If your household is anything like mine there is a never ending supply of half eaten (or just one bit taken out) mushy bananas that someone insisted they desperately needed to be bought but then decided they didn't like anymore (toddlers.... am I right?!).
They may not look the prettiest but mushy bananas are brilliant for baking, smoothies and a variety of sweet treats thanks to the extra flavour that ripeness brings.
This classic Apple Banana Muffin is one of the best ways to use up over ripe bananas and gets extra points for being baby lead weaning friendly (reduce or remove the sugar for 6-12m old bubbas), toddler approved and freezer safe - not that they ever last long enough in my house to make it to the freezer.
And as always, we're huge advocates for getting kids involved the kitchen. There's so many elements of this recipe that mini masterchefs can get involved with:
- Mashing the banana
- Tipping ingredients into the bowl
- Pouring milk
- Putting the muffin papers in the tray
- Mixing ingredients
- Even cracking the eggs for older toddlers!
Here's what you'll need:
1 apple grated
1 very ripe banana mashed
2 cups self-raising flour
125 butter - melted
3/4 cup milk of choice
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 egg
1 tbs cinnamon
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C and line a muffin tin with paper cases or grease it lightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated apple, mashed banana, melted butter, milk, brown sugar, egg, and cinnamon. Mix well.
- Gradually add the self-raising flour to the mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each case about two-thirds full.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely (if you can wait that long!)
Make this a fun activity for your toddler!
Getting toddlers involved in preparing food is one of the best ways to develop a healthy relationship with food. Whether it be reducing picking eating or giving a low pressure opportunity to try new foods, cooking with your littlie is one of the best activities you can do with them. And plus - you get yummy muffins at the end!
Yes it's messy (nothing a Messy Mat and Toddler Apron can't help with though) yes it takes a million times longer but TRUST ME it's worth it! And there is always an adorable moment or two so get your phone out and capture those gorgeous memories! (PRO TIP: a Toddler Apron is guaranteed to make those photos even cuter - just sayin'!)
Ready to create some unforgettable baking memories with your toddler? Grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and head to the kitchen!
Let's make baking time a fun and interactive experience for you and your little one. Happy baking!
