Double Chocolate Banana Muffins

Quick Post: This is what I came up with while searching for school snack ideas for my kids’ lunches. These don’t have any oil and they’re a great recipe to use for overripe bananas. I had four small ones for this, but probably could have used the recommended three. The kids request these moist, chocolaty mini muffins – score 1 more for mom! 😉
Double Chocolate Banana Muffins – adapted from Handle the Heat
  • 3 large bananas
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1/2 cup white whole-wheat flour (or whole wheat pastry flour or whole wheat flour)
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees and position a rack in the center. Line a muffin tin with baking cups and set it aside.
In a large bowl mash the bananas with a fork or potato masher then mix in the sugar, egg and applesauce. Sift the flour, cocoa powder, salt, baking soda and baking powder over the banana mixture. Mix lightly with a rubber spatula to combine. Fold in chocolate chips. The batter should be just moistened but still a little clumpy. Don’t overmix!
Using a spring-loaded ice cream scoop or spoons, divide the batter between the prepared muffin cups and bake them for about 20 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean. Transfer them to a rack to cool. Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Banana Split for Breakfast

Quick Post: I just had to try this when I saw it. I’ve been looking for creative ways to make healthier breakfasts lately and I thought this would be a fun one to try. This recipe has it all – protein, fiber, healthy carbs, healthy fats – there is so much going on. I might even convince the kids to try this because it’s so different and I would feel good about giving them something that’s not their preferred sugary cereal. Thanks for reading, enjoy!

Banana Split for Breakfast – adapted from Naturally Ella

  • 1 banana, cut in half lengthwise
  • 1/3 cup to 1/2  cup cottage cheese
  • 1 -2 Tbsp all-fruit preserves (*I used strawberry)
  • 1/4 cup granola
  • dash of cinnamon
  • 1 tsp chia seed

Other options: add nut or seed butter or in place of the preserves, shredded coconut, replace cottage cheese with high-protein Greek yogurt, sprinkle with cinnamon, raisins, other fresh fruit, goji berries etc!

Directions

1. Place two banana halves in serving dish or bowl. Add scoops of cottage cheese on top of banana. Drizzle with fruit preserves and garnish with flax, chia and chopped nuts.