Mimi’s Giant Whole Wheat Banana Strawberry Muffins: A Delicious & Healthy Treat!
These aren’t your average muffins! Mimi’s Giant Whole Wheat Banana Strawberry Muffins are a delightful and wholesome treat that combines the goodness of whole wheat flour, ripe bananas, juicy strawberries, and a touch of sweetness. They’re perfect for a quick breakfast, a satisfying snack, or even a guilt-free dessert. This recipe yields generously sized muffins that are packed with flavor and nutrients, making them a favorite for both kids and adults.
## Why You’ll Love These Muffins
* **Healthy and Wholesome:** Made with whole wheat flour, bananas, and strawberries, these muffins are a great source of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
* **Deliciously Moist:** The bananas and a touch of oil keep these muffins incredibly moist and tender.
* **Naturally Sweetened:** Ripe bananas provide natural sweetness, so you can reduce the amount of added sugar.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe is straightforward and simple, perfect for beginner bakers.
* **Customizable:** Feel free to add your favorite nuts, seeds, or chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture.
* **Giant Size:** Each muffin is a satisfying treat that will keep you feeling full and energized.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
* **Dry Ingredients:**
* 2 ½ cups whole wheat flour
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* ½ teaspoon salt
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, but highly recommended)
* **Wet Ingredients:**
* 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2-3 medium bananas)
* ½ cup granulated sugar (can reduce to ⅓ cup for less sweetness)
* ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
* ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
* 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
* 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
* ½ cup milk (or non-dairy milk)
* **Add-Ins:**
* 1 cup chopped fresh strawberries
* Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips
## Equipment You’ll Need
* Large mixing bowl
* Medium mixing bowl
* Whisk
* Spatula
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Muffin tin (preferably a jumbo muffin tin, but a regular one works too)
* Muffin liners (optional, but recommended for easy cleanup)
* Wire rack
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these detailed instructions to create perfectly baked and delicious Mimi’s Giant Whole Wheat Banana Strawberry Muffins.
**Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Muffin Tin**
* Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature ensures even baking and a beautiful golden-brown crust.
* Line a jumbo muffin tin with paper liners. If you don’t have jumbo liners, lightly grease the muffin tin with cooking spray or butter. If you are using a regular sized muffin tin, expect to yield around 18 muffins.
**Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients**
* In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon (if using). Whisking ensures that the ingredients are evenly distributed, which is crucial for the muffins to rise properly.
**Step 3: Prepare the Wet Ingredients**
* In a medium mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your muffins will be. Overripe bananas with brown spots are ideal.
* Add the granulated sugar and brown sugar to the mashed bananas. Whisk until well combined. The sugars will help to sweeten and moisten the muffins.
* Pour in the vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil) and whisk until the mixture is smooth and emulsified. Oil adds moisture and tenderness to the muffins.
* Add the lightly beaten eggs and vanilla extract. Whisk until everything is well incorporated. Eggs provide structure and richness to the muffins, while vanilla extract enhances the flavor.
* Finally, add the milk (or non-dairy milk) and whisk until just combined. Be careful not to overmix at this stage, as overmixing can lead to tough muffins.
**Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients**
* Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients. Use a spatula to gently fold the ingredients together until just combined. It’s important not to overmix the batter. A few streaks of flour are okay at this point.
**Step 5: Add the Strawberries (and Optional Add-Ins)**
* Gently fold in the chopped fresh strawberries. If you’re using any other add-ins like walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips, add them now as well. Be gentle to avoid crushing the strawberries.
**Step 6: Fill the Muffin Cups**
* Using an ice cream scoop or a large spoon, fill each muffin cup about ¾ full. This will allow the muffins to rise properly without overflowing. Since this recipe is for giant muffins, you’ll need to use a generous amount of batter per cup.
**Step 7: Bake the Muffins**
* Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. The baking time may vary depending on your oven and the size of your muffin tin.
* If the muffins are browning too quickly, you can loosely cover the tin with aluminum foil during the last few minutes of baking.
**Step 8: Cool the Muffins**
* Once the muffins are baked, remove the muffin tin from the oven and let the muffins cool in the tin for a few minutes. This will help them to set up and prevent them from sticking to the liners.
* After a few minutes, transfer the muffins to a wire rack to cool completely. This will prevent them from becoming soggy.
**Step 9: Enjoy!**
* These muffins are best enjoyed warm or at room temperature. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They can be reheated in the microwave or oven.
