One of the baking questions I get asked the most, by far, is how to cut the fat and sugar from baked goods and still get a decent-tasting treat. Not gonna lie, I am not a huge fan of fat-free baked goods, mainly because they are usually quite dry and taste, for the most part, like cardboard. Having said that, I’ve discovered that it IS possible to make a great tasting muffin that is actually pretty healthy. These Peanut Butter and Banana muffins manage to stay very moist, despite their relatively low fat content, thanks to the use of maple syrup and yoghurt. Using extra-ripe bananas creates a tender crumb as well, while adding natural sweetness. For added texture, I like to add flax seeds and chocolate chips to these muffins. Chopped pecans, walnuts and raisins also taste great.

P.S. These muffins freeze extremely well, too!

Looking for more banana recipes? Check out Our Favourite Banana Bread.

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup vegetable oil (I use olive oil)
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup or honey
• 2 eggs
• 1/3 cup smooth peanut butter
• 3-4 very ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup)
• 1/4 cup Greek yoghurt or buttermilk
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup flax seeds (optional)
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 350F and line muffin pan with paper liners.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the oil and maple syrup.
3. Add the eggs, peanut butter, bananas and yoghurt. Mix until fully combined.
4. Next, stir in the baking soda, salt, vanilla and cinnamon.
5. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, slowly stir in the flours.
6. Mix in the oatmeal, flax seeds and chocolate chips (if using.)
7. Spoon batter into prepared muffin tin. You can sprinkle a few oatmeal flakes onto each muffin if you like — it makes them look prettier.
8. Bake for 22-25 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in centre of a muffin comes out clean.

*Yield: about 10-12 muffins depending on how much you fill your muffin cups. I like bigger muffins so I usually get about 10.