Healthy Honey Banana Muffins Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it’s the perfect blend of wholesome ingredients like whole wheat flour and Greek yogurt, giving me a healthy treat that doesn’t compromise on flavor. Plus, the natural sweetness from ripe bananas and honey makes these muffins irresistibly delightful, making them my go-to snack for any time of the day!

These Healthy Honey Banana Muffins are a favorite of mine because they combine nutritious ingredients like whole wheat flour and mashed ripe bananas to create a muffin I feel good about eating. They get a touch of honey for sweetness that lets the flavor of the banana shine through and some protein from Greek yogurt to keep us full.

You can even toss in a handful of walnuts if you want an extra crunch in your muffin.

Ingredients

Whole Wheat Flour: Contributes both fiber and a nutty flavor, which together support heart health.

Bananas: Naturally sweet and rich in potassium, excellent for an energy boost.

Honey is a natural sweetener that possesses antioxidant qualities.

Greek yogurt contributes substantial moisture and protein to formulations, along with benefits to digestion.

Oil from coconuts: A source of healthy fats that yields a faint coconut scent.

English: These snacks can benefit from an optional addition of walnuts, which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and can add a pleasing crunch.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions

1. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to warm up while you prepare the muffin tin. You can use paper liners for each cup, or if you’re feeling confident, just grease the tin with cooking spray or a healthy swab of butter.

2. In a big bowl, mix well the whole wheat flour, the all-purpose flour, the baking soda, and the salt.

3. In a separate bowl, thoroughly mash the ripe bananas.

4. Add the honey, Greek yogurt, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, egg, and milk to the mashed bananas. Condense the material until it is well combined.

5. Combine the moist components with the dry components, and fold together gently until they are nearly one. Do not mix them into a single homogenous mass.

6. Include walnuts or chocolate chips in the batter.

7. Distribute the batter evenly into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 full.

8. Preheat the oven, then bake in it for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.

9. Take the muffins from the oven and allow them to cool in the tin for roughly 5 minutes.

10. The healthy honey banana muffins can be served only when they have cooled completely. It is advisable that you take the muffins and put them on a wire rack, allowing for the air to circulate under them; this makes them cool faster. Once cooled on the wire rack, the muffins are ready to be served.

Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Muffin tin
3. Paper liners or cooking spray/butter
4. Large mixing bowl
5. Medium mixing bowl
6. Fork or potato masher
7. Measuring cups
8. Measuring spoons
9. Whisk
10. Spatula
11. Spoon or scoop
12. Wire rack
13. Toothpick

FAQ

• Can I use only whole wheat flour instead of a mix?Absolutely, you can use just whole wheat flour, but expect denser muffins in return. If you want a lighter result, increase the total liquid in your recipe by a tablespoon or so, and consider throwing in an extra banana as well.
• What can I substitute for Greek yogurt?You can substitute Greek yogurt with either regular yogurt or applesauce. Both will add the necessary moisture and slight tang.
• Is there a vegan alternative to this recipe?To make it vegan, use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons water) for the egg, and substitute a plant-based yogurt and milk for the yogurt and milk in this recipe.
• How long do these muffins stay fresh?These muffins, when kept in an airtight container, remain fresh for 3 days at room temperature or for nearly up to a week in the refrigerator.
• Can I freeze these muffins?You can indeed freeze them. Put them in a single layer in a freezer bag or a container that seals out air, and they will be safe for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to consume them, just thaw at room temperature, and they’re as good as freshly made.
• What can I add for extra flavor?Adding cinnamon, nutmeg, or a pinch of cloves can enhance the flavor. For a different twist, mix in dried fruits like raisins or cranberries.
• Can I omit the optional walnuts or chocolate chips?Without a doubt, leaving them out will not have any impact on the muffin structure. You may, as well, substitute the nuts with seeds like sunflower or flax for an added crunch.

Substitutions and Variations

Spelt flour can be used in place of whole wheat flour for a milder taste.
Oat flour can be substituted for all-purpose flour to obtain a gluten-free option.
Maple syrup or agave nectar can be used in place of honey for a natural sweetener with a different flavor profile.
Applesauce can be used as a substitute for plain Greek yogurt to create a dairy-free, lower-fat alternative.
Olive oil or vegetable oil can be used in place of melted coconut oil.

Pro Tips

1. Ripe Bananas Use very ripe bananas with plenty of brown spots for maximum sweetness and flavor. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your muffins will be.

2. Coconut Oil Make sure your melted coconut oil is not too hot when you mix it with the egg. Hot oil can cook the egg slightly, affecting the texture of the muffins. Let the oil cool slightly before mixing if needed.

3. Mixing Technique When combining your wet and dry ingredients, it’s important to use a gentle folding method. Overmixing can lead to tough muffins due to gluten development, so mix just until combined.

4. Extra Flavor Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for an extra layer of flavor. These spices pair well with banana and enhance the overall depth of the muffins.

5. Add-ins If using walnuts or chocolate chips, toss them in a little flour before adding to the batter. This helps them distribute evenly throughout the muffins rather than sinking to the bottom.