Maple Pecan Banana Muffins

Get excited about these muffins.  My mom is, anyway.

These muffins are chock full of amazing things.  Bananas, pecans, and maple syrup, first of all.  They are slightly sweet but not too sweet - they are totally acceptable for breakfast or dessert.  The subtle hint of maple syrup adds some complexity to your everyday banana bread flavor, and the pecans on top give them a great texture.

Second of all, they are actually low fat.    Yes, I mean that.  As in, 142 calories, 4 Weight Watchers Points+, and 5 grams of fat.  How on earth is that humanly possible, you're probably wondering?  Secret ingredients like white whole wheat flour, egg whites, and applesauce.

So, how good are these?  I have made three batches of them so far, most of which my mother has devoured.  She has become obsessed with them and asks me to make them all the time.  I currently have quite a few black bananas, so they might be in her near future.  And they should probably be in yours too.

Recipe:

maple pecan banana muffins
from Skinny Taste
makes 12 servings

Ingredients:
3 medium very ripe bananas
1 1/4 cups white whole wheat flour
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1/4 cup maple sugar (or brown sugar)
2 large egg whites
1/4 cup pre maple syrup
2 tablespoons unsweetened apple sauce
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup crushed pecans

Instructions:

1) Preheat oven to 325 degrees.  Line a cupcake tin with liners.

2) Mash bananas in a bowl, and set aside.  In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt with a wire whisk.  Set aside.

3) In a large bowl, cream butter and 1/4 cup maple sugar with an electric mixer.  Add egg whites, mashed bananas, maple syrup, apple sauce, and vanilla.  Beat at medium speed until mixed well, scraping down sides of the bowl.

4) Add flour mixture, then blend at a low speed until just combined.  Pour the batter into the prepared muffin tin.  Spread the pecans evenly over the muffins.

5) Bake the muffins on the center rack for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.