Strawberry Banana Muffins {Lightened Up}…

In the past month or so I have gotten quite a few emails from readers looking for lightened up baked goods to to serve to their families and friends. If you are a regular reader of my blog, you know that butter, cream cheese and sugar are amongst my best pals, but I figured I would give healthy er…healthier baking a whirl! Contrary to popular belief, I do not eat a ton of desserts…I make a ton of them, but usually just snag a bite for quality control. I do however, love fruit and since fruit is considered healthy, it will more than likely be my go to ingredient for this the Lightened Up series of recipes. I will also try to include nutrional info if at all possible! I totally realize these may not be “healthy” in everyones’ eyes and I am sure they can be made even better for you by adding in some whole wheat flour, flax seeds, etc. However, in comparison to what I usually serve up here, they are definitely lightened up! These turned out fabulous…I loved the way they domed up in the oven and they were surprisingly moist without being too sweet! These muffins would be perfect with your morning cup of coffee or tea and an awesome snack to toss into your kiddo’s lunch box! Have a fabulous day and thanks so much for stopping by!

Prop Info:
Triangular Bowl- TJ Maxx
Napkin- Pier 1
Plate- Target
Muffin Liners- Confectionery House

Strawberry Banana Muffins
yields 6 muffins
Approximate Nutritional Info:
Calories: 217
Fat: 8
Fiber: 1.4
Sugar: 11 grams
Protein: 7 grams

Ingredients
3/4 cup chopped fresh strawberries
1 medium banana; mashed
1/4 cup white sugar
2 tablespoons white sugar
2 tablespoons butter, softened
1 eggs
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract…I used Beanilla Vanilla Paste
3/4 cup and 2 TBS flour
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/8 teaspoon salt

Method
1. In a small bowl, combine the strawberries and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Set aside for 1 hour. Drain, reserving liquid and berries separately.
2. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Grease a 6 cup muffin tin, or line with paper liners.
3. In a medium bowl, cream together the butter and 1/4 cup sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, then stir in the vanilla paste. Combine the flour, baking soda and salt; stir into the creamed mixture alternately with the juice from the berries. Gently stir in the berries. Spoon batter into the prepared muffin cups.
4. Bake for 18-20 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the tops spring back when lightly touched. Cool in the pan on a wire rack.

Notes/Tips…
I always spray my muffin pan and liners with a very light spray of non-stick spray. I poured the batter in almost to the top of the liner and they domed up beautifully without overflowing. I sprinkled the tops of the muffins with coarse sugar before baking. I also baked for 20 minutes to ensure the centers were thoroughly cooked.