There’s something about the smell of freshly baked muffins that makes a morning feel just a bit more hopeful. I remember one sleepy Saturday when I pulled these high protein banana nut muffins from the oven. The warmth hit my face first, then the nutty aroma mixed with sweet banana filled the kitchen. I was halfway distracted by the weekend to-do list, but couldn’t resist tearing off a corner of the paper liner. That first bite was soft and dense, with the subtle crunch of walnuts and a hint of cinnamon that lingered perfectly. I wasn’t expecting them to be this satisfying—not just to the taste buds but to my energy levels too. Somewhere between bites, I realized these muffins might just be my new go-to for busy mornings.
Why You’ll Love It:
- They’re packed with protein, which means lasting energy without the usual mid-morning slump.
- The natural sweetness from ripe bananas and honey keeps things balanced, not overly sugary.
- Crunchy walnuts add texture but also a pleasant contrast to the soft crumb.
- It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point. No fancy ingredients or complicated steps.
- They’re made with whole wheat flour, so you’re sneaking in some nutrition effortlessly.
If you’re worried about muffins being dry or crumbly, these stay moist thanks to the applesauce and banana combo. I usually grab one as I’m running out the door, but they’re just as good warmed up with a swipe of nut butter.
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High Protein Banana Nut Muffins
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins 1x
Description
Delicious and nutritious high protein banana nut muffins, perfect for a healthy breakfast or snack. These muffins are moist, packed with ripe bananas, crunchy walnuts, and boosted with protein powder for an extra energy kick.
Ingredients
3 ripe bananas, mashed
2 large eggs
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/4 cup honey
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1/2 cup vanilla protein powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease with cooking spray.
In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth.
Add the eggs, unsweetened applesauce, honey, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas and whisk until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, vanilla protein powder, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
Fold in the chopped walnuts evenly throughout the batter.
Divide the batter evenly among the 12 muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full.
Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
Remove the muffins from the oven and allow them to cool in the tin for 5 minutes.
Transfer the muffins to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Kitchen Notes:
No need for specialized gadgets here—a basic muffin tin and mixing bowls do the job just fine. When I serve these, I often pair them with a simple cup of coffee or herbal tea for a quick breakfast that feels indulgent but fuels me through the morning. Sometimes I swap the walnuts for pecans or toss in a handful of dark chocolate chips just to mix things up, though that’s not always the healthiest move. If you’re in a hurry, these muffins freeze well—just pop one in the microwave for a few seconds and you’re good to go.
FAQ:
Can I use a different protein powder? I haven’t tested all types, but vanilla works best to complement the banana flavor.
Are these suitable for meal prep? Definitely, they keep for a few days in an airtight container and freeze beautifully.
What if I don’t have applesauce? You might use mashed pumpkin or extra banana, but the texture could change a bit.
Give these muffins a try when you want something easy, nourishing, and just a little bit special. They’re worth the few minutes of prep and might just become your new morning ritual.