Ultragrain White Whole Wheat Strawberry Banana Protein Muffins

It’s June.  How did that happen?  The kids are out of school, summer is getting into swing and strawberry socials are on the agenda!  I love this time of year, as it feels like the summer will go on forever!

I like using fresh local ingredients for recipes when I can, so luckily my Amish neighbors have strawberries through this month and they are always amazingly juicy and ripe!  Strawberries are full of vitamin C, potassium and fiber so they pack a nutritious punch!   I decided to improve my muffin game by adding some whole wheat via Ultragrain® to increase the antioxidants and fiber.  In addition, the protein from the whey protein powder and Greek yogurt keeps these little gems satisfying and nutritious!

 

With no added sugar, these muffins can be a great option as you walk out the door for an on-the-go breakfast, a post workout snack to replenish carbohydrates and help resynthesize muscle, or a delicious snack between meals with a bit of strawberry in every bite! 

The key to keeping the muffins moist after adding protein powder is the Greek yogurt.  It helps replace the fat and adds moisture at the same time.   Just be sure not to over-bake the muffins.  Note:  When I do this again I will NOT use the muffin liners.  The pictures look pretty with them, but they were not fun to get off.   I wrote the recipe to include spraying the pan with cooking spray or using another oil agent vs. the liners. 

If you’re anxious to try a new recipe to bring to your summer picnic or get your kids involved in baking, these muffins are a perfect way to get you into the “summer strawberry season” mood!  Enjoy!

Ingredients

·         2 ripe bananas, mashed

·         1 egg, large

·         1/2 cup Greek yogurt, plain & 0% fat

·         1/4 cup low-fat milk

·         2 tsp pure vanilla extract

·         1 1/4 cup Ultragrain® White Whole Wheat Flour

·         1/2 cup whey protein powder, naturally sweetened, plain or vanilla

·         2 tsp baking powder

·         1/8 tsp salt

·         1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced or diced depending on strawberries size

·         Cooking spray

Directions

1.       Preheat oven to 350 F, spray regular size 12 muffin baking pan with cooking spray and dust with flour. Set aside.  Make sure to cover the sides and bottom of each muffin tin completely.

2.       In a medium bowl, mash 2 bananas with a fork until smooth.  Add egg, Greek yogurt, milk and pure vanilla extract.  Mix with a fork until smooth and all wet ingredients are combined. 

3.       In a separate medium bowl, add all dry ingredients:  whole wheat flour, protein powder, baking powder and salt.  Mix with a spoon or spatula to combine all ingredients.

4.       Add dry ingredients to the bowl with wet ingredients and mix just enough to combine.  Do not overmix!  You don't want the gluten starting to form and make the muffins rubbery.  Add strawberries and give a couple of stirs just enough to incorporate the berries into the batter.

5.       Using 1/4 cup measuring spoon distribute the batter evenly among the 12 muffin forms.  Bake for 20 minutes or until the toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.  I recommend checking the muffins for readiness at minute 18 of baking time as ovens vary.  Cool completely before serving.

Storing Instructions:  Store in an air tight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or in a freezer for up to a month.  To defrost, just thaw on a counter for at least 20 minutes.

Nutritional Info

Servings Per Recipe: 12 muffins

Amount Per 1 muffin:
Calories: 100
Total Fat: 1.5 g
Cholesterol: 16.4 mg
Sodium: 181.1 mg
Total Carbs: 16.0 g
Dietary Fiber: 3.0 g
Protein: 8.4 g
Sugars: 3.5 g

Recipe adapted from: http://ifoodreal.com/whole-wheat-strawberry-banana-protein-muffins/

If you missed my race report from Chattanooga 70.3 HERE it is!  I'll be racing Eagleman 70.3 in Cambridge, MD this weekend on Sunday so feel free to follow along at ironman.com under the women's professional field! 

I partner with Ultragrain to bring you these amazing recipes, but the views and opinions are my own! Thank you for supporting great companies that support athletes like me!