Double chocolate banana protein muffins made with applesauce (no oil!), oat flour, lots of bananas, and whey protein powder for healthy, super moist and delicious chocolatey banana goodness.
These muffins will blow your mind. Seriously. No oil, no flour (except the ground oats), no white sugar. But they are SO delicious, moist, and chocolatey. Trust me.
The healthiest type of muffin is not high in sugar, refined poor quality oils, or processed white flour. To create a healthy muffin, you should take into account:
- Fiber content
- Nutrient content
- How filling it is
- Macronutrient balance
- Will it satisfy your craving in a healthier way
This last one is essential because if you’re really craving a rich chocolate treat and your muffin doesn’t cut it, your craving will get the better of you.
How to make chocolate banana protein muffins:
Whisk the wet ingredients and sweetener together:
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup sweetener (I use Lakanto)
- 1/3 cup applesauce unsweetened
- 1 cup mashed bananas about 3
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
In a separate bowl mix the dry ingredients:
- 1 cup flour (oat, gluten-free, whole wheat, all-purpose) (combination of any flours you like)
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1 scoop whey protein powder chocolate, vanilla, banana
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Combine until just mixed, don’t over mix them! Then fold in the chocolate chips.
Bake at 350 degrees F for 15 to 20 minutes.
Baking with protein powder:
Protein powder is not destroyed by heating or baking.
Fears of the protein “denaturing” and therefore being ineffective, is a myth. Baking with protein powder doesn’t damage it anymore than cooking your other protein sources (like eggs, tofu, steak, etc.). In fact, cooking protein often makes it more digestible and more nutritious.
Baking will affect the protein structure, but this doesn’t negatively affect how nutritious it is. Your body will absorb the amino acids from the protein no matter what.
Whey protein needs moisture:
When you bake with whey protein to make these chocolate banana protein muffins or any other baked protein treat, you’ll need enough moisture. The best ingredients for moisture while still keeping the baked goods healthy are:
- Applesauce
- Pumpkin puree
- Bananas
- Sweet potatoes or squash (cooked)
- Cooked beets
- Yogurt, kefir, sour cream
- Cottage cheese
- Eggs
Substitutes for whey protein:
If you don’t want to use whey protein, it can be substituted with other types in this chocolate banana protein muffin recipe:
- Egg protein powder
- Beef protein powder
Any other protein powder might need adjustments in the other ingredients. You can give it a try, but beware; they may not turn out the same. Please comment to let me know if what you tried, even if it failed BUT don’t leave me a bad review if you substitute ingredients and it doesn’t turn out! But please DO leave me a comment if you tried something new and it worked out because people should know!
What can you use instead of protein powder:
If you want to try these without protein powder, you can replace it with more flour. You will likely need to add a couple of tablespoons more applesauce or other liquid.
What To Use Instead of Oat Flour:
Oat flour can be substituted with buckwheat flour, quinoa flour, or amaranth flour.
What can be used instead of some or all of the banana in these chocolate protein banana muffins:
- Zucchini
- More applesauce
What to use in place of sweetener:
You can try using honey, agave, stevia, or just use sugar if you’re not opposed. These chocolate banana protein muffins are pretty versatile.
Other healthy sweets to try:
Chocolate Banana Protein Muffins
Ingredients
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup sweetner (I use Lakanto)
- 1/3 cup applesauce unsweetened
- 1 cup mashed bananas about 3
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup flour (oat, gluten-free, whole wheat, all-purpose) (combination of any flours you like)
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1 scoop whey protein powder chocolate, vannila, banana
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350*F and grease or line a 12 cup muffin pan (or two 6-cup).
- Whisk together the egg, sweetener, applesauce, vanilla, and bananas.
- Mix dry ingredients in a separate bowl, except for chocolate chips, then combine with wet.
- Mix until just combined, then fold in the chocolate chips.
- Spoon into prepared muffin cups to 3/4 full, or a little more.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until the top is springy but not mushy.
Nutrition
