Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins (with invisible lentils!)

Looking for a sweet treat that’s both delicious and nutritious?

These Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins with hidden lentils are the perfect choice.

These muffins are packed with protein, fiber, and whole ingredients, making them an ideal breakfast, snack, or even a healthy dessert option. Best of all, they’re a great way to sneak in some extra nutrients—without being able to taste it at all. 

Why You’ll Love These Muffins

These muffins are a game changer for mornings and snack time. 

These banana muffins combine the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the richness of chocolate chips, while also incorporating hidden lentils to provide a hearty boost of protein and fiber.

Unlike traditional muffins that can leave you feeling sluggish, these muffins will help stabilize your blood sugar thanks to the fiber and protein content. Choose these muffins as an excellent choice to start your day on the right note-- or fuel you through the afternoon slump.

The Secret Ingredient: Lentils

You might be wondering—how do lentils fit into a chocolate chip banana muffin? The answer is simple: lentils are a nutritional powerhouse that blend seamlessly into baked goods.

Lentils give these muffins moist, hearty texture while adding a healthy dose of protein and fiber. You can choose canned lentils for convenience. This is what I prefer to do. Just make sure to rinse them very well to remove salt and any flavors. You can also cook your own lentils for this recipe.

Regardless of which option you choose, lentils help make these muffins filling, nutritious, AND an awesome choice supporting digestion.

One more bonus? Lentils are rich in tons of important nutrients and minerals like iron, potassium, and B vitamins. These are essential for overall health. And when combined with whole wheat flour, oats, and flax seeds, this muffin recipe becomes a well-rounded, nutrient-packed snack or meal.

Healthy, Whole-Food Ingredients

The Mediterranean Diet believes in using whole-food ingredients (whenever possible) that provide essential nutrients and deliver incredible flavor.

By opting for healthy choices, like avocado oil, flax seeds, and oats, these muffins are a lighter, more wholesome alternative to traditional bakery-style treats.

Here’s a breakdown of what makes these muffins so special:

• Lentils: A great source of protein, fiber, and iron, lentils help keep you feeling full longer and promote good digestion.
• Whole wheat flour: Adds fiber and complex carbs for steady energy and helps keep you full.
• Bananas: Naturally sweet and full of potassium, bananas help balance blood sugar and give these muffins their soft texture.
• Flax seeds: These tiny seeds pack a punch of healthy omega-3 fatty acids and fiber.
• Chocolate chips: The mini chocolate chips are the perfect touch of sweetness without going overboard, and you can adjust the amount to suit your taste.

The Recipe: Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins with Hidden Lentils

Here’s what you will need to make these delicious, healthy muffins:

Ingredients

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked lentils (we like canned for convenience; rinse them very well!)
• 1/4 cup avocado oil
• 2 ripe bananas
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup sugar (you can reduce to 1/4 cup if desired; coconut or white sugar work fine)

Dry Ingredients:

• 2/3 cup whole wheat flour
• 2/3 cup oats (for smoother muffins, blend oats until fine)
• 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (or adjust to your preference)
• 1/4 cup flax seeds
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp baking soda

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease your muffin tin or line it with paper liners.
2. Rinse lentils very well to remove any excess salt or preservatives, if using canned lentils.
3. In a food processor, blend the rinsed lentils, avocado oil, and ripe bananas until smooth.
4. Add in the sugar, vanilla, and egg to the food processor, and blend again until everything is well combined.
5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: whole wheat flour, oats (blended or whole), mini chocolate chips, flax seeds, cinnamon, and baking soda.
6. Pour the wet ingredients from the food processor into the dry ingredients, and mix gently until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix.
7. Spoon the batter into your prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 full.
8. Bake for 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Allow the muffins to cool for a few minutes in the tin before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy!

These muffins are perfect for breakfast with your morning coffee, or as an afternoon snack when you need a little pick-me-up. You’ll love how they satisfy your sweet tooth while also fueling your body with wholesome, nutrient-rich ingredients.

The hidden lentils add a surprising twist, making these muffins a healthy choice that’s just as tasty as they are good for you. 

Tips for Success

• Bananas: Make sure your bananas are nice and ripe! They’ll add the natural sweetness and moisture needed to balance the lentils.
• Oats: If you prefer a smoother muffin texture, blend the oats until fine before adding them to the dry ingredients.
• Sugar: Feel free to reduce the sugar amount or swap for a healthier option like coconut sugar or honey.
• Add-ins: You can customize these muffins by adding other ingredients like nuts or dried fruit for even more flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Chip Banana Muffin recipe with hidden lentils is a delicious, healthy twist on traditional muffins.

With a balance of protein, fiber, and wholesome ingredients, you can enjoy them without the sugar crash that comes with typical baked goods. Whether you’re making them for breakfast, a snack, or as a lunchbox treat, these muffins will become a family favorite in no time.

Enjoy baking and snacking on something that’s as nourishing as it is tasty.