Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins with Applesauce
If you're a healthy baker, a chocolate lover, or a fruit enthusiast, these Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins with Applesauce might just become your new favorite treat. They're moist, flavorful, and most importantly, guilt-free thanks to the use of applesauce. Here's the step-by-step guide to making these delightful muffins.
I first thought about creating this recipe during a particularly rainy weekend when I was craving something warm, comforting, and sweet. With a few ripe bananas and some freshly made applesauce on hand, I decided to try my hand at baking these muffins. The aroma that filled my kitchen as they baked was simply irresistible, and the first bite confirmed that these muffins were something special. Not only were they deliciously moist and flavorful, but the use of applesauce instead of traditional oil or butter made me feel a little less guilty about reaching for a second (or third) muffin. Since that day, these banana chocolate chip muffins with applesauce have been a staple in my home, whether for a quick breakfast on the go or a delightful snack.
Why Use Applesauce in Baking?
Before we dive into the recipe, let's talk about why applesauce is such a fantastic ingredient for baking:
Lower Caloric Content: Applesauce is a low-calorie substitute for oil, reducing the overall caloric content of your baked goods.
High in Fiber: It aids in digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness.
Natural Sweetener: Applesauce can reduce or even eliminate the need for added sugars, making your treats healthier.
Rich in Nutrients: It's packed with vitamins and minerals like vitamin C and potassium.
Moisture-Retaining: Its moisture-retaining properties keep your baked goods fresh and delicious for longer.
Here are a few other sweet treats from the blog that everyone loves:
Valentine’s Day Cupid Rice Krispie Treats
Homemade Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups
Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins with Applesauce
Ingredients
- 4 Ripe Bananas
- 1 Egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup applesauce
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 1/2 cups flour (I love to use Einkorn flour)
- 2T coconut sugar or more if you like sweeter
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. Add the applesauce, egg, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Mix well.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the chocolate chips.
- Fill the Muffin Tin: Spoon the batter into a greased or lined muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 full.
- Optional: Top each muffin with a few extra chocolate chips or a slice of banana for decoration.
- Bake: Bake for 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
The nutrition information provided is only estimated based on an online nutritional calculator. I am not a dietician. Please consult a doctor for accurate, more personal information about your health and any dietary restrictions and concerns you may have.
These Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins with Applesauce are a must-try for anyone looking for a healthier, yet utterly delicious treat. The combination of ripe bananas and chocolate chips creates a perfect balance of flavors, while the applesauce keeps them moist and adds a nutritional boost. Try them out and experience the delightful blend of flavors and textures for yourself!
Happy baking! If you have any questions or want to share your own baking tips, feel free to leave a comment below. And if you're looking for more healthy baking inspiration, don't forget to subscribe to my newsletter here.
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