Chocolate Banana Muffins

I love everything about cooking, but what I really LOVE is baking.  When I'm stressed, want to relax, am bored, or want to do something nice for someone.. I bake.  The diet I've been on to help determine what I'm allergic to doesn't include any kind of sugar, so not baking for the past month has been pretty tough on me.  I  made an exception one day last week when all of us had to be at work early, and I thought I would treat my co-workers to some breakfast muffins.  Although these do have sugar in them, they're a healthier muffin, and very delicious!

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.  Line a muffin tin with baking cups and set aside.  In a large bowl mash the bananas with a fork.  Then mix in the sugar, egg and applesauce.  

Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, salt, baking soda, and baking powder over the banana mixture.  Mix lightly with a rubber spatula to combine.

Fold in the chocolate chips.  The batter should be just moistened but still a little clumpy.

Using a ice cream scoop, divide the batter into the prepared muffin cups.  Bake them for around 18 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.  Transfer them to a rack to cool.

You wouldn't know that these were low fat muffins until I told you.. they're soft and sweet and the chunks of banana and chocolate are so tasty.  What a great way to start your morning!

Chocolate Banana Muffins

12 servings

Adapted from Handle the Heat

3 large bananas

3/4 cup sugar

1 large egg

1/3 cup unsweetened apple sauce

1/2 cup whole wheat flour

1/2 cup all purpose flour

1/2 cup cocoa powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.  

Line a muffin tin with baking cups and set aside.

In a large bowl, mash the bananas with a fork.

Mix in the sugar, egg, and applesauce.

Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, salt, baking soda and baking powder over the banana mixture.

Mix lightly with a rubber spatula.

Fold in chocolate chips.

Divide batter between the prepared muffin cups and bake for around 18 minutes. 

Transfer to a wire rack to cool, and enjoy!