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Healthy Banana Muffins for Kids - Easy, Wholesome, and Naturally Sweet

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 3 medium ripe bananas, mashed (the browner, the better)
  • 1/3 cup honey or pure maple syrup (use 1/4 cup for less sweetness)
  • 1/4 cup neutral oil (such as avocado or light olive oil) or melted coconut oil
  • 1/2 cup plain yogurt (Greek or regular; dairy-free works too)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature if possible
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 3/4 cups white whole wheat flour (or half all-purpose, half whole wheat)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional, but delicious)
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
  • Optional add-ins: 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips, blueberries, finely chopped walnuts or pecans

Method
 

  1. Prep your pan and oven: Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it.
  2. Mash the bananas: In a large bowl, mash the bananas with a fork until mostly smooth, with a few small lumps for texture.
  3. Whisk in wet ingredients: Add honey or maple syrup, oil, yogurt, eggs, and vanilla. Whisk until well combined and creamy.
  4. Combine dry ingredients: Sprinkle the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt over the wet mixture. Gently fold with a spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
  5. Stir in add-ins: If using mini chocolate chips, berries, or nuts, fold them in now. Keep the batter thick but scoopable.
  6. Fill the pan: Divide batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full for nicely domed muffins.
  7. Bake: Bake 16–20 minutes, until the tops are set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  8. Cool: Let muffins rest in the pan for 5 minutes, then move to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them stay fluffy and prevents sogginess.
  9. Serve: Enjoy warm or at room temperature. Add a smear of nut butter for extra staying power.