High-Protein Banana Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Muffins: A Wholesome Treat for Any Time
Life, especially after a relaxing vacation, often calls for a gentle reset. Recently, my family and I indulged quite a bit—think sun-drenched days in Florida filled with endless restaurant meals and, admittedly, a few too many servings of crispy French fries. That extended into a delightful weekend of feasting with friends, leaving me feeling wonderfully full, but also ready for a shift back towards more balanced choices. The good news? You don’t have to sacrifice flavor or satisfaction when aiming for healthier eating. In fact, these delightful Banana Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Muffins are the perfect, guilt-free way to kickstart a more wholesome routine, proving that delicious and nutritious can absolutely go hand-in-hand.
The Perfect Blend of Flavor and Nutrition
Muffins are a staple in many households, offering a convenient and comforting way to start the day or enjoy a quick snack. However, they can sometimes be laden with excessive fats and sugars. My goal was to create a muffin that not only tastes incredible but also offers genuine nutritional benefits. The combination of ripe bananas, rich peanut butter, and sweet chocolate chips is a classic for a reason – it’s a flavor marriage made in heaven. But what if we could enhance that classic with a protein boost and significantly less fat? That’s exactly what these Banana Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Muffins achieve, making them an ideal choice for a smarter breakfast or a satisfying afternoon pick-me-up.
Discovering the Secret Ingredient: Jif Peanut Butter Powder
The star ingredient that truly elevates these muffins to a “better-for-you” status is Jif Peanut Butter Powder. I was thrilled to discover this innovation from The J.M. Smucker Company. It’s a game-changer, especially for baking. Imagine enjoying all the robust, nutty flavor of traditional peanut butter without the high fat content. Jif Peanut Butter Powder delivers an impressive 7 grams of protein per serving while containing an incredible 85% less fat than its conventional counterpart. This makes it an excellent addition for anyone looking to increase their protein intake and reduce fat, whether it’s in a morning smoothie or, as I found, in baked goods.
For years, I’ve loved experimenting with different muffin recipes, always seeking to balance indulgence with wholesome ingredients. When I realized the potential of peanut butter powder in baking, I knew I had to transform my beloved peanut butter chocolate chip muffins into a healthier version. The natural sweetness and moist texture that mashed bananas bring to muffins perfectly complement the rich, roasted flavor of peanut butter. It’s a duo that’s simply meant to be, and with the added benefit of protein, these muffins become a truly satisfying and nourishing option.
Effortless Baking and Meal Prep Friendly
One of the best aspects of these Banana Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Muffins is how incredibly easy and quick they are to prepare. Seriously, from gathering your ingredients to popping them into the oven, you can have a batch ready to bake in just about 5 minutes! This makes them an ideal choice for busy mornings or when you need a fast, homemade snack. The simple, straightforward steps mean even novice bakers can achieve perfect results every time. You’ll be amazed at how little effort yields such a delicious reward.
Beyond their speedy preparation, these muffins are also fantastic for meal prepping. They freeze exceptionally well, allowing you to bake a large batch and store them for convenient breakfasts or snacks throughout the week. My son, a true muffin enthusiast, absolutely lights up whenever he knows we have a stash in the freezer. He adores the combination of banana and peanut butter, and the addition of chocolate chips? Well, those just make everything infinitely better in his opinion (and I tend to agree!). Having these ready-to-go muffins means a wholesome, kid-friendly breakfast is always just minutes away, a perfect solution for those hectic school day mornings.
Why These Muffins Will Become Your New Favorite
- Protein-Packed: Thanks to Jif Peanut Butter Powder, these muffins offer a significant protein boost, helping you feel fuller and more energized.
- Reduced Fat: Enjoy the full flavor of peanut butter with 85% less fat compared to traditional varieties.
- Naturally Sweetened: Ripe bananas provide natural sweetness and moisture, reducing the need for excessive added sugars.
- Quick & Easy: With only 5 minutes of prep time, these muffins are perfect for busy schedules.
- Freezer-Friendly: Bake a big batch and freeze them for convenient breakfasts and snacks all week long.
- Kid-Approved: The classic combination of banana, peanut butter, and chocolate chips is a guaranteed hit with children.
- Versatile: Ideal for breakfast, a post-workout snack, or a healthier dessert.
If you’re looking for more muffin inspiration, you’re in luck! I’ve shared dozens of delicious muffin recipes over the years. You can explore a collection of 50 Muffins right here on the blog, offering a wide variety of flavors and styles to satisfy every craving. For example, you might enjoy:
- Almond Poppy Seed Muffins by The View from the Great Island
- Skinny Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins
- Tangerine Raspberry Muffins
- Cinnamon Muffins by Taste and Tell
To truly grasp the simplicity of this recipe, be sure to watch my quick video tutorial below. It visually demonstrates just how effortless it is to whip up these fantastic muffins in no time.
Banana Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Muffins
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Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup Peanut Butter Powder
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup banana, mashed (about 2-3 ripe bananas)
- 1 large egg
- 2 Tablespoons canola oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chocolate chips, plus more for sprinkling on top
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or generously spray with non-stick cooking spray. This ensures your muffins won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze.
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In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, salt, peanut butter powder, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, and chocolate chips. Whisk everything together until well distributed. Set this mixture aside.
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In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: mashed banana, egg, canola oil, and vanilla extract until smooth. Pour this wet mixture into the dry flour mixture. Stir gently with a spoon or spatula until the ingredients just start to come together. Avoid overmixing to keep the muffins tender. Finally, pour in the milk and continue stirring until just combined and no dry streaks of flour remain. A few lumps are perfectly fine!
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Divide the batter evenly among the 12 cups of the prepared muffin tin. Fill each cup about two-thirds full.
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For an extra touch of deliciousness and visual appeal, sprinkle a few additional chocolate chips on top of each muffin before baking.
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Bake for 14-16 minutes, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. Remove the muffin tin from the oven and let the muffins cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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Final Thoughts on Your Healthier Baking Journey
Incorporating these Banana Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Muffins into your routine is a simple yet effective way to enjoy delicious, satisfying treats without derailing your health goals. They represent a harmonious balance of indulgence and wholesome nutrition, making them perfect for breakfast, a post-workout snack, or even a light dessert. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy recipe, a way to use up ripe bananas, or a kid-friendly option that you can feel good about, these muffins tick all the boxes. Give them a try, and you might just find your new go-to recipe for a healthier, happier household.
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of JM Smuckers. The opinions and text are all mine.