Low-Fat Banana Oatmeal Muffins

Looking for a healthy and delicious snack that won't derail your fitness goals? These Low-Fat Banana Oatmeal Muffins are the perfect solution. Packed with wholesome ingredients, they are not only nutritious but also incredibly easy to make. Let's dive into the step-by-step recipe and understand why each ingredient is beneficial for your health.

Ingredients

• 2 ripe bananas
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the muffins bake evenly and rise properly.
2. Prepare the Muffin Tin: Line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly spray with non-stick cooking spray. This will prevent the muffins from sticking and make cleanup easier.
3. Mash the Bananas: In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. Bananas add natural sweetness and moisture, reducing the need for added fats.
4. Mix Wet Ingredients: Add the applesauce, honey (or maple syrup), egg, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Stir until well combined. Applesauce is a great low-fat substitute for oil, keeping the muffins moist.
5. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the rolled oats, whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Whole wheat flour adds fiber and nutrients, while oats provide a hearty texture.
6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the muffins dense.
7. Fill the Muffin Cups: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full. This allows room for the muffins to rise.
8. Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
9. Cool and Enjoy: Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy them as a healthy breakfast or snack!

These Low-Fat Banana Oatmeal Muffins are not only easy to make but also packed with nutrients. The combination of bananas, oats, and whole wheat flour provides a good source of fiber, while the natural sweetness from bananas and honey keeps added sugars to a minimum. Enjoy these muffins guilt-free as part of your healthy lifestyle!