Cocoa-Banana Bran Muffins: A Healthy, Sweet Treat for All Ages
When it comes to creating a muffin that strikes the perfect balance between healthful ingredients and indulgent flavor, these Cocoa-Banana Bran Muffins truly shine. Originally discovered in a Kellogg’s recipe book, this delightful treat has been a family favorite for years. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a nutritious breakfast on the go, this muffin recipe ticks all the boxes. The combination of ripe bananas and cocoa creates a deliciously moist texture with a rich flavor, while the bran adds a hearty, fiber-filled element.
Perfect for Families, Kids, and Busy Mornings
If you’re a fan of simple recipes that pack a punch, you’re in for a treat with these Cocoa-Banana Bran Muffins. These muffins are not only tasty but also versatile—whether you want to keep them simple with banana and cocoa or elevate the flavor with a handful of chocolate chips, they’re bound to be a hit. The sweetness from the bananas pairs beautifully with the slight bitterness of the cocoa powder, making each bite a delightful experience. Plus, they’re packed with fiber, which makes them a great option for a wholesome snack or breakfast.
Nutritional Information and Ingredients
Before diving into the recipe, let’s take a look at what you’ll need and what makes these muffins a great choice for any meal:
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ripe bananas | 2 |
| All-purpose flour | 1 1/4 cups |
| Granulated sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Baking powder | 1/4 tsp |
| Baking soda | 2 tsp |
| Salt | 1/4 tsp |
| Skim milk | 1/4 cup |
| Egg | 1 |
| Margarine | 1/4 cup |
| Cocoa powder | 1 tbsp |
You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your dietary preferences. For instance, replacing margarine with unsalted butter or using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour adds an extra layer of nutrition while maintaining the delicious flavor profile.
If you love a bit of extra sweetness or texture, feel free to fold in ½ cup of chocolate chips before baking to make these muffins even more decadent.
Nutritional Information per Serving (1 Muffin):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 163 |
| Fat | 4.9 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1 g |
| Cholesterol | 18 mg |
| Sodium | 210.4 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 28.8 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.9 g |
| Sugars | 11.6 g |
| Protein | 4 g |
These muffins are a good source of fiber thanks to the added bran, while the bananas provide natural sweetness and essential potassium. The cocoa powder contributes antioxidants, making this treat not only delicious but also beneficial to your overall well-being.
Instructions to Prepare Cocoa-Banana Bran Muffins
Follow these simple steps to create a batch of moist, fluffy muffins that the whole family will enjoy. With a total preparation and cooking time of just 35 minutes, you’ll have a fresh batch of muffins ready in no time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the oven is hot enough to give the muffins a perfect rise. Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray or line it with paper muffin liners for easy cleanup. -
Prepare the Bananas
Peel the bananas. Mash one banana in a small bowl using a fork or potato masher until it’s smooth and creamy. Slice the second banana into thin rounds and set it aside. These banana slices will be added later to give the muffins a nice texture and burst of banana flavor in each bite. -
Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients. Stir together 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon cocoa powder, 1/4 teaspoon baking powder, 2 teaspoons baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Mixing the dry ingredients together ensures an even distribution of the baking agents and cocoa powder, which is key to getting that perfect muffin rise. -
Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add 1/4 cup skim milk and 1/4 cup bran cereal. Stir to combine and let the mixture sit for about 2-3 minutes. This step allows the bran cereal to soften slightly, ensuring that it will blend seamlessly into the muffin batter, adding fiber without being too crunchy. -
Add Wet Ingredients to the Milk-Cereal Mixture
Add 1 egg, 1/4 cup margarine (or butter), and the mashed banana to the bowl with the milk-cereal mixture. Stir until well combined. The margarine or butter adds moisture and richness to the muffins, making them soft and tender. -
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently. Only stir until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to tough muffins, so it’s important to stop as soon as the flour mixture is incorporated. -
Add the Sliced Bananas
Gently fold the sliced banana into the batter. These slices will remain intact during baking, adding delightful pockets of banana flavor and a tender bite. -
Portion the Batter into the Muffin Tin
Using a spoon or an ice cream scoop, evenly portion the muffin batter into the prepared muffin tin. Each muffin cup should be about 2/3 full to allow space for the muffins to rise and expand as they bake. -
Bake the Muffins
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-22 minutes, or until the tops spring back when lightly touched and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them after the 20-minute mark. -
Cool and Enjoy
Once the muffins are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. These muffins are best enjoyed fresh, but they also store well for a few days in an airtight container.
Tips for Success:
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For Extra Sweetness: If you like your muffins sweeter, add a handful of chocolate chips or a tablespoon of honey to the batter for added richness and flavor.
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Banana Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of banana—if your bananas are extremely ripe, they’ll provide even more natural sweetness, so you can adjust the sugar content slightly.
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Make-Ahead Option: These muffins freeze well. To freeze, allow them to cool completely, then store them in a resealable freezer bag. When ready to eat, just pop them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds for a warm, fresh-tasting muffin.
Why You’ll Love These Cocoa-Banana Bran Muffins
Not only are these muffins delicious and versatile, but they also offer the perfect balance of healthy ingredients and indulgent flavors. The cocoa powder gives them a rich, chocolatey taste, while the bananas ensure the muffins stay moist and naturally sweet. And with the added bran, you’re getting a healthy dose of fiber that will keep you feeling full longer. Whether you’re packing them in your kids’ lunchboxes, serving them as a quick snack, or enjoying them yourself with a cup of tea or coffee, these muffins are sure to please.
These Cocoa-Banana Bran Muffins are simple enough for beginners to make yet delicious enough for even the most experienced bakers to enjoy. Happy baking!
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