There’s something truly heartwarming about the aroma of freshly baked muffins filling my kitchen, especially when those muffins are as nutritious as they are delicious. Enter my Hearty Butternut Squash-Banana Blender Muffins—a delightful surprise I whipped up on a lazy Sunday morning. When my pantry turned out to be bursting with butternut squash and ripe bananas, I thought, why not blend them together for a wholesome treat?
This recipe checks all the boxes: it’s simple, packed with flavor, and the perfect way to sneak in some extra veggies. Plus, with just one quick spin in the blender, you’ll have a batter that’s ready to pour into your muffin tin in no time. Whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast, a snack, or even a guilt-free dessert, these muffins are bound to become a staple in your home. Let’s dive in and discover the comforting taste of these muffins that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Why are Butternut Squash-Banana Blender Muffins a must-try?
Delightful combination: The fusion of sweet bananas and earthy butternut squash gives these muffins a unique depth of flavor that your taste buds will adore.
Quick and easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, this simple recipe requires minimal effort and cleanup—perfect for even the busiest mornings!
Health-conscious treat: Packed with nutrient-rich ingredients, these muffins offer a guilt-free indulgence that’s both satisfying and wholesome.
Versatile option: Enjoy them as a breakfast staple, an afternoon snack, or even a sweet treat after dinner!
Crowd-pleaser: These muffins are sure to impress family and friends, making them a perfect addition to any brunch or gathering. Don’t forget to check out my guide on easy healthy snacks for more ideas!
Butternut Squash-Banana Blender Muffins Ingredients
For the Muffin Batter
• Rolled oats – the base for these muffins, making them hearty and filling.
• Cinnamon – adds warm, comforting flavors that complement the sweetness of the bananas beautifully.
• Nutmeg – a hint of nutmeg rounds out the earthy flavors of the butternut squash.
• Baking powder – ensures your muffins rise and become light and fluffy.
• Baking soda – works with the baking powder for the perfect texture.
• Salt – balances the sweetness of the other ingredients.
• Eggs – help bind everything together while adding protein to the mix.
• Ripe and mashed banana – brings natural sweetness and moisture to the muffins.
• Butternut squash puree – sneaks in some veggies, making these muffins not just delicious but also nutritious!
• Olive oil – keep the muffins moist and adds healthy fats.
• Maple syrup – a touch of sweetness that harmonizes well with the flavors of the muffins.
• Vanilla extract – enhances the overall taste, ensuring each bite is delightful.
Feel free to explore this recipe and enjoy a healthy twist on the classic muffin with these Butternut Squash-Banana Blender Muffins!
How to Make Butternut Squash-Banana Blender Muffins
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Preheat your oven to 375℉ and line a 12-hole muffin tin with liners. This ensures a perfect bake and helps with easy removal later.
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Combine the rolled oats, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in your blender. Pulse several times until you achieve a fine, flour-like texture—this will be the base of your muffin mix!
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Add the ripe mashed banana, butternut squash puree, eggs, vanilla extract, olive oil, and maple syrup into the blender. Blend until well combined, scraping down the sides to include every sweet morsel.
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Portion out the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each liner about ¾ full. For a fun twist, you can top the muffins with chocolate chips, a sprinkle of brown sugar, or a thin slice of banana.
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Bake for 20-22 minutes or until the muffins are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. You’ll know they’re ready when they smell heavenly!
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Cool the muffins in the tin for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. Let them cool for 15 minutes before indulging—a little patience makes all the difference!
Optional: Drizzle with a touch of honey for extra sweetness!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Butternut Squash-Banana Blender Muffins
Fridge: Store leftover muffins in an airtight container for up to 5 days. This keeps them fresh and moist, ready for your next snack or breakfast.
Freezer: For longer storage, individually wrap muffins in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to a month without losing flavor.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. Your Butternut Squash-Banana Blender Muffins will taste like they just came out of the oven!
What to Serve with Butternut Squash-Banana Blender Muffins?
Creating a delicious, well-rounded meal means pairing these hearty muffins with the perfect accompaniments.
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Greek Yogurt: A dollop of creamy Greek yogurt adds a tangy contrast and extra protein, making for a delightful breakfast.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: The brightness of citrus and sweet berries enhances the muffins and keeps your meal fresh and colorful!
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Honey Drizzle: A light drizzle of honey over your muffins elevates their natural sweetness and creates a lovely, sticky texture.
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Nut Butter Spread: Rich almond or peanut butter pairs wonderfully, adding creaminess and healthy fats to complement the flavors of the muffins.
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Smoothie: A light, fruity smoothie made with spinach and berries complements the muffins beautifully, offering added nutrition and flavor!
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Coffee or Herbal Tea: Enjoy these muffins with a warm cup of brewed coffee or a soothing herbal tea for a comforting morning experience.
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Oatmeal Bowl: For a heartier meal, serve with a warm bowl of oatmeal topped with nuts and fruits for extra texture and health benefits.
