Healthy Banana Applesauce Muffins
This delightful recipe for Healthy Banana Applesauce Muffins is a fantastic guilt-free treat that's perfect for breakfast or a snack. Adapted from a cherished Gooseberry Patch cookbook, these muffins are not only low in calories and fat but also incredibly flavorful, thanks to the addition of fresh nutmeg. The combination of ripe bananas and applesauce keeps them moist and adds natural sweetness, making them a great choice for calorie-conscious individuals. By substituting a portion of the white flour with whole wheat flour and using brown sugar, you’ll enjoy a wholesome twist that enhances the muffin's nutritional profile. These muffins are easy to make, and with just a handful of simple ingredients, you'll have a delicious batch ready to share with family or to keep for yourself throughout the week.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
flour
1 3/4 cups (all-purpose or whole wheat)
sugar
1/2 cup (brown sugar, packed)
baking powder
1 teaspoon
baking soda
1/2 teaspoon
cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon
nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon (preferably freshly grated)
salt
1/2 teaspoon
eggs
2 (or 2 servings of egg substitute)
banana
1 cup (mashed, about 2 medium ripe bananas)
applesauce
1/2 cup (unsweetened)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Lightly spray a 12-cup muffin pan with non-stick cooking spray or line with muffin liners.
3
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
4
In another bowl, beat the eggs (or egg substitute) and then mix in the mashed bananas and applesauce until smooth.
5
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients, and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
6
Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 full.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. (My oven typically takes about 17 minutes.)
8
Let the muffins cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9
Enjoy your delicious and healthy banana applesauce muffins!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Healthy Banana Applesauce Muffins?
These are a guilt-free, wholesome treat perfect for breakfast or snacks, adapted from a Gooseberry Patch cookbook.
Are these muffins low in calories?
Yes, these muffins are designed to be low in calories and fat while remaining incredibly flavorful.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How many muffins does this recipe make?
The recipe is designed to fill a standard 12-cup muffin pan.
What makes these muffins moist without extra fat?
The combination of ripe bananas and unsweetened applesauce keeps the muffins moist.
Can I use whole wheat flour in this recipe?
Yes, substituting a portion of the white flour with whole wheat flour is recommended for a wholesome twist.
What kind of sugar is used for these muffins?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar.
Is fresh nutmeg necessary?
While any nutmeg works, using freshly grated nutmeg is suggested for enhanced flavor.
How should I prepare the muffin pan?
Lightly spray the pan with non-stick cooking spray or line it with muffin liners.
Can I use an egg substitute?
Yes, you can use 2 eggs or 2 servings of an egg substitute.
How many bananas do I need?
You will need 1 cup of mashed bananas, which is approximately 2 medium ripe bananas.
What type of applesauce is best?
The recipe specifies using 1/2 cup of unsweetened applesauce.
What are the primary leavening agents?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda.
What spices are included in the recipe?
The recipe includes 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon and 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg.
Should I mix the dry ingredients separately?
Yes, whisk the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a large bowl first.
How should the wet ingredients be prepared?
Beat the eggs and then mix in the mashed bananas and applesauce until smooth.
Is it okay if there are lumps in the batter?
Yes, a few lumps are okay; you should stir gently until just combined and be careful not to overmix.
How full should I fill the muffin cups?
Fill each muffin cup about 2/3 full with batter.
How long do the muffins need to bake?
Bake them for 15 to 20 minutes.
How do I test if the muffins are done?
Insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin; if it comes out clean, they are done.
What is the author's typical baking time?
The author's oven typically takes about 17 minutes to bake these muffins.
How should the muffins be cooled?
Let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Are these muffins suitable for calorie-conscious diets?
Yes, they are described as a fantastic guilt-free treat for calorie-conscious individuals.
What type of flour is recommended?
You can use all-purpose or whole wheat flour.
Does the recipe contain salt?
Yes, it includes 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
Is this a quick bread recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick bread.
Can I eat these for breakfast?
Absolutely, they are perfect for breakfast or as a snack throughout the week.
How much flour is required?
The recipe requires 1 3/4 cups of flour.
Are these muffins high in protein?
The recipe contains 2 eggs, but it is primarily noted for being low fat and healthy.
What is the main source of sweetness?
Natural sweetness comes from the ripe bananas and applesauce, supplemented by brown sugar.