I see the way your overripe bananas are looking at you. They’re lost in the fantasy of one day becoming banana bread. But you’re curious about something new – a quick breakfast bite full of nutrients and flavor! Make an honest fruit out of them by baking these Banana Apple Oatmeal Muffins🍌🍎 Did I mention they are oil-free, vegan, and can easily be made gluten-free?? I’ve got you.

Banana Apple Oatmeal Muffins

Ingredients

• 3 cups dry oats (sub with gluten-free oats)
• 2 tsps baking powder
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 Tbsp ground flaxseeds
• ¼ tsp salt
• 5 medium bananas, overripe (brown)
• 1 large apple (or 2 medium-sized)
• 2 Tbsps fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¾ cup unsweetened plant milk, plain

Optional:
• ¼ cup maple syrup or agave nectar (If you like muffins on the sweeter side)
• Raw walnuts, chopped
• Vegan chocolate chips

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 400˚F. Line a large (12) muffin pan with muffin papers or use a silicone muffin pan.

2. Place the oats in a food processor (can use a blender) and process until a coarse flour is formed.

3. To a large mixing bowl, add the blended oat flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ground flaxseeds, and salt. Whisk until combined.

4. Roughly chop the apples, add to the food processor, and pulse until the apples are finely grated. (Alternative: You can use a vegetable grater for this step.)

5. To the bowl of your stand mixer, add the bananas and mash using the paddle attachment until somewhat smooth (chucks are A-OK!). Add the grated apples, lemon juice, vanilla, plant milk, (and maple syrup/agave nectar if using), then mix on low to combine. (Alternative: you can do this by hand if needed.)

6. Add the dry oat mixture onto the wet mixture and mix until well combined. If the mixture looks too dry, you can add a bit more plant milk. Add chopped walnuts or vegan chocolate chips at this stage if you’d like!

7. Pour the batter evenly into each section of the muffin pan. They should fill just below or at the level line. Add more walnuts or chocolate chips to the tops, if desired.

8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the tops are golden brown. Once baked, allow the muffins to rest for 30 minutes before eating. Try to resist the temptation to eat them hot! 😋

9. Stash these in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days (if they last that long). 😎 Just warm in the microwave for 15-30 seconds or enjoy cold!

Enjoy!

Some nutrition info:

Flax seeds contain both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, aiding in cardiovascular health and reducing inflammation.

Bananas and apples are great for your heart and digestive system, while the oats assist with lowering cholesterol and helping regulate glucose levels.

Not to mention all the antioxidants in these little muffins! Try these for meal prep this week 💚🌱 Have a lovely day!