Banana Muesli Muffins

Rhubarbarella's Note:

These muffins are not too sweet and are filled with whole grains. The museli, sucanat sugar, and flax seeds help to lower the glycemic index. As with almost all baked goods, these muffins do not have a low glycemic load, so enjoy them in moderation. For the museli, I like to use Bob's Red Mill. You can substitute the muesli with granola, but it will increase the fat and calories. Enjoy!

• Total Time: 50 mins
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 30 mins

Ingredients:

Yield: 12 muffins

Wet ingredients

• 1 1/2 bananas, very ripe & mashed
• 2/3 cup safflower oil
• 2 eggs
• 2/3 cup sugar (sucanat or raw)
• 1/2 cup low-fat milk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla

Dry ingredients

• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 cup unbleached white flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Fold in

• 1/2 banana, very ripe & coarsely chopped
• 2/3 cup muesli (homemade or store bought)
• 1/3 cup flax seed

Topping

• 12 banana chips, broken into pieces
• 2 tablespoons muesli (to taste)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (340 degrees F if using a dark, nonstick muffin tin).
2. In a large bowl, mix together all the wet ingredients (1 1/2 mashed banana, safflower oil, eggs, sugar, milk, and vanilla).
3. In a separate bowl, combine the dry ingredients (whole wheat flour, white flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda).
4. Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing only until just combined. DO NOT OVERMIX!
5. Gently fold in the chopped banana, 2/3 cup muesli, and flax seeds.
6. Line a standard 12 cup muffin tin with paper liners. Spoon the batter evenly into the cups (it should be about even with the tops of the cups).
7. Top the muffins with the broken banana chips and remaining 2 tablespoons of muesli.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Enjoy!