These Carrot Cake Banana Oat Muffins offer a delicious and nutritious way to enjoy a classic flavor. You’ll love how easy it is to bake these healthy banana oat baked goods, perfect for a quick breakfast or snack.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Ripe Bananas: Essential for sweetness and moisture. Use very ripe bananas with brown spots.
- Oats: Rolled oats are best. Quick oats can work but may change the texture slightly.
- Carrots: Freshly grated carrots provide moisture and nutrients.
- Sweetener: Maple syrup or honey. Adjust to your preference.
- Flour: All-purpose flour or whole wheat pastry flour.
- Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth.
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 ½ cups rolled oats
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup grated carrots
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: ¼ cup chopped walnuts or raisins
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Servings: 12 muffins
- Calories per serving: Approximately 180 calories
- Tools Needed: Muffin tin, mixing bowls, whisk, grater
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Muffin Tin
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it. This ensures your healthy banana oat baked goods won’t stick.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, mash your ripe bananas until mostly smooth. Whisk in the maple syrup, applesauce, and eggs until well combined.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, combine the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Whisk everything together thoroughly.
4. Combine Wet and Dry
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make your muffins tough.
5. Fold in Carrots and Optional Add-ins
Gently fold in the grated carrots. If you’re using them, add chopped walnuts or raisins now. This step adds great texture to your healthy banana oat baked goods.
6. Fill Muffin Cups and Bake
Divide the batter evenly among the 12 prepared muffin cups. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
7. Cool Your Muffins
Let the muffins cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these delightful healthy banana oat baked goods!
Variation Ideas:
- Cream Cheese Swirl: Add a dollop of sweetened cream cheese to the center of each muffin before baking.
- Chocolate Chip: Stir in a quarter cup of mini chocolate chips for extra sweetness.
- Pineapple Coconut: Add a couple of tablespoons of crushed pineapple and shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
Storage Instructions:
Store your Carrot Cake Banana Oat Muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months. Reheat briefly in the microwave or oven for a warm treat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
- Can you make these muffins gluten-free? Yes, use certified gluten-free rolled oats and a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
- What if you don’t have ripe bananas? You can ripen bananas quickly by baking them on a baking sheet at 300°F (150°C) for 15-30 minutes until their skins are black.
- Can you use quick oats instead of rolled oats? You can, but the texture will be slightly different, less chewy.
- Are these muffins suitable for meal prepping? Absolutely! They are perfect for grab-and-go breakfasts or snacks throughout the week.
- How do you prevent muffins from sticking to the liners? Make sure your liners are fresh and you’ve greased them lightly if they aren’t non-stick. Also, avoid overbaking.
- Can you add other vegetables? Finely grated zucchini or apple would also work well in these healthy banana oat baked goods.
