Are you ready to transform your mornings with a burst of green goodness? Meet the "Healthy Green Monster Muffins" – a delightful treat that’s not only delicious but also packed with nutrients! These muffins are the perfect way to sneak in some greens while satisfying your sweet tooth. With a vibrant blend of spinach, banana, and wholesome ingredients, you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to indulge guilt-free. Ready to discover the secret to these scrumptious muffins? Let’s dive into the recipe that will make your breakfast feel like a treat!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Healthy
Serves: 12 muffins
Ingredients
- 1 cup spinach, packed
- 1 ripe banana
- 1/2 cup applesauce
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease with cooking spray.
- In a high-powered blender or food processor, combine the packed spinach, ripe banana, applesauce, and honey (or maple syrup). Blend until smooth and completely integrated, creating a vibrant green liquid mixture.
- In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined and free of lumps.
- Pour the green liquid mixture from the blender into the dry ingredients. Gently fold and mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix. The batter should be slightly lumpy.
- Fold in the chopped walnuts, reserving a small handful for topping if desired.
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full. Sprinkle the reserved chopped walnuts on top of each muffin if using.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let the muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
Tips
- Choose Ripe Bananas: The riper the banana, the sweeter your muffins will be! Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots for maximum flavor.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. A few lumps are perfectly fine and will keep your muffins light and fluffy.
- Add Extra Greens: For an extra nutrient boost, consider adding a tablespoon of chia seeds or flaxseeds to the batter.
- Customize Your Nuts: If you’re not a fan of walnuts, feel free to substitute with pecans or even chocolate chips for a sweeter twist.
- Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary, so start checking your muffins at the 18-minute mark to avoid overbaking. A toothpick should come out clean when they’re ready.
- Storage Tips: To keep your muffins fresh, store them in an airtight container. They can last up to three days at room temperature or a week in the fridge.
- Freeze for Later: These muffins freeze beautifully! Just wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for a quick breakfast option later on.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
