Indulge Guilt-Free: Delicious & Low-Point Mini Banana S’mores Muffins Recipe
If you’re a long-time follower of my Instagram account, you’ll know my undeniable obsession with all things s’mores! There’s just something magical about that classic combination of gooey marshmallow, rich chocolate, and crunchy graham crackers. For a quick fix, I often whip up a simple banana s’mores treat: slicing a banana lengthwise, topping it with marshmallow fluff, a drizzle of chocolate, and a sprinkle of graham crumbs. One day, as I savored this delightful creation, a thought sparked: “You know, this would be absolutely incredible as a muffin!” And just like that, the idea for these amazing Mini Banana S’mores Muffins was born.
These tasty little treats are not only incredibly satisfying but also surprisingly light, coming in at just 2 SmartPoints (or 1 PointsPlus) each. Yes, you read that right – you can enjoy the classic s’mores experience without the guilt! And trust me when I say, these are perhaps the biggest “mini” muffins I’ve ever had the pleasure of baking. They offer a substantial bite of banana, chocolate, marshmallow, and graham cracker goodness, making them perfect for a healthy breakfast on the go, a delightful snack, or a guilt-free dessert. Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite low-point indulgence!
The Allure of S’mores: A Classic Reimagined
S’mores hold a special place in our hearts, conjuring memories of campfires, starry nights, and shared moments. The sticky sweetness of toasted marshmallow, the comforting melt of chocolate, and the satisfying crunch of graham cracker come together in a symphony of textures and flavors. But let’s be honest, traditional s’mores aren’t exactly diet-friendly. That’s where these Mini Banana S’mores Muffins shine. They capture the essence of that beloved treat, infusing it with the natural sweetness and moisture of ripe bananas, all while keeping the calorie and point count remarkably low. This recipe proves that you don’t have to sacrifice flavor to eat well and stay on track with your health goals.
Why You’ll Love These Low-Point Banana S’mores Muffins
- Weight Watchers Friendly: At just 2 SmartPoints or 1 PointsPlus per muffin, these are a fantastic option for anyone following a structured eating plan or simply looking to make healthier choices.
- Bursting with Flavor: The combination of banana, mini chocolate chips, marshmallow fluff, and graham cracker crumbs creates an irresistible flavor profile that perfectly mimics the s’mores experience.
- Perfectly Portioned: Baking them as mini muffins makes portion control easy, allowing you to enjoy a sweet treat without overindulging.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward instructions and common pantry ingredients, this recipe is accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
- Versatile: Ideal for breakfast, a mid-day snack, or a light dessert. They’re also a hit at parties or potlucks!
Mini banana s’mores muffins
Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp sugar
- 1 egg
- 2 mashed bananas
- 1/4 cup unsweetened apple sauce
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 2 Tbsp mini chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup marshmallow fluff
- 1.5 graham cracker squares, crushed
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously spray a 24-hole mini muffin pan with non-stick cooking spray. Ensuring the pan is well-greased is key to preventing sticking and achieving perfectly shaped muffins.
-
In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, beat together the sugar and egg until light and fluffy, about 1-2 minutes. This creates the foundation for a tender muffin. Then, incorporate the mashed bananas and unsweetened apple sauce, continuing to beat for another minute until thoroughly combined. Stir in the vanilla extract until just blended.
-
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough muffins. Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips.
-
Using a small spoon or cookie scoop, fill each of your 24 mini muffin cups with approximately half of the batter. This creates a base for the marshmallow layer.
-
Carefully place about 1 teaspoon of marshmallow fluff on top of the batter in each of the 24 muffin cups. Try to center it for an even distribution in the final product. Then, top with the remaining batter, ensuring the marshmallow fluff is mostly covered.
-
Generously sprinkle your crushed graham cracker crumbs over the tops of all the muffins. This will give them that signature s’mores crunch and appearance.
-
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 28-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. The tops should be golden brown and the marshmallow should be slightly puffed.
-
Let cool slightly in the pan before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This recipe makes 24 delightful mini muffins, each at 2 SmartPoints or 1 PointsPlus.
-
Nutritional info per muffin (not incl bananas): Calories 51, Fat 0.7g, Saturated fat 0.3g, Carbs 10g, Fiber 0.3g, Sugars 3.7g, Protein 1g.
Additional Info
Tips for Baking Perfect Mini Banana S’mores Muffins
- Ripe Bananas are Key: For the best flavor and moisture, use very ripe bananas (those with plenty of brown spots). They’re naturally sweeter and easier to mash.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing muffin batter develops the gluten in the flour, leading to tough muffins. Mix until just combined; a few lumps are perfectly fine.
- Layering for Success: The technique of layering the marshmallow fluff between two thin layers of batter helps keep the fluff from sinking to the bottom or completely disappearing during baking.
- Crushing Graham Crackers: You can crush graham crackers by hand, in a plastic bag with a rolling pin, or in a food processor for fine crumbs. A finer crumb will stick better to the muffin tops.
- Oven Temperature: Keep an eye on your oven. All ovens vary, so the baking time is an estimate. The muffins are done when golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
Ingredient Deep Dive & Smart Substitutions
Let’s talk about the ingredients that make these low-point mini muffins so special and how you can adapt them to your preferences or what you have on hand.
- Sugar: We use a small amount of sugar, relying mostly on the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and marshmallow fluff. If you’re looking to reduce sugar further, you could experiment with a sugar substitute designed for baking, but always check the flavor and texture implications.
- Unsweetened Apple Sauce: This is a fantastic fat substitute in baking. It adds moisture without adding many calories or points. Make sure it’s unsweetened to control the overall sugar content of your muffins. You could also use plain Greek yogurt for a similar effect, though it might alter the texture slightly.
- Mini Chocolate Chips: Mini chocolate chips are perfect here as they distribute more evenly throughout the small muffins. You can use sugar-free chocolate chips for an even lower sugar option, or dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor.
- Marshmallow Fluff: This is the star for that gooey s’mores center! Store-bought marshmallow fluff works wonderfully. If you want to make your own, there are many recipes online, but for ease and consistency, the store-bought version is great.
- Graham Cracker Squares: Crushed graham crackers provide that essential s’mores crunch. If you’re gluten-free, look for gluten-free graham cracker alternatives.
Serving Suggestions and Storage
These mini banana s’mores muffins are incredibly versatile. Enjoy them warm for an ultimate gooey experience, perhaps with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk. They also make a delightful addition to a brunch spread or a light evening dessert.
To store, place cooled muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature or reheat gently in the microwave for a few seconds for that freshly baked taste.
Conclusion: Your New Favorite Guilt-Free Treat
These Mini Banana S’mores Muffins are truly a testament to how you can enjoy your favorite indulgent flavors in a lighter, healthier way. Whether you’re adhering to a Weight Watchers plan or simply seeking a delicious and satisfying treat that won’t derail your goals, this recipe is a winner. The combination of moist banana muffin, pockets of gooey marshmallow fluff, melty chocolate chips, and crunchy graham cracker topping delivers all the nostalgia and deliciousness of a campfire s’mores without the fuss or the extra points. So go ahead, preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to bake a batch of these incredible mini muffins. They’re proof that healthy eating can still be incredibly fun and flavorful!