Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups Rolled Oats: Also known as old-fashioned oats, these are the star of the show. They provide a wonderfully chewy and hearty texture that is far superior to quick oats in this recipe. They are also a fantastic source of complex carbohydrates and fiber. For a gluten-free version, ensure you use certified gluten-free rolled oats.
- 2 large Overripe Bananas: The riper, the better! Look for bananas that are heavily speckled with brown or black spots. Overripe bananas are significantly sweeter, reducing the need for added sugar, and provide incredible moisture that makes these muffins tender.
- 2 large Eggs: These act as a binding agent, holding the muffins together and providing structure. They also contribute protein and richness to the final product.
- ½ cup Unsweetened Milk: You can use any milk you prefer. Dairy milk (whole, 2%, or skim) works great, but for a dairy-free option, unsweetened almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk are all excellent substitutes.
- ¼ cup Maple Syrup or Honey: This provides a touch of additional, natural sweetness. Pure maple syrup lends a lovely, subtle flavor. You can adjust the amount based on the sweetness of your bananas and your personal preference.
- ¼ cup Melted Coconut Oil or Avocado Oil: A neutral-flavored oil adds necessary fat, which ensures the muffins are moist and tender. Melted and cooled butter can also be used for a richer, more traditional flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract: A small amount of pure vanilla extract enhances all the other flavors in the muffins, especially the banana and cinnamon.
- 1 ½ teaspoons Baking Powder: This is the primary leavening agent. It reacts when heated, creating bubbles that cause the muffins to rise and become light and fluffy.
- ½ teaspoon Baking Soda: Working in tandem with the baking powder, baking soda reacts with the slight acidity in the bananas and maple syrup to provide an extra lift, ensuring a perfect dome on your muffins.
- ½ teaspoon Ground Cinnamon: This warm spice is the perfect companion to banana and oats. It adds a layer of comforting flavor and a delightful aroma.
- ¼ teaspoon Salt: A crucial ingredient in all baking, salt doesn’t make the muffins salty but instead balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.
Instructions
Making these healthy and delicious muffins couldn’t be simpler. The beauty of this recipe lies in its “dump and blend” method, which minimizes cleanup and effort.
- Preheat and Prepare: First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a standard 12-cup muffin tin by lining it with paper or silicone liners. Alternatively, you can grease the tin thoroughly with non-stick cooking spray or a bit of coconut oil. Using liners is highly recommended for the easiest removal and cleanup.
- Combine Dry Ingredients in Blender: Add the rolled oats, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt to the pitcher of a high-powered blender. Pulse 3-5 times for just a few seconds. This step lightly breaks down the oats and evenly distributes the leavening agents and spices before the wet ingredients are added.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Now, add the remaining ingredients to the blender. Break the overripe bananas into large chunks and add them on top of the oat mixture. Follow with the eggs, your choice of milk, the maple syrup (or honey), the melted coconut oil, and the vanilla extract.
- Blend the Batter: Secure the lid on your blender and blend on medium-high speed for about 30-60 seconds, or until the batter is smooth and well-combined. Be careful not to over-blend. You want the oats to be broken down, but over-blending can develop the gluten in the oats (if not GF) and lead to a gummy texture. Scrape down the sides of the blender with a spatula once or twice during blending to ensure everything is incorporated evenly.
- Let the Batter Rest (Optional but Recommended): This is a key step for achieving the best possible texture. Turn off the blender and let the batter rest in the pitcher for about 10 minutes. This allows the oats to fully absorb the liquid, which thickens the batter and results in a more tender, cake-like muffin rather than a dense one.
- Portion into Muffin Tin: After resting, give the batter one final quick stir. Carefully pour or spoon the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each one about three-quarters of the way full. Using a cookie or ice cream scoop is a great trick for ensuring all your muffins are a uniform size, which helps them bake evenly.
- Add Optional Toppings: If you desire, now is the time to sprinkle on any optional toppings. A few extra rolled oats, a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar, or some chopped nuts on top can add a lovely crunch and visual appeal.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the muffin tin in the center rack of your preheated oven. Bake for 18-22 minutes. The muffins are done when they are golden brown on top and a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.
- Cool and Enjoy: Once baked, remove the muffin tin from the oven and let the muffins cool in the tin for about 5-10 minutes. This helps them set up and makes them easier to handle. After this initial cooling period, carefully transfer the muffins to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the bottoms from becoming soggy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one normal portion
- Calories: 165
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g