Looking for a delicious way to sneak in some extra veggies into your diet? These spinach banana muffins are about to become your new go-to breakfast or snack option. Packed with wholesome ingredients and a hint of sweetness, these muffins are not only kid-friendly but also freezer-friendly for busy mornings.
These green-hued blender spinach banana muffins are a fun twist on traditional muffins, earning them the playful nickname “hulk muffins.” With no refined sugar and being gluten-free and dairy-free, they cater to various dietary preferences without compromising on taste.
If you’re a fan of incorporating vegetables into baked goods, this spinach banana muffin recipe is a must-try. Easy, healthy, and bursting with fruity flavors, these muffins are a delightful way to start your day on a nutritious note.
Ingredients
When preparing spinach banana muffins, there are specific ingredients you’ll need to gather to create this delicious and nutritious treat. Below, you’ll find a list of both the dry and wet ingredients required for this recipe.
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 cup honey
- 4 cups baby spinach, packed
- 1 large banana, ripe
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Equipment Needed
To prepare these delicious spinach banana muffins, you will need the following equipment:
Mixing Bowls
Prepare at least two mixing bowls to combine the dry and wet ingredients separately before mixing them together.
Muffin Tin
Ensure you have a muffin tin capable of making 24 muffins. If you have USA pans muffin tins, a light spritz of cooking spray is sufficient, but muffin liners can also be used.
Oven
Preheat your oven to the required temperature for baking the muffins to perfection.
Blender or Food Processor
You will need a blender or food processor to blend the spinach and ripe banana until smooth for a consistent muffin batter.
Cooling Rack
Have a cooling rack ready to allow the muffins to cool slightly in the tins before gently popping them out.
Measuring Cups and Spoons
Use measuring cups and spoons to ensure accurate measurements of each ingredient for the best results.
Having these essential pieces of equipment ready will make the preparation process smooth and enjoyable.
Preparation Steps
Preparing the Spinach
- Wash 4 cups of baby spinach thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or impurities.
- Pat the spinach dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Ensure the spinach is packed tightly in measuring cups to get the correct amount needed for the recipe.
- Once dried and packed, the spinach is ready to be blended with other ingredients.
- Select a ripe and large banana for optimal sweetness and flavor in the muffins.
- Peel the banana and cut it into chunks for easier blending.
- Adding the banana to the blender along with the spinach will create a smooth and consistent batter.
- With the spinach and banana prepared, we can now move on to blending them with the remaining ingredients to create our wholesome muffin batter.
Mixing the Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the blended wet ingredients with the dry ingredients until just combined. Be cautious not to overmix the batter; a few streaks of flour remaining is acceptable for light, fluffy muffins.
Remember that the use of a wooden spoon is ideal for this step to gently fold the wet and dry ingredients together. The addition of hemp hearts at this stage will provide a delightful texture to the muffins without compromising their tenderness.
Once the batter is evenly mixed, it’s time to divide it among the prepared muffin tin liners. Make sure to distribute the batter evenly to ensure uniform baking and consistent muffin sizes. Now, it’s time to pop them into the oven and wait for the delightful aroma to fill your kitchen.
By following these steps diligently, you’ll ensure that your spinach banana muffins turn out perfectly moist, flavorful, and nutritious, ready to be enjoyed by the whole family.
Baking the Muffins
After preparing the spinach banana muffin batter, it’s time to bake these delicious treats to perfection. Following these simple steps will ensure that your muffins turn out moist, flavorful, and packed with nutritious goodness.
1. Filling the Muffin Tray
- Gently fill a greased muffin tray with the spinach banana batter. I prefer using a silicone muffin tray as it ensures easy removal without any sticking. For mini muffins, the batter will yield around 24 muffins, while for larger muffins, you can adjust the baking time accordingly.
2. Baking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 160 degrees Celsius for a fan-forced oven or 180 degrees Celsius for a standard oven.
- Regular-sized muffins will need to bake for 20-25 minutes, while mini muffins should bake for approximately 15-20 minutes.
- Keep an eye on the muffins and bake them until they are golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, allow the muffins to cool in the tray for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- These spinach banana muffins are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to a few days.
By following these baking steps, you’ll have a batch of irresistible spinach banana muffins that not only taste delicious but are also a wholesome snack option for the whole family.
Cooling and Serving
Once the spinach banana muffins are baked to golden perfection, it’s time to let them cool before serving. Here’s how I recommend cooling and serving these delightful green treats:
- Cooling:
- Carefully remove the muffin tin from the oven using oven mitts to prevent burns.
- Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for about 5-10 minutes to set before transferring them to a wire rack.
- Let the muffins cool completely on the wire rack to maintain their texture and prevent them from becoming soggy.
- Serving:
- Serve the spinach banana muffins warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
- These muffins are versatile and can be enjoyed on their own for a quick breakfast or snack.
- For added indulgence, consider serving them with a dollop of yogurt or a drizzle of honey for a touch of sweetness.
- Store any leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days or in the freezer for longer shelf life.
By following these simple cooling and serving tips, you’ll be able to enjoy these nutritious and delicious spinach banana muffins at their best.
Storage Tips
When it comes to preserving these delicious spinach banana muffins, I have some handy tips to make sure they stay fresh for longer. Whether you choose to refrigerate or freeze them, you can enjoy these nutritious treats whenever you crave a wholesome snack.
Refrigerating
To keep your spinach banana muffins fresh, storing them in the refrigerator is a great option. After enjoying these muffins warm or at room temperature, you can refrigerate any leftovers for up to 3-4 days. Remember to place them in an airtight container or a sealed bag to maintain their moisture and flavor.
Freezing
If you want to extend the shelf life of your spinach banana muffins even further, freezing is the way to go. These muffins freeze beautifully and can last for up to 6 months in the freezer. Simply place them in a freezer-safe bag, label the bag with the date, and freeze. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, thaw overnight in the refrigerator or heat a couple in the microwave for a quick and tasty treat.
Nutritional Information
To provide insight into the nutritional value of these spinach banana muffins, I’ll break down the key components of this delicious and wholesome treat.
Ingredients Breakdown:
| Ingredients | Measurements |
|---|---|
| White whole wheat flour | 2 cups (245g) |
| Rolled oats | 1 cup (200g) |
| Baking powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Baking soda | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Cinnamon | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | A pinch |
| Milk | 3/4 cup |
| Butter, melted | 1/2 cup |
| Honey | 1/2 cup |
| Baby spinach | 4 cups packed |
| Banana, ripe | 1 large |
| Egg | 1 large |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
- Calories: 143 kcal
- Protein: 4.5g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Dietary Fiber: 2.3g
- Sugars: 7g
- Fat: 4.8g
- Saturated Fat: 2.7g
These spinach banana muffins are a nutritious choice for a satisfying snack or a quick breakfast. With a balance of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats, they offer a burst of energy while keeping you full. Enjoy the goodness of spinach and banana in every bite, knowing that you are fueling your body with wholesome ingredients.
Conclusion
After exploring the nutritious and delicious world of spinach banana muffins, it’s clear that these “hulk muffins” are a fantastic addition to any mealtime. With their unique blend of spinach and banana, these muffins offer a tasty way to sneak in some extra greens. By carefully combining the wet and dry ingredients, you can achieve a light and fluffy texture that is sure to please. Don’t forget to store any leftovers properly to maintain their freshness. The nutritional breakdown showcases the balance of essential nutrients in each muffin, making them a wholesome choice for a snack or breakfast. Whether you’re looking for a boost of energy or a satisfying treat, these spinach banana muffins have you covered. Enjoy the benefits of this nutrient-packed recipe and elevate your culinary experience!