## Tips for Perfect Muffins
* **Use Ripe Bananas:** The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your muffins will be. Overripe bananas with brown spots are perfect for baking.
* **Don’t Overmix the Batter:** Overmixing the batter can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough muffins. Mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined.
* **Use Room Temperature Ingredients:** Using room temperature ingredients, especially the eggs and milk, helps the batter to emulsify properly and results in a more tender muffin.
* **Fill the Muffin Cups Properly:** Fill the muffin cups about ¾ full to allow the muffins to rise properly without overflowing.
* **Check for Doneness:** Use a wooden skewer to check for doneness. Insert the skewer into the center of a muffin. If it comes out clean, the muffins are done.
* **Cool Completely:** Allow the muffins to cool completely before storing them. This will prevent them from becoming soggy.
## Variations and Add-Ins
This recipe is incredibly versatile, and you can easily customize it to your liking. Here are a few ideas for variations and add-ins:
* **Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins:** Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the batter for a classic and irresistible combination.
* **Walnut Banana Muffins:** Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts to the batter for a nutty flavor and added crunch.
* **Pecan Banana Muffins:** Substitute pecans for walnuts for a slightly sweeter and more buttery flavor.
* **Blueberry Banana Muffins:** Replace the strawberries with 1 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries.
* **Cranberry Orange Banana Muffins:** Add ½ cup of dried cranberries and the zest of one orange to the batter for a festive and flavorful twist.
* **Spice It Up:** Add a pinch of nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom to the batter for a warm and cozy flavor.
* **Add Oats:** Add ½ cup of rolled oats to the batter for a heartier and more nutritious muffin.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Substitute the whole wheat flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
* **Make it Vegan:** Replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg) and use non-dairy milk.
## Serving Suggestions
These muffins are delicious on their own, but here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your experience:
* **Warm with Butter:** Spread a pat of butter on a warm muffin for a simple and satisfying treat.
* **With a Dollop of Yogurt:** Top a muffin with a dollop of Greek yogurt or your favorite yogurt for a protein-packed snack.
* **With a Sprinkle of Cinnamon Sugar:** Sprinkle the tops of the muffins with cinnamon sugar before baking for a sweet and crunchy topping.
* **With a Cup of Coffee or Tea:** Enjoy a muffin with your favorite hot beverage for a cozy and comforting breakfast or snack.
* **As a Dessert:** Serve the muffins with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a decadent dessert.
## Storage Instructions
* **Room Temperature:** Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
* **Refrigerator:** Store the muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
* **Freezer:** Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate, per muffin)
* Calories: 250-300
* Protein: 5-7g
* Fat: 10-15g
* Carbohydrates: 35-45g
* Fiber: 3-5g
*Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*
## Conclusion
Mimi’s Giant Whole Wheat Banana Strawberry Muffins are a delightful and wholesome treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With their moist texture, delicious flavor, and customizable nature, they’re sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a batch of these amazing muffins! Enjoy! These muffins are a great way to use up ripe bananas and enjoy a healthier alternative to traditional muffins. The addition of whole wheat flour adds fiber and nutrients, while the strawberries provide a burst of fresh flavor. Feel free to experiment with different add-ins and variations to create your own signature muffin recipe.
This recipe is a testament to the fact that healthy food can also be delicious. These muffins are not only packed with nutrients but also incredibly satisfying and enjoyable. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, a healthy snack, or a guilt-free dessert, these muffins are the perfect choice. The giant size makes them a substantial treat that will keep you feeling full and energized for hours.
The ease of this recipe makes it perfect for beginner bakers. The instructions are clear and straightforward, and the ingredients are readily available. Even if you’ve never baked muffins before, you can easily create a batch of these delicious treats. The versatility of the recipe also allows you to customize it to your liking. You can add your favorite nuts, seeds, or chocolate chips to create a muffin that perfectly suits your taste.
The key to success with these muffins is to use ripe bananas and avoid overmixing the batter. Ripe bananas provide natural sweetness and moisture, while overmixing can result in tough muffins. By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your muffins turn out perfectly every time.
These muffins are also a great way to get kids involved in the kitchen. They can help with measuring ingredients, mashing bananas, and adding the strawberries. Baking together is a fun and educational activity that can create lasting memories.
So, what are you waiting for? Get baking and enjoy a batch of Mimi’s Giant Whole Wheat Banana Strawberry Muffins today! You won’t be disappointed. They’re the perfect combination of healthy, delicious, and easy to make.