Name: Whole Wheat Banana Lentil Muffins Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 22 min
Total time: 32 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 large eggs; ⅓ cup (78.86 ml) maple syrup or honey; ¼ cup (50 g) plain Greek yogurt, low fat or full fat; ¼ cup (59.15 ml) avocado oil or neutral oil; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 ¼ cup (252 grams) ripe, mashed bananas (about 2 large bananas); 1 cup (185 grams) cooked red lentils, cooled and well drained (green or brown lentils also work); 1½ teaspoons cinnamon; ½ teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 ¼ cups (145 grams) whole wheat flour; ¼ cup (45 g) mini chocolate chips, plus extra for topping (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 77 reviews

If you love the idea of a wholesome, subtly sweet treat that’s packed with nutrition and flavor, then you are going to adore this Whole Wheat Banana Lentil Muffins Recipe. These muffins perfectly balance the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and maple syrup with the hearty texture brought by whole wheat flour and red lentils. They’re moist, tender, and just a little indulgent with mini chocolate chips, making them a delightful snack or breakfast choice packed with protein and fiber. Once you try this recipe, you’ll have a go-to muffin that feels both comforting and nourishing in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows an arrangement of various raw ingredients on a white marbled surface. There are two whole bananas and two brown eggs placed near a white bowl filled with small yellow lentils. Above this, a wooden bowl holds a light beige flour, while three smaller wooden bowls contain white powders of different kinds, likely baking powder, baking soda, and salt. A clear glass bowl with honey and another with a clear liquid are also present. A white bowl filled with small dark chocolate chips sits near a small white cup with reddish-brown liquid, and a clear glass cup holds a white creamy substance. All items are neatly spaced and photographed from above. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Simple, wholesome ingredients are the magic behind this recipe. Each one plays a special role, bringing incredible texture, flavor, and nutritional goodness to the muffins.

Eggs: These bind the ingredients and add richness to the muffins’ crumb.
Maple syrup or honey: Provides natural sweetness without overpowering the bananas.
Greek yogurt: Adds moisture and a subtle tang while keeping the muffins soft.
Avocado oil or neutral oil: Keeps the muffins tender and moist without a heavy feel.
Vanilla extract: Infuses a lovely aroma and depth of flavor.
Ripe mashed bananas: The star of the show, offering natural sweetness and moisture.
Cooked red lentils: Boosts protein and fiber, making these muffins extra satisfying.
Cinnamon: Adds warmth and a gentle spice note that pairs beautifully with banana.
Baking soda and baking powder: Ensure the muffins rise beautifully and stay fluffy.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors without being salty.
Whole wheat flour: Gives structure and a wholesome heartiness to the muffins.
Mini chocolate chips: Add little pockets of indulgence with every bite.

How to Make Whole Wheat Banana Lentil Muffins Recipe

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a striped cloth napkin beside it. Inside the bowl, there is a thick yellowish batter at the bottom, topped by a layer of light brown flour, and sprinkled with small dark brown chocolate chips spread unevenly. A woman's hand is holding a wooden spatula with a flat metal edge, mixing the ingredients gently in the bowl. Above the bowl, two small white bowls rest on the surface, one filled with more chocolate chips and the other with white powder, likely flour. The scene is brightly lit with soft natural light. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Muffin Tin

Start by preheating your oven to 350℉. This ensures a nice, steady temperature when you’re ready to bake. Line a 12-hole muffin tin with liners to keep the muffins from sticking and to make cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Blend the Wet Ingredients

In a blender, combine the eggs, maple syrup (or honey), avocado oil, Greek yogurt, vanilla extract, mashed bananas, and cooked lentils along with cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Placing the wetter ingredients at the bottom helps the blender work more efficiently, giving you a beautifully smooth batter.

Step 3: Mix in the Dry Ingredients

Pour the blended mixture into a medium mixing bowl. Sprinkle in the whole wheat flour and mini chocolate chips, then gently fold them in until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the muffins dense instead of delightfully tender.

Step 4: Fill the Muffin Tin and Add Toppings

Divide the batter evenly amongst your muffin liners. For a pretty touch and extra chocolatey goodness, sprinkle some more mini chocolate chips on top of each muffin before baking.

Step 5: Bake and Check for Doneness

Bake the muffins for 20 to 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. If you have a kitchen thermometer, aim for an internal temperature of 200℉ to ensure perfectly cooked muffins without overbaking.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Let your muffins cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step allows them to set properly and keeps them from becoming soggy.

How to Serve Whole Wheat Banana Lentil Muffins Recipe

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a light spread of nut butter can elevate these muffins beautifully. If you want to add a little extra flair, sliced bananas or a drizzle of honey make wonderful garnishes.

Side Dishes

These muffins pair perfectly with a warm cup of coffee or tea. For a fuller breakfast, serve alongside a fresh fruit salad or a small bowl of yogurt topped with granola to add crunch and creaminess.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the muffins in half and making mini banana lentil sandwich melts with a smear of peanut butter or cream cheese. These muffins also freeze well, so presenting them in a picnic basket with other wholesome snacks makes for a charming and healthy adventure-ready treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This keeps them fresh and moist so you can enjoy the wholesome goodness throughout the week.

Freezing

These muffins freeze wonderfully. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer bag, then freeze for up to one month. This is perfect for having a quick, nutritious snack ready whenever you need it.

Reheating

When you’re ready to eat, simply remove a muffin from the freezer and warm it in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds or in a toaster oven until heated through. They taste just as delightful as when freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use green or brown lentils instead of red lentils?

Absolutely! While red lentils are preferred for their soft texture and sweetness, green or brown lentils work well too. Just make sure they are cooked, cooled, and well drained before adding to the batter.

Do these muffins taste like lentils?

Not at all. The lentils blend seamlessly with the bananas and spices, adding nutrition without a strong lentil taste. The mini chocolate chips also mask any subtle earthiness for a delicious muffin experience.

Can I substitute the whole wheat flour?

Whole wheat flour gives these muffins their hearty texture and nutty flavor, but you can substitute with all-purpose flour for a lighter muffin. Keep in mind the texture and nutritional profile will be slightly different.

Is it necessary to use a blender?

Using a blender creates a smooth batter that helps incorporate the lentils perfectly. If you don’t have one, you can finely mash the bananas and lentils and mix the wet ingredients thoroughly by hand, but the texture might be a bit chunkier.

How ripe should the bananas be?

For the best flavor and sweetness, use very ripe bananas with lots of brown spots. They mash easily and lend a natural sweetness that complements the other ingredients wonderfully.

Final Thoughts

Whipping up this Whole Wheat Banana Lentil Muffins Recipe is like giving yourself a little hug through food. They’re wholesome, satisfying, and easy to make, perfect for busy mornings or a nourishing snack. Once you try them, they’re sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire—give them a go and delight in every wholesome bite!