! For me, banana muffins are a staple in the house so if you’ve been to my house, the family cottage, or my parent’s house, you’ve probably had a banana muffin or two! In every one of those freezers, I can guarantee you there are frozen ripe bananas packed in bags, ready to be used. These healthy muffins are a perfect way to start the day with a cup of tea or to enjoy as an afternoon snack!

I’m not as adventurous when it comes to healthy baking. I like my baking with full fats and feel I should enjoy what I’m eating in a baked good. Okay, I know what you’re thinking, you like the way healthy things taste, I get it, me too. I love healthy food, but not as much in my baking. I find it hard to get a gluten-free, vegan-free, sugar-free, etc., baked good that I actually like more than the other version (that’s also affordable). That being said there are some really good recipes too and when I find them I’m excited to share them on the blog with all of you. This healthy bran muffin recipe is a great source of fiber and I think you’re going to love them!

So if you’re looking for a healthy banana bran recipe that tastes both delicious and banana-ie, this is for you! Now I’m not going to go crazy and say they don’t have sugar, they do have a little bit! But in my opinion, you need that sugar to balance some flavour with the bran and whole-wheat flour. Remember that sugar gets divided between 12 muffins, so really it’s not that bad. Happy baking.

Ingredients

• Wheat bran
• All-purpose flour
• Whole-wheat flour
• Bananas
• Walnuts
• Egg
• Milk
• Brown sugar
• Vegetable oil
• Vanilla extract
• Baking powder & baking soda
• Ground cinnamon
• Salt

Add On’s and Varieties

These moist banana bran muffins make an excellent base to create your perfect muffin variety! I love toasted walnuts, but you could add dried fruit, seeds, or nuts – whatever your heart desires! Add approx. 1/2 cup of different nuts, dried fruit, spices, etc. to make your perfect muffin. Here are some idea’s for inspiration;

• Dried apricots, raisins, cran-raisins
• Fresh blueberries
• Flaked coconut
• Nutmeg, all-spice
• Dark chocolate chips
• Chia seeds, flax seeds or sunflower seeds

Tips for the Perfect Healthy Banana Bran Muffins

1. Use extra ripe bananas for moist muffins. The darker and riper the bananas are, the more flavourful they are.
2. Use a slightly firm banana to add slices on top of each muffin.
3. Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature.
4. The biggest mistake is overmixing the batter. Make sure to mix the batter just until combined. Overmixing will create dense muffins.
5. Toast walnuts for an extra crunch and more flavour.
6. Banana muffins can be tricky to know when they are done baking, as you don’t want to overbake them. Use a toothpick and insert in the center of the muffin (away from the top banana slice), if it comes out clean it’s ready. If you hit a banana chunk it may be sticky, try a few spots just to be sure.

How To Make Banana Bran Muffins

Step One: Make sure your bananas are nice and ripe. If they were frozen defrost them in a strainer to let the liquid escape. Remove the peels and lightly mash the bananas.

Step Two: In a large mixing bowl add your dry ingredients. In a separate bowl mix together, sugar and egg. Then add the rest of the wet ingredients and mashed bananas. Mix just until incorporated.

Step Three: Evenly scoop muffin batter into a prepared muffin tin. Add banana slices on top of each muffin and bake until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Let muffins cool on a wire rack. Enjoy.

Healthy Banana Bran Muffins

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If you’re looking for an easy recipe that’s also healthy and tastes both delicious and banana-ie, this healthy banana bran muffin is for you! They are full of bran, whole-wheat flour, walnuts, and bananas. Add any dried fruit, seeds, or nuts as you please. These muffins are a great way to get more fiber into your diet. 

• Author: Alie Romano
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 20 mins
• Total Time: 35 mins
• Yield: 12 1x
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup wheat bran
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup whole-wheat flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped and toasted
• 1 egg
• 1 1/4 cups milk
• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 12 slices of bananas (optional, for topping muffins)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375˚F. Line a muffin pan with paper liners and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together; bran, all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, and walnuts.
3. In another large bowl whisk together brown sugar and egg. Add milk, mashed bananas, oil, and vanilla. Mix until well combined.
4. Add wet mixture to dry mixture and mix together just until combined (don’t overmix).
5. Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups and top with a banana slice.
6. Bake in the middle of the oven for 18-22 minutes.

Notes

For the banana slices on the top it’s best to use a fresh banana that’s a little firmer.
Add 1/2 cup dried fruit; cranberries, apricots, raisins, etc.

Store muffins in a tin for up to 3 days.
Muffins freeze well in a freezer bag for 1-2 months.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 muffin
• Calories: 270
• Sugar: 11.4g
• Sodium: 98mg
• Fat: 13.9g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0
• Trans Fat: 0
• Carbohydrates: 32.3g
• Fiber: 5.9g
• Protein: 6.4g
• Cholesterol: 16mg

Keywords: Banana, Muffin, Healthy, Breakfast, Bran

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