Craving a delightful treat that’s both healthy and bursting with flavor? Let me introduce you to the ultimate recipe for healthy strawberry banana muffins. These muffins are a delightful blend of light, fluffy goodness with a fresh strawberry twist. Perfect for breakfast or any time of day, these paleo, grain-free, and refined sugar-free muffins are a must-try.
Imagine the taste of banana bread in muffin form, enhanced with the sweet juiciness of strawberries. The combination of bananas and strawberries creates a harmonious balance of flavors that will leave your taste buds wanting more. These muffins are not only delicious but also easy to make with simple pantry staples and fresh fruit.
Ingredients
Creating these delightful and healthy strawberry banana muffins requires a mix of fresh ingredients and pantry staples. Let’s gather everything we need to make this delicious treat!
Fresh Ingredients
- 2 medium ripe bananas
- 1 ¼ cup fresh strawberries
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp milk of choice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¾ cup + 1 tbsp sugar or 1:1 sugar substitute
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp flour (reserve for strawberries)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
Equipment Needed
To prepare these delightful and healthy strawberry banana muffins, you will need the following equipment:
- Muffin Pan: Ensure you have a muffin pan ready to bake the muffins.
- Muffin Liners: Prepare some muffin liners to line the muffin pan for easy removal of the muffins.
- Mixing Bowls: Have a couple of mixing bowls on hand to combine the wet and dry ingredients separately.
- Whisk or Electric Mixer: Use a whisk or an electric mixer to blend the ingredients together smoothly.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Grab your measuring cups and spoons to accurately measure all the ingredients.
- Fork or Potato Masher: You’ll need a fork or a potato masher to mash the ripe bananas.
- Rubber Spatula: Have a rubber spatula ready for easy mixing and scraping of the batter.
- Cooling Rack: Prepare a cooling rack to cool the muffins after they are baked.
Preparation Steps
Preparing the Muffin Batter
To start making these delicious healthy strawberry banana muffins, combine the dry ingredients in a large bowl, whisking together the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, mix the wet ingredients like eggs, honey or maple syrup, coconut oil, and mashed bananas. Then, carefully fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, being sure not to overmix. Finally, gently fold in the diced strawberries and set the batter aside.
Cooking Instructions
Mixing the Ingredients
To begin, preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit) and line a 12-hole muffin tin with liners. In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients: 2 cups of flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 eggs, 1/4 cup of Greek yogurt, 1 teaspoon of milk, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 3/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon of sugar or sugar substitute. Mash 2 medium-sized ripe bananas and fold them into the wet mixture.
Carefully combine the wet and dry mixtures, being cautious not to overmix the batter. Reserve 1 tablespoon of flour to coat 1 1/4 cups of diced strawberries before gently folding them into the batter. Spoon the muffin batter evenly into the prepared liners using an ice cream scoop.
Baking Time and Temperature
Bake the muffins for 16-18 minutes until they are springy and bounce back lightly upon touching or a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. After baking, allow the muffins to cool to room temperature on a wire rack before enjoying. These Strawberry Banana Muffins are a delightful choice for a healthy breakfast or a satisfying snack packed with the goodness of fresh fruit.
Substitutions and Variations
When it comes to baking, there are always options to tweak recipes according to your dietary preferences or needs. Here are some variations to consider for these healthy strawberry banana muffins:
Gluten-Free Options
For a gluten-free version of these muffins, you can substitute the regular flour with a blend of alternative flours. Try the following gluten-free option:
- ¾ cup (90g) millet flour
- ¼ cup (30g) tapioca flour
- ¼ cup (30g) brown rice flour
- ½ teaspoon xanthan gum
Combine these gluten-free flours for a suitable alternative that will result in delicious gluten-free strawberry banana muffins.
Vegan Alternatives
To make these muffins vegan-friendly, you can make a few simple swaps. Here’s how to adapt the recipe for a vegan version:
- Replace the eggs with a suitable vegan alternative like flax eggs or applesauce.
- Instead of Greek yogurt, opt for dairy-free yogurt or silken tofu for moisture and texture.
- Use a plant-based milk of your choice to replace regular milk.
- Select a vegan-friendly sugar substitute like maple syrup or coconut sugar to sweeten the muffins while keeping them vegan.
By making these substitutions, you can enjoy these strawberry banana muffins while adhering to a vegan diet.
Storage and Freezing
When it comes to keeping your healthy strawberry banana muffins fresh, here are some handy tips for storage and freezing.
How to Store
To store your delicious strawberry banana muffins:
- Place them in an airtight container.
- If you plan on consuming them within 1-2 days, store them at room temperature.
- For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- Place the muffins in freezer-safe containers or stasher bags for up to 1-2 months.
- When ready to enjoy, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight.
- Reheat in the microwave for a quick snack or in the oven at a low temperature to maintain their moistness.
Nutritional Information
The recipe yields 1214 strawberry banana muffins with two WW points per serving when using a sugarfree sweetener. If you’re tracking your WW points in the WW app, you can find the details here. It’s important to note that the provided nutritional information is based on an online calculator and may vary depending on cooking methods and ingredients used.
For each serving of these healthy strawberry banana muffins, each containing 113 calories, you’ll find the following nutritional values:
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Total Fat | 11g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.3g |
| Cholesterol | 28mg |
| Sodium | 162mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 22g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.4g |
| Sugars | 3.5g |
| Protein | 3.9g |
These details offer a snapshot of the nutritional content of these delicious strawberry banana muffins, making them a flavorful yet health-conscious treat.
Conclusion
In wrapping up, these healthy strawberry banana muffins are a delightful treat that strikes a perfect balance between nutrition and flavor. With their paleo, grain-free, and refined sugar-free qualities, they cater to various dietary preferences without compromising on taste. The nutritional breakdown reveals a guilt-free indulgence, offering insight into the wholesome ingredients used. By following the simple steps outlined in the recipe, you can enjoy these moist and delicious muffins that are not only satisfying but also nourishing. Whether you’re looking for a snack, breakfast option, or dessert, these muffins are a versatile choice that can be enjoyed by all. Remember to utilize the storage and freezing tips provided to ensure lasting freshness. Try out this recipe and treat yourself to a wholesome and tasty baking experience.