These muffins are easy to make, and besides tasting great, they're also good for you. The muffins are sweetened primarily with bananas, and chopped dates add extra hits of sweetness as well as nutrition (dates are have beneficial fiber, vitamins, and minerals and can help regulate blood sugar levels and lower cholesterol). In addition to wheat bran, the muffins also include milled flax seeds and whole-grains, which are great if you're diabetic or want to "eat healthy." We like the muffins because they taste rich without being cloyingly sweet. I usually sprinkle a few dark chocolate chips on top of the batter in each muffin cup before air frying/baking, which makes the muffins even more special. The recipe makes about 18 muffins, or you can make two loaves, if you prefer. The muffins are great for breakfast, or try them as a dessert with a cup of coffee or tea. They also make nice after school snacks with a glass of milk. Enjoy!
Fruit Sweetened Chocolate Banana Bran Muffins (Diabetic Friendly) -- Makes 18
Muffins or 2 Loaves
4 medium bananas, mashed (about 2 cups)
1 cup of wheat bran
2 tablespoons of milled flax seeds
2 cups of buttermilk, sour milk, or kefir
1/3 cup of cocoa powder
1/2 cup of canola oil
3/4-1 cup of chopped, pitted dates
1 cup of white whole-wheat flour
1 teaspoon of baking soda
1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon
1/2 cup of rolled oats (I use "old fashioned")
1/2 cup of chopped walnuts
1/3 cup of dark chocolate chips (optional, but good)
In a large bowl whisk together well the bananas, wheat bran, milled flax seeds, buttermilk (or sour milk or kefir), cocoa powder, and oil. Let the mixture stand for at least 15 minutes (I usually give it about 30 minutes) and then add the dates, white whole-wheat flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, oats, and walnuts. Spritz 18 muffin cups or two 8- x 4-inch pans with nonstick cooking spray and divide the batter evenly among the cups/pans. Sprinkle the dark chocolate chips on top of the batter, if you'd like.
Air Fryer: Air fry the muffins at 320 degrees for 20-25 minutes or air fry loaves for 35-45 minutes or until a pick inserted in a muffin/loaf comes out with no wet batter attached.
Oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and bake the muffins for 25-30 minutes or bake loaves for 40-50 minutes or until a pick inserted in a muffin/loaf comes out with no wet batter attached.
Comments