The only upside to my failed vegan birthday cake is that it makes my success with these muffin tops even sweeter. Yes, apparently I am not a horrible vegan baker after all. I just needed more practice and the right recipe. This time the recipe came from Celine of Have Cake Will Travel. It was for Banana Nut Chip Muffins and while she states that she is not usually a fan of banana-flavored goodies, banana is my favorite flavor. Period. My original intent was to follow the recipe to the T to ensure baking success, but I started to realize I didn’t have every ingredient on hand so I ended up adapting the recipe and hoping for the best. Thankfully my luck held. I didn’t have any applesauce on hand so I swapped a container of prune baby food (my favorite fat substitute when making chocolate baked goods) and added in 1/3 cup good quality cocoa powder. I omitted the nuts and coconut because I didn’t have any. What resulted was in my opinion the perfect muffin top, vegan or not. It was sinfully chocolatey with lovely complimenting flavors of banana and occasional bites of molten chocolate chips. Best of all, it wasn’t heavy at all, but instead quite moist and light with a lovely crumb. Success is sweet and in this case, quite tasty too. I’m off to Martha’s Vineyard for the weekend so I won’t be experimenting in the kitchen for awhile (although the home we stay at has my dream kitchen). It should be a relaxing long weekend and I’m looking forward to it. My boyfriend’s father does yoga so we may go down to the beach for some early AM yoga. Have a great friday everyone.
Yields 8 muffin tops or 8 regular sized muffins
INGREDIENTS:
-Cooking spray
- 2 bananas
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2/3 cup turbinado surgar or raw sugar
- 1 individual container prune baby food
- 1/4 cup vanilla soy milk
- 1/2 cup canola oil
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 cup brown rice flour
- 1/2 cup white whole wheat flour
- 1/4 cup vegan chocolate chips
- 3 teaspoons arrowroot powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
METHOD:
1. Spray muffin (top) pan with cooking spray, and preheat your oven to 350?F.
2. Break bananas into chunks. In a food processor, process bananas along with sugar, prune baby food, vanilla, soy milk, oil and cocoa powder until smooth.
3. In a large food bowl, combine flours, chocolate chips, arrowroot, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
4. Combine dry and wet ingredients. Do not overmix.
5. Fill muffin pan and bake for approximately 14-16 minutes.
6. Cool on a baking rack for 10 minutes before serving.
{ 15 comments… read them below or add one }
turns out I do love banana-flavored items, after all. who knew? my tastebuds are about as moody as I am.
I’m glad that these worked out for you, and there’s no way that you’re a bad vegan baker, no how. you’re definitely right: all it takes is a bit of practice, indeed.
have a safe trip to M’s V, and enjoy your weekend.
Chocolaty deliciousness!! I love muffin tops, forget the rest of the muffin and let’s get to the good stuff, right?
Have a super relaxing weekend!
Celine – Thanks for the encouragement. We got here safely and will definitely enjoy the weekend.
River – I know. They are my favorite. The pan was such a score.
Sounds like you are going to have a perfect holiday weekend. The muffin tops look great. I love the banana chocolate combination too. ; )
That baby food is a serious good component. Yummy tops!
These look so good! I love banana and chocolate together! Yum-o!
Anali – Yes, it was quite lovely and relaxing thanks. Glad to know I’m not the only one who favors chocolate and banana.
Penny – Thanks for stopping by. The baby food does work surprisingly well.
Vegan Foodie – Thanks.
I love all things banana, too (except for those oddly flavored banana popsicles in electric yellow). Totally adding you to my blogroll…
Monika – Thanks for the add. I am flattered. I hear you on the banana popsicles. My stomach just turned thinking about that.
i had a banana for lunch today!
who doesnt love bananas?
Susan – Thanks for stopping by. I love the new blog.
Mmm, muffin tops! I have a pan I should utilize more often.
muffin tops… hee hee hee. I can only think of seinfeld. though he got it right, the top is the best.
they look awesome!
this looks superb……. great blog
Thank you. They are incredibly luscious.