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
Just made these today!! And I’m curious do they need to be refrigerated or how do we store them?
I’d store them in the fridge!
I made this last night and they turned out great! I used VEGA protein and greens powder instead of whey and it tastes perfect. Can you freeze the muffins to keep them from getting stale? Thanks!
I’m so glad you liked them! Yes, you can freeze them. I do this often because I always make a double batch!
I used whole milk Greek yogurt instead of applesauce and Orgain chocolate pea protein powder and WOW, gorgeous and perfect.
Thank you so much Michaela! I’m glad you enjoyed them 🙂
how much sugar is equivalent to Lakanto?
It’s a 1:1 ratio, so cup for cup 🙂
These just came out of the oven and are basically cupcakes. I cannot believe how delicious they are. I could eat the whole pan. I used half whole wheat and half spelt flour. They are moist and fluffy. Just perfect.
Thank you so much! I’m so glad you agree. These are unbelievably delicious for how healthy they are 🙂
Any time I hear chocolate and healthy together, I’m sold! These muffins look totally decadent, but if they are actually good for me, that’s even better. I can’t wait to try them!
Oh, I’m right there with you!
I have all these ingredients and am going to try tomorrow!
Great! I hope you enjoy them!
I’ve been really getting into baking new things to eat each morning and I love muffins. I haven’t tried any banana muffins yet, so this will have to be next up on my list! It’s awesome that they have protein in them too!
Baking is such a fun hobby! It’s great to have some healthier options in your back pocket. I hope you love them!
This is such a great go-to recipe for when I need breakfast or a snack for the next day – the protein powder helps me stay full longer
Thank you, Sacha! Protein is a wonderful thing!
I have some bananas on my counter calling for this! I was actually wondering what I was going to turn them into and now I know. I love that you use apple sauce and no oil. I don’t have protein powder so I may try adding a little greek yogurt to get some protein in.
Great idea, Yolanda! I’m sure that will work 🙂 They’re really moist and tasty even without oil; you’ll be surprised! Thanks for your comments!
Yes! I’m pinning and printing this because I need some easy and delicious breakfast alternatives that include both efficient carbs and protein! Read your advice about adding more applesauce if you sub the protein powder for more flour…what if I just want to add more protein powder…I assume the same will work?
Hi Linda! I’m so happy to hear that! I think adding more protein powder will be fine as long as you increase liquid. I’d start making it as is, get a good idea of the texture, then add more protein powder and adjust the applesauce until you get the same texture again. It also will depend on your protein powder as some kinds need more liquid than others. Good luck!
Oh man, I wish I’d had a recipe like these chocolate banana muffins when I had gestational diabetes. I couldn’t eat ANYTHING and I probably would’ve killed someone for a muffin lol. Yum!
Oh, gestational diabetes is so hard! Yes, this would be a great choice for that condition. Thanks for stopping by!
OMG, these look amazing. I think I will sub the applesauce for greek yoghurt as they don’t sell in the UK but otherwise I have some bananas ready for this recipe !
I did not know that they don’t sell applesauce in the UK! That explains why my partner, who is from Scotland, never had it before! Good to know. I hope you enjoy!
of course they have applesauce in the UK
Oh, interesting! My partner is from Scotland and he’s never seen it or had it 🙂