Delicious & Healthy Banana Bran Muffins: Your Go-To Low-Point Recipe

There’s a special kind of magic that happens when ripe bananas appear on my kitchen counter. They’re a sure sign that something wonderful is about to emerge from the oven, filling the house with an irresistible aroma. This time, my craving led me to a delightful experiment: a healthy twist on classic muffins. The inspiration actually sparked from a request on my Facebook page for a bran muffin recipe. Knowing I had a box of Kellogg’s All-Bran Buds tucked away in the cupboard, I thought, “Why not combine the best of both worlds?” And so, these incredible banana bran muffins were born.

Many people ask me how I come up with my recipes, and the honest truth is, my brain rarely stops churning with new ideas! I’m constantly thinking of creative ways to mix ingredients, adapt classics, and experiment with healthier alternatives. And I’m thrilled to report that 99% of the time, the results are fantastic. These banana bran muffins are no exception; they are utterly delicious, and my husband and daughter gave them enthusiastic thumbs-up. Plus, for those mindful of their intake, they clock in at just 4 SmartPoints each, making them a truly guilt-free indulgence!

Why You’ll Love These Healthy Banana Bran Muffins

These muffins aren’t just a treat for your taste buds; they’re a smart choice for your body too. Combining the natural sweetness and moisture of ripe bananas with the high fiber content of bran, they offer a satisfying and nutritious start to your day or a perfect pick-me-up snack. The inclusion of oats adds another layer of wholesome goodness, providing sustained energy and supporting digestive health. With apple sauce and reduced-calorie margarine, we cut down on unnecessary fats without compromising on flavor or texture. Each muffin is wonderfully moist, subtly sweet, and incredibly fulfilling.

The Power of Bran and Bananas

Bran is a fantastic source of dietary fiber, which is crucial for digestive health, helps regulate blood sugar levels, and contributes to a feeling of fullness. Incorporating it into muffins is an excellent way to boost your daily fiber intake in a delicious form. Bananas, especially ripe ones, provide natural sweetness, eliminating the need for excessive added sugar. They also contribute essential vitamins and minerals, like potassium, which is vital for heart health and muscle function. Together, these ingredients create a powerhouse muffin that tastes like a decadent treat but delivers genuine health benefits.

Banana Bran Muffins

By: Drizzle | Servings: 12 | Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 20 mins | Total Time: 30 mins

These delightful muffins are a perfect blend of natural sweetness from ripe bananas and the wholesome goodness of bran. At just 4 SmartPoints (or 3 PersonalPoints) each, they are an ideal choice for a healthy breakfast or a guilt-free snack, loved by the whole family. They are easy to make, packed with fiber, and freeze beautifully for meal prep!

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Ingredients

• 2 ripe mashed bananas
• 3 Tbsp brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 egg white
• 1/3 cup unsweetened apple sauce
• 1/3 cup almond milk (or skim milk)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup Quaker oats
• 1 cup Kellogg’s All-Bran Buds
• 1 1/4 cup white flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 Tbsp honey
• 1 tsp reduced-calorie margarine
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 12 raw almonds, chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 12-hole regular muffin tin by spraying it thoroughly with non-stick cooking spray or lining it with paper liners.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed ripe bananas and brown sugar. Beat them together until well combined and slightly creamy.
3. Add the whole egg, egg white, unsweetened apple sauce, almond milk (or your chosen substitute), and vanilla extract to the banana mixture. Mix for a few minutes until all wet ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.
4. Gradually stir in the Kellogg’s All-Bran Buds cereal, Quaker oats, white flour, and baking powder. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can lead to tough muffins. A few lumps are perfectly fine.
5. Evenly distribute the muffin batter into the 12 prepared muffin cups, filling each cup about two-thirds full.
6. In a small, microwave-safe bowl, melt the honey and reduced-calorie margarine together for about 30 seconds. Stir in the cinnamon until well blended.
7. Using a spoon, drizzle the honey-cinnamon mixture evenly over the tops of the muffin batter in each cup. Then, sprinkle the chopped raw almonds on top of each muffin for a delightful crunch and added flavor.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. The tops should be golden brown.
9. Let the muffins cool in the tin for about 5 minutes. Use a knife or small spatula to gently scrape around the edges of each muffin, then carefully remove them from the tin and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This recipe makes 12 regular-sized muffins, each 4 SmartPoints (or 3 PersonalPoints). Store any leftover muffins in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, or freeze them for longer storage.
10. Nutritional Information (per muffin, excluding banana for accurate tracking): Calories 114, Fat 2g, Saturated fat 0.3g, Carbs 22.9g, Fiber 4.2g, Sugars 6.5g, Sodium 77.9mg, Protein 3.6g. Please note that these values are approximate and may vary based on specific brands and ingredient measurements.

Additional Info

Course: Baking

Tips for Success: Using very ripe bananas (with brown spots) is key to the natural sweetness and moist texture of these muffins. If your bananas aren’t quite ripe enough, you can speed up the process by baking them in their skins on a baking sheet at 300°F (150°C) for 15-20 minutes until they turn black and soft.

Storage and Freezing: These muffins store wonderfully! Once completely cooled, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, individual muffins can be wrapped in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer-safe bag. They will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature or gently warm them in the microwave for a quick and delicious treat.

Variations: Feel free to experiment with this base recipe! You could add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch, a sprinkle of chocolate chips (adjusting SmartPoints accordingly), or a dash of nutmeg for a warmer spice profile. For an extra fruity twist, consider folding in some dried cranberries or raisins with the dry ingredients.

These muffins aren’t just about following a recipe; they’re about embracing a healthier lifestyle without sacrificing taste. The blend of fiber-rich bran, naturally sweet bananas, and wholesome oats makes them a powerhouse of nutrition, perfectly balanced to keep you satisfied and energized throughout your day. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast on the go, a wholesome snack to curb those afternoon cravings, or a treat that fits seamlessly into your Weight Watchers journey, these banana bran muffins are an absolute winner. Their simple ingredients and straightforward steps make them accessible for even novice bakers, proving that healthy eating can indeed be both easy and incredibly delicious.

I encourage you to give this recipe a try and experience the joy of baking something both nourishing and satisfying. It’s a testament to how simple tweaks can transform a beloved classic into a healthier, yet equally delightful, option. Enjoy the process, savor the aroma, and most importantly, relish every bite of these truly fantastic banana bran muffins!