If the way my boys eat now is any indication of how they will eat in the future, I fear for what my grocery bill will be 10 years from now with three very hungry boys. Getting them to actually sit down and eat a meal in its entirety is challenging, but what I find instead is that they graze all day long.
It’s so easy to fall into the packaged snacks trap. I’m definitely guilty of doling out the squeeze applesauce, Goldfish, and graham crackers out of sheer ease and convenience. I don’t plan on stopping that any time soon, but it’s certainly nice to have some easy, healthy, homemade options too.
Sometime last year I stumbled across a recipe for muffins with very few and very natural ingredients. They seemed perfect for breakfast, or an afternoon snack, and were very portable. I made them once and enjoyed them a lot. I made them again with a few adjustments and was hooked forever.
These muffins are really tasty. They’re moist and versatile, and we almost always have all the ingredients on hand. They’re also gluten-free, if that’s important to you, and VERY kid-friendly. The boys ask for and devour them regularly.
Oatmeal Banana Muffins
Adapted from Green Lite Bites
- 3 mashed bananas, the riper the better.
- 1 cup milk
- 2 eggs
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 3 cups old fashion or rolled oats (not quick cooking oats)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup brown sugar* (optional)
- 1/4-1/2 cup raisins, dried cranberries, chocolate chips, chopped nuts, etc., etc., etc. The possibilities are endless.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees
Mix all ingredients together except the raisins (or whichever addition you choose), and let sit while you prepare the muffin pans. (*In regards to the brown sugar: the original recipe is sugar-free. I have made them both ways and enjoy each, but I find that unless the bananas are SUPER over-ripe, they lack a little sweetness. Go in whichever direction your prefer.)
Spray a muffin pan with non-stick spray.
Stir the raisins into the oatmeal batter.
Divide batter into muffin cups. They should be just about filled. Mine have yielded 12 muffins every time, but yours may vary based on the size of your tin.
Bake 20-30 minutes until the edges just start to brown and the muffins are firm to the touch.
The muffins may stick when hot but are removed easily when cooled for a bit.Mine usually come out clean after cooling for 10 minutes. When fully cool, store in an air-tight container or zip-top bag. They never last more than two days in our house!
9 comments
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February 13, 2014 at 8:47 pm
Britt
Yum! These look delish!
February 18, 2014 at 1:06 pm
Feisty Harriet
I don’t mean to terrify you, but my brothers were EACH eating a half-a-loaf of bread in PB&J sandwiches and a half gallon of milk every day for lunch by the time they were in kindergarten. In high school they could easily put away half a box of cereal or Ramen or Mac & Cheese to fill a serving bowl, you know, for a snack.
Lawsy. Good luck, woman!
That being said, these muffins look delicious!
xox
March 10, 2014 at 7:01 pm
Fresh and Easy | Event Lucky
[…] Oatmeal banana muffins. Ok, I haven’t tried these yet, but they look good! Next on the list. […]
March 13, 2014 at 3:55 pm
Lindsey
Ooh I always have so many ripe bananas in my freezer, and I’m so happy to find a non-banana bread recipe to use them in. Thanks! I’m making a batch right now!
March 15, 2014 at 10:32 pm
Schmei
I’m baking a batch of these right now. If they’re as good as they smell, the recipe is going in to my postpartum/boost lactation arsenal. Thanks for sharing!
April 5, 2014 at 12:58 pm
MmeK
Has anyone tried freezing these? I’m stocking up easy, healthy snacks in anticipation of a new baby on the way. Thanks!
April 14, 2014 at 4:07 am
christophe
I saw this recipe by chance and it is really excellent, must try!
June 12, 2015 at 9:49 pm
Valerie
I made these tonight and although yummy, I had a problem keeping them together. They were falling apart as I tok thwm out of the pan.. anyway ideas??
April 1, 2016 at 12:18 pm
Jenn O
I put them in cupcake liners, and didn’t have any issue with them falling apart. The kids loved them. Great quick recipe and snack. i found your link on pinterest. thanks!