Thursday, 3 April 2008

Banana, Honey and Oat Muffins

Muffins are almost a healthier option to a cake. I say almost as there is still butter and sugar prevalent, but generally less than a standard cake. They often come with fruit, bran, oats or wholemeal too which ups the healthy stakes.

There is nothing to them; they are easier than making a cake, can be experimented with at will and ready in 30 minutes. The only problem is trying to not eat them all as soon as they come out of the oven, they are so good. 

Banana, Honey and Oat Muffins
Makes 6

175g self raising flour
50g rolled oats
25g bran flakes, crushed
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon
3 ripened bananas, mashed
2 large eggs
50g low fat spread or butter, your choice
100ml runny honey
100ml milk
A handful of walnuts, roughly chopped

1 - Pre-heat the oven to 190 degrees C, GM5.
2 - Sift the flour, baking powder and cinnamon into a bowl. Stir in the oats and bran flakes.
3 - Melt the butter. In another bowl, stir the eggs, butter, honey and milk together. Stir in the banana.
4 - Pour the wet mixture into the flour mixture and beat together with a wooden spoon. Don't worry if it looks lumpy, all will be fine. If the mixture seems a little dry, add a little more milk.
5 - Drop the mixture into greased muffin cases. Sprinkle on a few walnuts. Place onto the middle shelf and bake for 20-30 minutes or until golden brown.
6 - Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly on a wire rack. Eat whilst still warm, amazing.

16 comments:

Rosie said...

Your muffins sound delicious David. To say you haven't made muffins before I would never have known look at your pic, they look perfect!

Rosie x

Peter M said...

David, I'm surprised this is your time making muffins. Weren't they easy?

Sometimes I like to get up 1/2 hour early and surprise everyone with the aroma of muffins to wake everyone up.

They look good and likely to be gone in a day.

Pixie said...

Can't get enough of banana recipes and blueberry muffins are such a wonderful treat.

Abitofafoodie said...

Those look great - I can never get mine as fluffy and risen as I would like. Must keep experimenting...

Ed Bruske said...

David, I make muffins a lot. Especially healthy muffins, using whole grains, dark fruits, and things like applesauce for sweetners instead of refined sugar. We love banana bread, but it had not occurred to me to put bananas in a muffin. Thaks for the inspiration.

aforkfulofspaghetti said...

A cracking first muffin-making effort, David! I think you should start making them to order... ;)

David Hall said...

Rosie - coming from the pudding queen, high praise indeed!

Peter - yes, a big surprise to some I know but its is true!

Pixie - I'm really into banana at the moment too and have a few more to post.

Antonia - get a little sous chef alongside you!

Ed - glad you are inspired.

FOS - think I might make my millions if I do?

Celia Hart said...

Your first, and I'm sure not the last, muffins look terrific.
Once you get the feel of the mixture that works you can really experiment. I now use sunflower oil instead of melted butter and try lots of different fruits and flavourings. The best muffins are usually the ones you make in a hurry! Pear & preserved ginger. Raisins soaked in rum & banana. Blackcurrants. Mashed squash and cinnamon...

Celia :)

Cynthia said...

Okay, I have to admit, my eyes glazed over the rest of the post after I read: ...the good old English muffin, that delicious yeast leavened breakfast bread which is amazing toasted with lots of butter. - I want a recipe for that. Send me please.

William Leigh said...

muffins are so much fun - chop and change them as you will - this one is a definite classic. I'm working on a white chocolate and cardamom one myself!

Coffee and Vanilla said...

Hi,

Congratulations David :)

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Please send me your mailing address so I can send you your prize :)

Have a wonderful weekend, Margot

Susan from Food Blogga said...

Banana-honey muffins are true comfort food for me. I only wish I could bake mine with a sous-chef half as adorable as Cerys.

Chef Jeena said...

David you are so right. This is one healthy muffin recipe, they look so delicious too what a fantastic healthy treat. :-)

Anonymous said...

I love any baked goods with banana's and rolled oats. Tasty and they look great!

Pat said...

David I love muffin recipes and I will give yours a try. I too posted a muffin recipe up this past week. Mine has carrots in it. You can also use Courgettes in muffins. They are much easier to make than cakes.

David Hall said...

Celia - DEFINATELY not my last! Nice tip with the oils, I am going to experiment.

Cynthia - Of course I will! Watch this space.

Wil - as always, yours sounds superb!

Margot - tremendous! I never win anything.

Susan - she ain't always adorable I can tell you! :o)

Jeena - it is going to be a regular one from now on.

Chuck - I agree, oats are soooo good!

Pat - just checked and yours look superior I have to say!

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