Dessert: Crunchy Banana Muffins

Healthy muffins that are low in processed sugar and fat, high in protein and loaded with fruit.

Prep Time: 45 mins

Cook Time: 25 mins

Total Time: 70 mins

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups whole wheat flour
1 cup sugar
2 tsps baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
2 large eggs
3/4 cup milk
2 tsps vanilla extract
1 cup margarine, melted and cooled
2 medium ripe bananas, chopped
3 medium very ripe bananas, mashed
1 cup granola
1 cup whole almonds, lightly roasted and chopped
1 cup raisins
1/2 cup unpacked brown sugar
3 oz banana chips, crushed

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, white sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Thoroughly mix in the melted margarine.

2. In a separate bowl, lightly beat the eggs. Mix in the milk, vanilla, and mashed bananas. Add this to the flour and margarine mixture.

3. One at a time, fold in the chopped bananas, granola, chopped nuts and dried fruit.

4. Preheat oven to 350° F (175° C). Line 24 muffin cups with paper liners.

5. Scoop the muffin batter into the cups, filling them to the top. Optional: top with a sprinkle of brown sugar and granola or crushed banana chips, pressing the topping into the batter.

6. Bake 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the muffin comes out clean.

7. Note: substitute the almonds and raisins for any kind of nuts or dried fruit you prefer (e.g. walnuts, pecans, cranberries, shredded coconut, apricots).