If you’re on the hunt for a wholesome yet delicious treat, you simply have to try this Blended Banana Lentil Muffins Recipe. These muffins combine creamy mashed bananas and protein-packed cooked lentils that blend seamlessly into a moist, tender bite bursting with warmth from cinnamon and a hint of vanilla. Packed with natural sweetness from maple syrup and a touch of chocolate chip magic, this recipe is a guilt-free indulgence you’ll love sharing with family and especially the kids. It’s a brilliant way to sneak in nutrition without sacrificing fantastic flavor and texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward and pantry-friendly, yet each plays a crucial role in making these muffins a standout. From the fruitiness of ripe bananas to the protein boost of lentils, every element contributes to the perfect blend of taste, texture, and color in your muffin batter.
- 2 large eggs: Helps bind the ingredients and adds moisture to the muffins.
- ⅓ cup maple syrup or honey: Natural sweetness that enhances flavor without refined sugar.
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt: Adds creaminess and a tender crumb, with low-fat or full-fat versions working well.
- ¼ cup avocado oil or neutral oil: Provides healthy fats and keeps the muffins moist.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
- 1 ¼ cup ripe, mashed bananas (about 2 large): Brings natural sweetness and moisture along with that beloved banana aroma.
- 1 cup cooked red lentils, cooled and well drained: Adds subtle earthiness and boosts protein while keeping muffins light.
- 1½ teaspoons cinnamon: Adds comforting spice that complements banana perfectly.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Helps the muffins rise and develop a tender texture.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Works with baking soda to give a light, fluffy crumb.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- 1 ¼ cups whole wheat flour: Offers a nutty flavor and fiber, creating wholesome muffins.
- ¼ cup mini chocolate chips + extra for topping: Adds delightful bursts of chocolate that melt in your mouth.
How to Make Blended Banana Lentil Muffins Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Muffin Tin
Start by preheating your oven to 350℉ and lining a 12-hole muffin tin with paper liners. This step ensures a non-stick finish and makes clean-up a breeze, setting you up for muffin success.
Step 2: Blend the Wet Ingredients
In your blender, add the eggs first, followed by the maple syrup or honey, oil, Greek yogurt, vanilla, bananas, cooked lentils, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Placing the wet ingredients at the bottom helps your blender work smoothly and creates a luscious, smooth puree without any lumps—this is the foundation of your batter.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Once blended, pour the mixture into a medium bowl. Then sprinkle the whole wheat flour and mini chocolate chips over the top. Gently fold everything together just until combined to avoid making the muffins dense. This balance keeps the texture light and tender.
Step 4: Fill the Muffin Tin and Bake
Divide the batter evenly into your prepared muffin cups. Feel free to sprinkle some extra mini chocolate chips on top for a gooey chocolatey finish. Bake for 20-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. For perfect doneness, an internal temperature of 200℉ is ideal—you can use a kitchen thermometer if you have one handy.
Step 5: Cool and Enjoy
Let the muffins cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set perfectly so they don’t crumble when you bite in.
How to Serve Blended Banana Lentil Muffins Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your muffins, consider lightly dusting them with cinnamon or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a delicate finish. A smear of almond butter or a drizzle of honey on a warm muffin takes this simple pleasure to another level.
Side Dishes
These muffins shine as a standalone breakfast or snack, but pairing them with fresh fruit, Greek yogurt, or a refreshing smoothie makes a balanced and energizing combo perfect for busy mornings.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Blended Banana Lentil Muffins Recipe alongside a dollop of whipped coconut cream and some toasted nuts for texture. For a fun brunch twist, slice muffins in half and stuff with nut butter and sliced bananas, creating a delightful mini sandwich everyone will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or in the fridge for up to four days. This keeps them fresh and tender, ready whenever you need a quick bite.
Freezing
These muffins freeze beautifully! Wrap individually in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to a month, making them perfect for meal prep and future snacking.
Reheating
To reheat, simply microwave a muffin for 20-30 seconds or warm in a toaster oven until heated through. This restores their moist texture and revives the chocolate chips’ melty goodness.
FAQs
Can I use different types of lentils?
Absolutely! While red lentils are preferred for their mild flavor and softness once cooked, green or brown lentils can be used too. Just make sure they’re cooked and drained thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in the batter.
Can I substitute the oil with butter?
You can, though avocado or neutral oil helps keep these muffins tender and moist without heaviness. If you prefer butter, use melted and cooled butter for similar results.
How ripe should the bananas be?
Very ripe bananas are key for sweetness and moisture. Look for bananas with brown spots and soft texture—they blend easily and provide the perfect flavor.
Is it okay to omit the chocolate chips?
Yes! Chocolate chips add a fun twist but aren’t necessary. You could swap them for chopped nuts or dried fruit for different textures and flavors.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To adapt it for a vegan diet, substitute eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based yogurt. Maple syrup is already vegan, and avocado oil fits perfectly too, so you’ll still have that delicious Blended Banana Lentil Muffins Recipe experience.
Final Thoughts
This Blended Banana Lentil Muffins Recipe is a delightful way to energize your day with wholesome ingredients and irresistible flavor. Whether you’re feeding kids, looking for a nutritious snack, or wanting a cozy breakfast muffin, this recipe fits the bill beautifully. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it part of your kitchen favorites—happy baking!
Print
Blended Banana Lentil Muffins Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Blended Banana Lentil Muffins are a nutritious and delicious breakfast option, packed with protein and fiber from lentils and whole wheat flour. Naturally sweetened with bananas and maple syrup or honey, they’re perfect for kids and adults alike. The use of a blender streamlines the preparation, making it quick and easy to whip up a batch of wholesome muffins with a moist texture and a hint of cinnamon and chocolate chips for extra flavor.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- ⅓ cup maple syrup or honey
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt (low fat or full fat for best results)
- ¼ cup avocado oil or neutral oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 ¼ cup ripe, mashed bananas (about 2 large bananas)
- 1 cup cooked red lentils (cooled and well drained; green or brown lentils also work)
Dry Ingredients
- 1½ teaspoons cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ¼ cups whole wheat flour
Extras
- ¼ cup mini chocolate chips + extra for topping, if desired
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350℉ and line a 12-hole muffin tin with liners. Set it aside for later use.
- Blend Wet Ingredients: In a blender, combine the eggs, maple syrup or honey, oil, yogurt, vanilla extract, mashed bananas, cooked and drained lentils, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in that order. Putting wet ingredients on the bottom helps the blender blades work smoothly for a completely smooth puree.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Pour the blended mixture into a medium bowl. Sprinkle the whole wheat flour and mini chocolate chips on top. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overmixing which can make the muffins dense.
- Fill Muffin Tin: Scoop the batter evenly into the prepared muffin tin. Add extra mini chocolate chips on top if desired for a decorative and tasty finish.
- Bake the Muffins: Bake for 20-22 minutes at 350℉, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of a muffin comes out clean. For accuracy, use a kitchen thermometer to ensure the muffins reach an internal temperature of 200℉ to guarantee they are perfectly cooked through without overbaking.
- Cool and Serve: Let the muffins cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack. Allow them to cool completely before storing any leftovers. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 1 month.
Notes
- To yield 1 cup cooked red lentils, start with about ½ cup dried red lentils and cook according to package instructions. Make sure to drain the lentils well after cooking to avoid excess moisture.
- Use full fat Greek yogurt for richer flavor and moister muffins, though low fat works fine as well.
- For vegan variation, replace eggs with flax eggs and use maple syrup instead of honey.
- Ensure not to overmix after adding flour to keep muffins light and tender.
- Extra mini chocolate chips on top add a nice texture and visual appeal but are optional.