February 5, 2016

Healthy Honey Banana Muffins {with Nektar Naturals}


I love muffins and banana bread so whenever I have some overripe bananas lying around that is always my go-to way to use them up. I buy bananas every week because they are my favorite pre-run fuel and afternoon snack of choice which means I often have overripe bananas! This week I made these honey banana muffins which have a nice flavor from the cinnamon and sweetness from the Nektar Naturals honey crystals without an overpowering banana flavor. I know I'm not a food blogger, but I do like sharing some yummy recipes!

Healthy Honey Banana Muffins {with Nektar Naturals}

The muffins are are also healthy and can be tailored to your dietary restrictions. I used almond meal and almond milk to make them dairy-free and wheat-free, but you can use whatever flour and milk you prefer.  

Healthy Honey Banana Muffins {with Nektar Naturals}
It was my first time trying Nektar Naturals which are just all-natural granulated honey crystals. It comes in packets or an easy to pour bottle so I could use honey in baking or in things like my tea, without the sticky mess. It found it really helpful for baking these muffins since I didn't have to measure out a bunch of sticky honey.  You can order Nektar Naturals online or pick up some at your local Walmart. 

Just in time for Valentine's Day Nektar Naturals is selling these delicious-looking chocolate-covered pretzels dusted with Nektar honey on Amazon which would make the perfect gift for a friend. You can also go to their website and send a  free honeygram or little love note & sample to someone in the mail on/before Valentine's Day. My friends should look out because I already sent a lot of free lovenotes to people!





Speaking of Valentine's Day these muffins would be a great addition to breakfast in bed or a way to share some love with your friends. I also have a fairly low-key Valentine's Day which usually includes going out to dinner with my boyfriend and exchanging small gifts. I love to bake something from scratch and have made cake, cupcakes, and other sweets in the past so I might just be making these again next weekend! 

Healthy Honey Banana Muffins {with Nektar Naturals}


Honey Banana Muffins (adapted from Health.com

Ingredients     (yields 9 muffins)
2 bananas, mashed
2 tbsp. olive oil
1 egg
1/2 cup of milk (based on preference, I used almond milk)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup cashew milk (or other favorite milk of choice)
1 cup of almond meal (or flour of choice)
1/4 cup quick oats
1/4 cup Nektar Naturals (or use sugar/sweetner of choice)
1 3/4 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp. salt

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F and grease 9 muffin cups with cooking spray or line with silcone/paper liners. 
2. Combine the mashed bananas, oil, egg, milk, and vanilla in a bowl. Mix and set aside. 
3. Whisk flour, oats, Netkar Naturals, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in separate bowl. 
4. Stir flour and dry ingredients mixture into wet ingredients (banana) mixture until just combined.  
5. Spoon approximately 1/3 cup of batter into each muffin cup until cups are almost full. 
6. Bake muffins for 15 minutes or until muffins are no longer wet in the middle. 

Healthy Honey Banana Muffins {with Nektar Naturals}

This post was linked up with my fave Friday Linkup ladies CourtneyMar, and Cynthia  as well as Nicole, Jilland Amanda .

What is your go-to banana dish? Are you make anything special for Valentine's Day?

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary set from Nektar Naturals to try out and review.. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

18 comments:

  1. I love the idea of honey crystals instead of honey! I always feels so wasteful when I use real stickly honey and have to measure it out and cant get it all off the spoon!


    www.repressingthecrazy.com

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  2. yum! i love the taste of honey, so a sweetener in muffins that tastes like honey is right up my alley. no valentine's day baking here, but pancake tuesday is the same week - so i can roll it all together, right?

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  3. I'm so in love with these crystals. And your recipe!

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  4. I LOOOVE banana flavored things! (pancakes, muffins, bread.. you name it haha!)
    www.amemoryofus.com

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  5. Muffins are definitely my go-to banana dish! I'm sure I've tried at least a dozen different banana muffin recipes.

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    1. Same here, there's always another recipe with a slight variation to try!

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  6. These muffins look great. Very creative recipe!

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  7. Ahh I pretty much love any banana dish, so I'm sure I'd love this recipe. My favorite banana dish is definitely my mom's recipe for chocolate chip banana bread. It always hits the spot!

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    Replies
    1. Ooh chocolate chips and banana bread are a match made in heaven!

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  8. I have been wanting to try that nectar naturals for a while now, one day I will! I love how you used it in these scrumptious banana muffins. As for my favorite banana dish, I love banana smoothies all the way!

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  9. This looks delicious Lauren. I need to try Nektar Naturals.

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