Banana date muffins are a delightful treat that perfectly combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the rich, caramel-like flavour of dates. These muffins are not only delicious but also dairy-free, making them a perfect option for those with dietary restrictions or anyone looking for a healthier alternative to traditional muffins.
Makes 18 muffins | Prep 45 minutes
Ingredients
To make these delicious muffins, you will need the following ingredients:
- 125 ml (½ cup) coconut oil, melted
- 60 ml (¼ cup) maple syrup
- 3 dates
- 3 eggs
- 3 small very ripe bananas
- 60 ml (¼ cup) coconut milk
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground cardamom
- 190 g (1¾ cups) white spelt flour
Method
Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F) and line a muffin tray with We Might Be Tiny Muffin Cups for easy removal and serving.
Begin by soaking the dates in hot water for a few minutes to soften them. Once softened, drain the dates and add them to a high-speed food processor along with the melted coconut oil, maple syrup, eggs, ripe bananas, and coconut milk. Blend the mixture until smooth and well combined.
Next, add the baking soda, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and ground cardamom to the mixture in the food processor. Blend for a few more seconds until all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
Finally, add the white spelt flour to the mixture and blend briefly until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in tough muffins.
Spoon the muffin batter evenly into the prepared muffin cups, filling each cup about two-thirds full. Bake the muffins in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the centre of a muffin comes out clean.
Once baked, remove the muffins from the oven and allow them to cool slightly in the muffin tray before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. These muffins can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
These banana date muffins are perfect for breakfast, as a snack, or even as a dessert. They are moist, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. Plus, they are dairy-free, making them a great option for anyone with dietary restrictions.
So why not give this banana date muffin recipe a try? You won't be disappointed!
Ways to encourage your tiny chefs
Getting kids involved in making the banana date muffins can be a fun and educational experience! Here are some ideas to get them engaged:
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Mashing Bananas: Kids can help mash the ripe bananas in a bowl using a fork or potato masher. This is a simple task that can help them develop their fine motor skills.
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Measuring Ingredients: Let the kids help measure out the dry and wet ingredients, such as flour, baking soda, dates, and milk. This can help them practise their math skills and learn about different ingredients.
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Mixing Batter: Kids can help mix the mashed bananas, eggs, and other wet ingredients together in a bowl. This can be a fun and messy activity for them.
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Adding Mix-Ins: If you're adding any mix-ins, such as chopped nuts or chocolate chips, kids can help add them to the batter and gently fold them in.
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Scooping Batter: Show the kids how to scoop the batter into the muffin cups using a spoon or cookie scoop. This can help them develop their hand-eye coordination.
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Decorating Muffins: After baking, kids can help decorate the muffins with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of honey. This adds a fun finishing touch to the muffins.
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Cleaning Up: Involve the kids in washing dishes and tidying up the kitchen after cooking. This teaches them the importance of cleaning up after themselves.
Overall, getting kids involved in the kitchen can help them develop important life skills, learn about healthy eating, and create lasting memories with you.
Looking for more delicious recipes that are free from dairy and other common allergens? Check out our other recipes in our 'free from' series, including gluten-free, egg-free, soy-free and nut-free options. From breakfast to dessert, we've got you covered with tasty and allergy-friendly recipes the whole family will love!
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