Double Chocolate Banana Almond Mini Muffins

I love when my fellow Chefs, health foodies, and plant forward pioneers make some awesome treats to share. Here is one of my faves. The fact that they are mini, helps with the portions sizes and you can also share ( if you can!)

VEGAN, GLUTEN FREE, DAIRY-FREE

Serves: 24 mini muffins

INGREDIENTS

• Wet Ingredients
  • 3 medium, very ripe bananas
  • ¼ cup melted coconut oil
  • ¼ cup pure maple syrup
  • 1 flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flax + 3 tablespoons water, whisk together, set for 10 mins)   or 1 egg beaten

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients
• 1 cup gluten free oat flour
• ¾ cup almond meal
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ¾ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Add-ins
• ¼ cup vegan mini chocolate chips
• ¼ cup sliced almonds, chopped
Optional for topping
• 1 tablespoon each: vegan chocolate chips and sliced almonds, chopped

 INSTRUCTIONS
• Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 24-cup mini muffin pan with mini muffin liners.

• Add peeled bananas to a large mixing bowl. Using a sturdy whisk or fork, mash bananas until smooth. Add coconut oil, maple syrup, flax egg, and vanilla. Whisk until well incorporated.

• Add the dry ingredients: oat flour, almond meal, cocoa powder, baking powder, and baking soda. Whisk together until just incorporated, making sure no flour patches remain.

• Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop batter evenly into muffin cups (about 2 tablespoons of batter per muffin). Optional: sprinkle chocolate chips and almonds on top of the muffins.

• Bake for 16-24 minutes. Mine took 19 minutes. Allow to cool on a cooling rack for about 1 hour. Lift out and enjoy!

Baked Apple Crumble

This Baked Apple Crumble is the perfect way to enjoy the sweetness of fall apples. It is dairy and gluten free to give it an extra healthy twist.

Ingredients:

4 large apples, peeled and sliced
2 tbsp maple syrup
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup rolled oats (gluten-free)
¼ cup almond flour
¼ cup coconut oil, melted ( or melted Vegan butter)
2 tbsp chopped pecans (optional)

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350°F. In a bowl, mix apple slices with 1 tablespoon of maple syrup, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Place apples in a baking dish. In a separate bowl, combine oats, almond flour, coconut oil 9 or butter), remaining maple syrup, and pecans. Sprinkle the crumble mixture over the apples. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and apples are tender.

WBB Pro Tip: Serve warm with a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Pumpkin Pie Energy Bites

These no-bake, pumpkin-flavored energy bites are a quick and healthy Fall snack or dessert!

Ingredients:

1 Cup quick rolled oats

1/4 cup pumpkin puree

1/4 cup almond butter

2 tablespoons maple syrup

2 tablespoons roasted pumpkin seeds ( pepitas)

1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

2 tablespoons chia seeds

Instructions:

In a bowl, mix all ingredients together until well combined. Roll the mixture into bite-sized balls. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Store in the fridge for up to one week.

Pro Tip: For extra crunch, roll the bites in crushed nuts, seeds, or shredded coconut.