Good news for all you health-conscious sweet tooths out there! These vegan protein muffins are here to satisfy your cravings without the guilt. Packed with plant-based protein and delicious flavors, they’re perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert.
Why This Recipe Works
- These muffins are loaded with plant-based protein, making them a great post-workout snack or a healthy breakfast option.
- They’re sweetened naturally with maple syrup and bananas, avoiding refined sugars.
- The recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing for numerous variations to suit your taste preferences.
- They’re easy to make with simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
- Perfect for meal prep, these muffins stay fresh and delicious for days.
Ingredients
- 2 cups oat flour
- 1 scoop vegan protein powder (vanilla or chocolate)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup almond milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup dairy-free chocolate chips (optional)
Equipment Needed
- Muffin tin
- Muffin liners or cooking spray
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Oven
Instructions
Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line your muffin tin with liners or spray with cooking spray. This ensures your muffins won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the oat flour, vegan protein powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This combination gives your muffins the perfect rise and texture.
Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, mix the mashed bananas, maple syrup, almond milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. The bananas add natural sweetness and moisture, making these muffins irresistibly soft.
Bring It All Together
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips if using. Overmixing can lead to dense muffins, so keep it light and easy.
Bake to Perfection
Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let them cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Tips and Tricks
For an extra protein boost, consider adding a tablespoon of chia seeds or flaxseeds to the batter. If you’re not a fan of chocolate chips, try blueberries or chopped nuts for a different flavor profile. To ensure your muffins are perfectly moist, don’t overbake them; start checking at the 20-minute mark. For a gluten-free version, make sure your oat flour is certified gluten-free. Lastly, these muffins freeze beautifully, so don’t hesitate to make a double batch!
Recipe Variations
- Swap the chocolate chips for peanut butter chips and add a tablespoon of peanut butter to the wet ingredients for a peanut butter twist.
- Add a teaspoon of cinnamon and a dash of nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a spiced version.
- For a tropical flair, mix in shredded coconut and diced mango.
- Use pumpkin puree instead of bananas and add pumpkin pie spice for a fall-inspired treat.
- Top the muffins with a drizzle of almond butter or a sprinkle of coconut sugar before baking for extra texture and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of flour?
Absolutely! While oat flour gives these muffins a lovely texture, you can experiment with almond flour or whole wheat flour. Just keep in mind that the texture and taste may vary slightly depending on the flour you choose.
How can I make these muffins nut-free?
To make these muffins nut-free, simply replace the almond milk with soy milk or oat milk. Also, ensure that your protein powder and any add-ins are nut-free.
Can I omit the protein powder?
Yes, you can omit the protein powder, but you may need to adjust the amount of flour to achieve the right batter consistency. The muffins will still be delicious, just with less protein.
Summary
These vegan protein muffins are a delicious, healthy, and versatile treat that’s perfect for any time of the day. Easy to make and packed with nutrients, they’re sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.