OK, maybe not dire. We do have these classic Healthy Banana Muffins, Banana Bran Muffins, these blender Banana Oatmeal Muffins, plus a colorful collection of banana breads ranging from simple Healthy Banana Bread to Paleo Banana Bread to Zucchini Banana Bread to keep us fueled. Plus, these fudgy, chocolaty Heathy Chocolate Muffins. And yet, despite all the current options, these healthy banana chocolate chip muffins are special and deserve a recipe of their very own.
About This Healthy Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins Recipe
Yes, yes we do need one more healthy banana muffin recipe! Here are a few ways these particular healthy banana chocolate muffins are worthy of your efforts:
Mega MOIST, courtesy of applesauce. In addition to the natural moistness of the mashed bananas, these healthy banana chocolate chip muffins have applesauce. It makes the muffins ultra-tender without the need for adding extra fat.Naturally VEGAN, thanks to flaxseeds (like this Vegan Pumpkin Bread). When combined with water, nutrient-rich flaxseeds gel and bind the muffins, in the same way eggs do. You can find flaxseed meal at almost any regular grocery store or online here.WHOLE WHEAT. Yes to all of the fiber. These muffins will keep you full and happy.CHOCOLATE CHIPS. My mix-in of choice. You can swap walnuts, dried fruit, or blueberries or omit the chips entirely if chocolate is not your preferred muffin addition. I won’t understand, but I’ll be happy you are eating the healthy banana muffins of your dreams.EASY does it. These moist healthy banana muffins come together in ONE BOWL (like my famous One Bowl Brownies), no mixer required.
How to Make Healthy Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins
For those looking to pack meals for the office or to send them along to school, these whole wheat banana chocolate chip muffins are highly lunchbox friendly (as are these Buttermilk Blueberry Muffins). I’ve even taken them with me to the gym a few times if I’m running errands right afterward and need a healthy snack to tide me over until my next full meal.
The Ingredients
Banana. Have a few overripe bananas sitting on your counter? They’re the perfect addition to these healthy banana chocolate chip muffins that adds sweetness, potassium, and fiber.Flaxseed Meal. My swap for eggs makes these banana chocolate chip muffins vegan in addition to being healthy and wholesome. (This Vegan Zucchini Bread is another vegan favorite.)
Applesauce. One of my best muffin hacks (as seen in these Applesauce Muffins) for cutting back the oil content without sacrificing moisture. Canola Oil. While the applesauce can reduce fat in muffins, I like to keep a little oil in the recipe. Its fat content helps keep the muffins soft and tender.Coconut Sugar. My new obsession in baking (especially for Banana Bars). If you’ve never baked with coconut sugar before, it’s a great natural sugar made from coconut palm sap that’s a great alternative to traditional cane sugar.
Maple Syrup. Another natural sweetener that adds a subtle maple flavor to these muffins and pairs perfectly with the ripe bananas and chocolate chips.Vanilla. Enhances and elevates.White Whole Wheat Flour. My favorite stealthy healthy sneak for all sorts of muffins and baked goods (like these Vegan Pumpkin Muffins) to add extra protein, fiber, and iron to the recipe.Baking Soda. For some lift and fluff.Cinnamon. For a little warm, earthy spice and aroma.Chocolate Chips. Dark chocolate chips are my fav for healthy banana muffins like these (and Chocolate Zucchini Muffins). They put a little chocolatey goodness into every bite without overdoing the sugar.
The Directions
How to Store and Freeze Banana Muffins
To Store. I’ve made these healthy banana muffins with applesauce a few times now, and I find that while not mandatory, it’s best to store them in the refrigerator to extend their shelf life.To Freeze. Wrap each muffin in plastic, then place all of them in a ziptop bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Let thaw at room temperature or rewarm gently in the microwave.For additional storage tips, check out my post on How to Store Muffins and Other Quick Breads.
Recommended Tools to Make Healthy Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins
Muffin scoop (also works fabulously for cookie dough)My favorite muffin pan; I also like this one with the easy-carry lid.
No matter how many different muffin recipes I try, simple-yet-sublime treats like these healthy banana chocolate chip muffins are ones I never grow weary of baking or eating. The effort here is minimal, yet the reward is considerable. Plus, any recipe that allows us to eat chocolate for breakfast and feel great about it I consider a delicious victory!