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Maple-Cinnamon Granola: Crunchy granola sprinkled on top or served on the side introduces a delightful contrast and a nutty flavor party!
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Almond Milk: Serve with a refreshing glass of almond milk for a light, nutty complement that pairs beautifully with the muffin’s flavor.
These pairings promise to enhance your muffin experience and create a lovely spread that brings smiles to the breakfast table!
Make Ahead Options
These Butternut Squash-Banana Blender Muffins are a fantastic choice for meal prep, saving you time on busy mornings! You can prepare the muffin batter up to 24 hours in advance by blending all the ingredients together and storing the batter in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This helps preserve the flavors while keeping the muffins light and fluffy. When you’re ready to bake, simply scoop the chilled batter into your prepared muffin tin and pop it in the oven. For optimal freshness, bake them right before serving, as they’ll come out just as delicious and fragrant as if made on the spot! Enjoy the ease of having these wholesome treats ready to go whenever you need a quick breakfast or snack!
Tips for the Best Butternut Squash-Banana Blender Muffins
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Use Ripe Bananas: Ripe bananas are sweeter and more flavorful, contributing to the natural sweetness of your muffins. Look for bananas with plenty of spots on the peel.
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Don’t Overfill: Fill the muffin liners about ¾ full to allow room for rising. Overfilling can cause the muffins to overflow and stick to the tin.
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Measure Ingredients: Ensure accurate measurements for the dry and wet ingredients to achieve the perfect texture. Too much liquid can lead to soggy muffins.
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Cool Properly: Allow muffins to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. This helps set their shape and prevents them from becoming too moist.
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Customize Your Muffins: Feel free to add nuts, seeds, or dried fruit for added texture and flavor. These additions can elevate your Butternut Squash-Banana Blender Muffins even more!
Butternut Squash-Banana Blender Muffins Variations
Feel free to get creative and personalize these delightful muffins to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute rolled oats with certified gluten-free oats or use a gluten-free flour blend for a safe and delicious option.
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Vegan: Replace the eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water (1 tablespoon flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg) for a plant-based alternative.
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Nutty Twist: Fold in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to add a wonderful crunch and extra nutrition.
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Choco-Lover’s: Stir in ½ cup of dark chocolate chips, melting hearts and elevating the flavor profile to a scrumptious level.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of cayenne-infused oil to bring a delightful fiery zing that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness.
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Savory Style: Swap out the maple syrup for honey and add a sprinkle of crumbled feta or goat cheese for a unique savory muffin experience.
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Berry Boost: Toss in 1 cup of fresh or frozen berries, like blueberries or cranberries, for an added burst of fruity flavor in every bite.
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Change the Oil: Instead of olive oil, try using melted coconut oil to introduce a hint of tropical flavor while keeping the muffins moist.
Let your imagination run wild in the kitchen, and enjoy the comforting embrace of these heartwarming muffins!
Butternut Squash-Banana Blender Muffins Recipe FAQs
How do I know if my bananas are ripe enough?
Absolutely! Ripe bananas are key to achieving that perfect sweetness in your muffins. Look for bananas with a yellow peel that has plenty of brown spots. If they’re too green, they won’t provide the same flavor; if they’re too brown, they can be overly sweet and may affect the muffin’s texture.
How should I store my leftover muffins?
Very! To keep your Butternut Squash-Banana Blender Muffins fresh, place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. This will help retain their moisture and flavor. You can also layer them between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking!
Can I freeze the muffins? If so, how?
Absolutely! To freeze your muffins, wrap each one individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months! When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.
What if my muffins don’t rise properly?
No worries! If your Butternut Squash-Banana Blender Muffins don’t rise, it could be due to expired baking powder or baking soda. Always make sure to check the dates on your leavening agents and remember to mix them well with the dry ingredients before blending! Additionally, be sure not to overmix the batter as this can lead to denser muffins.
Are these muffins safe for my dog to eat?
Very! While the ingredients in Butternut Squash-Banana Blender Muffins are mostly safe for dogs, be cautious with anything containing added sugars such as maple syrup or chocolate chips. It’s best to provide small pieces without these additions as a treats and always consult your vet if you’re unsure.
Can I substitute any ingredients for allergy considerations?
Absolutely! If you have gluten sensitivities, you can swap out rolled oats for certified gluten-free oats. For egg allergy substitutions, try using flaxseed meal: mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water, let it sit for a few minutes, and use it as a replacement for one egg. This will ensure you enjoy the muffins while accommodating dietary restrictions!
Ultimate Butternut Squash-Banana Blender Muffins Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375℉ and line a 12-hole muffin tin with liners.
- Combine the rolled oats, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in your blender.
- Add the ripe mashed banana, butternut squash puree, eggs, vanilla extract, olive oil, and maple syrup into the blender.
- Portion out the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each liner about ¾ full.
- Bake for 20-22 minutes or until the muffins are golden brown.
- Cool the muffins in the tin for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.