Baking Perfection: Banana Cream Cheese Muffins Made Simple

Craving a sweet treat that fits your healthy lifestyle? Look no further than Banana Cream Cheese Muffins! These muffins are the perfect combination of moist banana goodness and creamy, tangy cream cheese filling, making them a delightful addition to breakfast or an indulgent snack. Best of all, they’re portion-controlled and aligned with Weight Watchers points, so you can enjoy them guilt-free.

Ingredients

For the Muffin Batter:

• 1 1/2 cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3 medium bananas)
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/4 cup sugar substitute (like Stevia or Monk Fruit)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• 4 oz light cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons sugar substitute
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

1. In a small bowl, combine the light cream cheese, sugar substitute, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and creamy.
2. Transfer the cream cheese mixture to a piping bag or small resealable bag with a corner cut off. Set aside.

Make the Muffin Batter

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray.
2. In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas until smooth.
3. Add the egg, applesauce, sugar substitute, and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.

Assemble the Muffins

1. Fill each muffin cup halfway with the banana batter.
2. Pipe or spoon about 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese filling into the center of each muffin.
3. Top with more banana batter, filling the cups about 3/4 full.

Bake

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the edge of the muffin (not the cream cheese center) comes out clean.
2. Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutritional Information

(Per Muffin)

• Calories: ~120
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fat: 3g
• Fiber: 2g
• WW Points: ~3-4 (varies by plan and specific ingredients)

Why You’ll Love These Muffins

1. Perfectly Portioned: Each muffin is a single serving, making it easy to track your points.
2. Moist and Flavorful: The natural sweetness of bananas keeps these muffins moist without needing excess sugar.
3. Creamy Surprise: The cream cheese filling adds a delightful contrast to the fluffy banana batter.
4. Healthy Ingredients: By using unsweetened applesauce and sugar substitutes, these muffins are lower in calories and points.

Tips for Success

• Use Ripe Bananas: Overripe bananas with brown spots will give the best flavor and sweetness.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter just until the dry ingredients are incorporated to ensure soft and tender muffins.
• Chill the Filling: If the cream cheese filling becomes too soft to pipe, refrigerate it for a few minutes to firm up.
• Storage: Store the muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving.

Serving Suggestions

• Enjoy with a cup of hot coffee or tea for a cozy morning treat.
• Pair with a small serving of fresh fruit for a light and balanced breakfast.
• Dust the tops lightly with powdered sugar substitute for a touch of elegance.

These Banana Cream Cheese Muffins are the perfect combination of healthy and indulgent. They’re easy to make, packed with natural flavors, and satisfying enough to keep you on track with your goals. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or looking for a crowd-pleasing treat, these muffins are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.