Banana Oat Fudge Muffins

Muffins are my thing. I never remember feeling fond of them as a kid, but I think that's because my main exposure were those nasty banana nut ones from the grocery store. Homemade muffins are worlds better than those overly moist, crumbly store bought ones.

Muffins are also a win because they're quick, easy, and bake up fast. I prefer them to banana bread and the like because they're less messy and labor intensive. Plus they come packaged in perfect portions and pop out of the pan like champs. They're also really easy to make a little healthier, while retaining maximum deliciousness. A couple of simple swaps like ripe bananas for sugar and applesauce for oil and you can feel extra good about popping a few.

Especially if they're mini like these! I was so pleased with these fudgy banana muffins. They're about 75 calories per muffin-so just 150 for two. The flavor combo of bananas and chocolate is perfect, and there are little bursts of chocolate chips here are there.

I like my muffins on the hearty side with texture and some staying power, so I used oat flour. I just ground up some quick oats in my food processor, but you can buy oat flour if you want. 

Banana Oat Fudge Muffins

Adapted from Yammie's Noshery

Servings: 10-12 (makes 10 regular muffins or 24 mini muffins
(Nutrition info below is for 2 mini muffins)

Calories: 149
Fat: 4g
Carbs: 26g
Fiber: 3g 
Sugar: 13g
Protein: 4g

• 1 egg
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1/3 unsweetened applesauce
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 cup mashed bananas (about 3 bananas)
• 1 cup oat flour (or grind up oats in a blender/food processor)
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup cocoa powder
• ½ chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350ºF. Grease muffin tin with baking spray and set aside. Whisk together the egg, sugar, applesauce, vanilla, and bananas. Mix the dry ingredients and add to the wet. Mix just until combined and then add chocolate chips.

Bake for about 20-23 minutes for regular muffins or 12-16 minutes for mini muffins. You want to slightly under bake these so they retain that yummy fudgy texture.

Speaking of muffins, we had some pretty great ones at our hotel in Alexandria during my birthday trip to Alexandria earlier this month! Whenever we head out that way, we go to DC and overlook all of the amazing things that northern VA has to offer. We shopped the peep museum at the National Harbor and rode our bikes around Old Town in Alexandria, taking in it's rich history and eating a delicious Italian dinner, but the crowning jewel of our trip was Mount Vernon! Just wow, what an unforgettable experience. George Washington was an incredible leader, and learning of his legacy of sacrifice and patriotism made me even prouder to be an American. 

As a birthday bonus, Gradon made me dinner for the first time since we've been married, and a fudgy cheesecake birthday treat to boot! He's in trouble now that he's raised expectations! I also got to open thoughtful cards and presents from my friends and family. All in all, I had a very happy birthday!