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Banana Oatmeal Muffins for Toddlers (Perfect for Little Hands) - Soft, Simple, and Nutritious

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 28 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large very ripe bananas (the spottier, the better)
  • 2 large eggs (or 2 flax eggs for egg-free: 2 tbsp ground flaxseed + 5 tbsp water, rested 5 minutes)
  • 1/3 cup plain unsweetened yogurt (dairy or non-dairy)
  • 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter or neutral oil
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp maple syrup or honey (optional; skip for under age 1 if using honey)
  • 1 cup quick oats or rolled oats (use quick oats for a softer crumb)
  • 3/4 cup whole wheat flour (or oat flour for gluten-free, see Alternatives)
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt
  • Optional add-ins: 1/3 cup blueberries, 1/3 cup finely grated carrot or zucchini (squeezed dry), 2 tbsp mini chocolate chips (for older kids)

Method
 

  1. Prep your pan: Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a mini muffin tin or line with paper liners. This recipe makes about 24 mini muffins or 10–12 standard muffins.
  2. Mash the bananas: In a large bowl, mash bananas with a fork until mostly smooth. A few small lumps are fine.
  3. Whisk in wet ingredients: Add eggs, yogurt, melted butter or oil, vanilla, and maple syrup or honey (if using). Whisk until well combined.
  4. Add dry ingredients: Sprinkle oats, flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt over the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Fold in extras: If using blueberries, grated carrot, or other add-ins, fold them in now. Batter will be thick.
  6. Portion the batter: Spoon batter into the muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full for even domes.
  7. Bake: Bake mini muffins for 12–15 minutes and standard muffins for 16–20 minutes. They’re done when a toothpick comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  8. Cool: Let muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.
  9. Serve to toddlers: For young toddlers, cut muffins into halves or quarters. Offer water on the side.