Vegan Banana Nut Muffins (Grab-n-go)

Hey there, and welcome back to my kitchen, where we're baking up some love and goodness to treat ourselves. Today, I'm excited to share my Vegan Banana Nut Muffins recipe! These muffins are moist, flavorful, and packed with wholesome ingredients that'll have you coming back for more. With these blissful Vegan Banana Nut Muffins, you'll be treating yourself to a delicious and nutritious snack or breakfast that's perfect for any time of day. So, gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and let's bake up some joy! Let's dive in......

**Ingredients:**
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup plant-based milk (such as almond or soy milk)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or agave nectar
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

**Instructions:**                                  (**Cook Time:** Approximately 18-20 minutes)

1. **Preheat the Oven:**
   - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease the cups.

2. **Mix Wet Ingredients:**
   - In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, plant-based milk, maple syrup or agave nectar, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Mix well until everything is evenly combined.

3. **Add Dry Ingredients:**
   - Sift in the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in dense muffins.

4. **Fold in Nuts:**
   - Gently fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

5. **Fill Muffin Cups:**
   - Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each cup about two-thirds full.

6. **Bake the Muffins:**
   - Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.

7. **Cool and Enjoy:**
   - Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!

**Health Benefits:**

- **Nutrient-Rich Bananas:** Bananas are rich in potassium, which is essential for maintaining healthy blood pressure and heart function. They also provide vitamin C, vitamin B6, and dietary fiber, promoting digestive health and supporting immune function.

- **Heart-Healthy Nuts:** Walnuts and pecans are packed with heart-healthy fats, including omega-3 fatty acids, which can help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. They also provide protein, fiber, and essential nutrients like magnesium and antioxidants.

- **Plant-Powered Goodness:** These vegan muffins are made with plant-based ingredients, including coconut oil and plant-based milk, which are cholesterol-free and lower in saturated fats compared to traditional dairy and butter. They offer a healthier alternative for those looking to reduce their intake of animal products.

- **Natural Sweeteners:** Maple syrup and agave nectar are natural sweeteners that add sweetness to the muffins without refined sugars. They also provide trace minerals and antioxidants, making them a healthier option compared to white sugar.

Enjoy, 

sincerely Wandra! 🌟