Mini Banana Apple Bran Muffins

 

 the petit appetit COOKBOOK 

Easy, Organic Recipes to Nurture Your Baby and Toddler 

by Lisa Barnes

Makes 24 Mini Muffins Or 12 Regular Muffins

1 c organic whole wheat flour
1/2 c organic oat bran
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 c (1 stick) unsalted butter
3/4 c organic applesauce or Apple Puree (page 59)
3 medium organic bananas, 1 mashed (about 1/2 c) and 2 sliced
1/2 c packed organic light brown sugar
2 cage-free, organic eggs

Preheat oven to 375 degree.  Grease 24 mini muffin cups or 12 regular muffin cups.

With a fork, combine flour, bran, baking soda, and salt in a small mixing bowl.  Melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat or in a microwave for 25 seconds on High.  In a large bowl, combine melted butter, applesauce, mashed banana, sugar, and eggs.  Mix together with a rubber spatula.  Add flour mixture to applesauce mixture and stir until just blended.  Batter will be lumpy and very moist.

Spoon batter in prepared muffin cups, filling two-thirds full.  Place banana slice on top of each muffin.  Bake for 12 minutes, or until golden brown and set.  Cool muffins in pan on a wire rack for 5 minutes before turning out muffins.

Tip
Pick a test.  Because these muffins are so moist with the mashed bananas and applesauce, the wooden-pick test is difficult.  the center may not come out clean if you hit a chunk of banana.  If you're not sure if they're done, you can always pop one out an take a taste.

*Changes I made.
I used regular flour and unorganic everything.  I didn't have any oat bran in the house, I substituted oat meal.  I tossed in the sliced bananas at the same time the mashed bananas were added to the bowl, no banana decoration on top because I didn't read that part until typing this... oops!  I also added 1/4 cup pecan meal, yum!  I used the regular 12 muffin cup pan and baked them for 18 minutes, perfect.  The muffins are delicious and a hit with the kids.  Enjoy!