Banana Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Muffins

Top 10 Health Benefits of Oats

1. High in soluble fiber & protein
2. More antioxidants than broccoli
3. Boosts nutrition of gluten-free diets
4. Strengthens immune system
5. Aids in weight loss
6. Reduces risk of cardiovascular disease
7. Protects against breast cancer
8. Lowers bad cholesterol
9. Controls blood pressure
10. Lowers risk of diabetes type 2 

Why You'll Love These Banana Oat Chocolate Chip Muffins

They taste like banana bread made with oats instead of wheat

No flour banana oatmeal muffins make them an excellent gluten-free treat

Using oats makes them a hearty breakfast with all the healthy benefits of oats

Moist and banana-rich muffins make a great grab-n-go breakfast

Bonus! These banana oatmeal chocolate chip muffins freeze well. Wrap them individually and freeze them for up to 3 months.

Ingredients

• Old-fashioned rolled oats - quick oats can also be substituted
• Brown sugar - used for sweetening
• Cinnamon - gives a richer flavor
• Salt
• Baking powder
• Bananas - make sure they are ripe, the riper the banana, the sweeter it is
• Olive oil - adds moistness
• Eggs - help hold the muffin together
• Vanilla extract
• Milk - any milk can be substituted
• Mini chocolate chips - use dark chocolate for a healthier option

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

• Oats - You can use quick oats but do not use steel-cut oats.
• Olive Oil - Light and extra light olive oil have a neutral flavor and are great for baking. You can use avocado or vegetable oil instead of olive oil.
• Brown Sugar - You can substitute the brown sugar with honey but only use 2 tablespoons of honey.
• Milk - You can use regular, low-fat, or skim milk. You can also use plant-based milk to make dairy free banana oatmeal muffins. Nut milk such as almond or walnut milk would be great.
• Buttermilk - If you want to make banana oatmeal buttermilk muffins, substitute the milk with buttermilk. You'll also need to omit the baking powder and use ½ teaspoon of baking soda instead.
• Yogurt - If you want to make banana oatmeal yogurt muffins, substitute the milk with yogurt. You'll need to use 1½ cups of yogurt mixed with ½ cup of water.
• Extra Fiber - Add 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed to the batter.

How to Make Banana Oatmeal Muffins with Chocolate Chips

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt and baking powder.
2. In a medium bowl, combine mashed bananas, eggs and vanilla extract.
3. Add olive oil or substitute avocado oil. Stir.
4. Pour in milk.

5. Pour the liquid ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir well.
6. Fold in mini chocolate chips.
7. Divide batter evenly into a sprayed 12-cup muffin pan.
8. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes.

Recipe Variations

Banana Blueberry Oatmeal Muffins - substitute the chocolate chips with dried or fresh blueberries. If using fresh, toss them with flour before adding them to the batter.

Oatmeal Banana Nut Muffins - Substitute the chocolate chips with chopped nuts. Banana walnut oatmeal muffins are the most popular flavor.

Banana Oatmeal Raisin Muffins - Substitute the chocolate chips with raisins. You can use regular or golden raisins. Dried cranberries also are great to use.

Banana Oatmeal Mini Muffins - Use a mini muffin pan and bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until done.

How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat

To Store: Allow the muffins to cool completely. Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

To Freeze: Allow the muffins to cool completely. Wrap the muffins in plastic wrap, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them for about 2 hours, or until they are frozen. Transfer the frozen muffins to a plastic freezer bag or an airtight container. Freeze them for up to 3 months.

To Reheat: Microwave the muffins for about 30 seconds if thawed or 1 minute if frozen, or until heated through.

Muffins for Breakfast On-The-Go

Zucchini Bran Muffins - are super easy to make and pack a nutritious punch. Full of veggies, yogurt & bran cereal, they make an energy-packed snack or grab-n-go breakfast. 

Strawberry Banana Muffins - are deliciously fruity, with juicy ripe strawberries and rich banana flavor that is reminiscent of banana bread.

Pineapple Carrot Muffins - are the perfect snack-time treat for the kids. Fresh carrots, a little sugar, a touch of cinnamon, and pineapple juice make these muffins both moist and delicious.

Find more delicious muffin recipes on 2CM!