When your bananas have turned a bit too brown on your kitchen counter, don’t be too quick to throw them away. Overripe bananas are a hidden gem in the kitchen, offering a sweeter, more concentrated flavor that’s perfect for cooking. Here’s a delightful and simple recipe to transform those soft, spotty bananas into a delicious treat that’s not only easy to make but also budget-friendly.
Banana Honey Muffins
Ingredients:
- 2 large overripe bananas
- 1/3 cup of honey
- 1/3 cup of melted butter or a mild-flavored oil like coconut or canola
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 egg
- 1 and 1/2 cups of whole wheat flour (for a heartier texture)
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- Optional: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavor
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it.
- Mash the Bananas: In a large bowl, peel and mash the bananas. You want them nice and smooth.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: To the mashed bananas, add the honey, melted butter (or oil), and vanilla extract. Crack the egg into the mix and stir until everything is well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, baking soda, salt, and optional cinnamon or nutmeg.
- Combine Mixtures: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Stir just until the flour is incorporated, making sure not to overmix as this can make the muffins tough.
- Bake: Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about three-quarters full. Place in the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
- Cool and Enjoy: Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
These banana honey muffins are not only a treat to your taste buds but also a smart way to utilize overripe bananas that you might otherwise discard. They are perfect for a quick breakfast, a delightful snack, or even a light dessert. Enjoy the natural sweetness and the satisfaction of reducing waste while whipping up something deliciously simple.
