RunToTheFinish

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Love Bites: Hazelnut Banana Protein Muffins

The calendar doesn’t lie, Valentine’s Day is approaching whether we’re ready or not.

Browsing the aisles, nothing really seems interesting. Does your husband really want a wooden Love sign? Do you need static cling hearts?

Your crafting skills are feeling a little less than Pinterest worthy with work, life and running keeping you busy.

Been there and heard that! Which is why I am so excited about this fun, super easy way to do something sweet for those you love without sending everyone in to a sugar coma (is that really saying “I love you?!”).Healthy Hazelnut Banana Protein Muffin Recipe - dairy free, gluten free dessert

Hazelnut Banana Protein Muffins

How else would you say I love you than baking something filled with chocolate, protein and healthy ingredients?

And by say I love you, I mean I love you nut butter.

Please don’t ever leave me. I promise to be true and faithful forever, never choosing to eat cow’s butter…only your buttery spready goodness. No other food will ever replace you because you can be used with everything.

I love you on a spoon.
I love you on the moon.
I love you in a soup.
I love you in big scoop.
I love you as a snack.
I love you for being easy to pack.

Plain or flavored you are my favorite and now without further ado here’s one more way that I love you…in a muffin.Healthy Valentine's Day dessert - chocolate protein muffins, dairy free

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Naturally More Hazelnut Spread with Probiotics
  • 1/4 cup Chocolate protein powder (I always opt for pea protein)
  • 1/2 cup ground gluten free oats (may need more depending on consistency)
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 medium bananas
  • 2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup)
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla

Ingredients for Protein MuffinsLet’s talk about this Naturally More Spread because it’s totally new to me and I’m wondering how I missed it. Why have you all been holding out on me?!

Unlike another well known hazelnut spread this one is dairy free!!! WHOOOP. Not only that but they take the stomach love to the next level with probiotics to help aid digestion, improve protein absorption and is more readily absorbed than that in yogurt.

It also contains flax seed, which gives our little treat an added boost of healthy Omega goodness.

Directions

  • Pre-heat oven to 350
  • Combine all ingredients in one bowl
  • Mix together — I use a big ol’ spoon for the arm workout
  • Mix until all clumps are gone
  • Spray muffin pan (or use non-stick)
  • Pour or scoop in to each spot
  • Bake for 20 minutes (smaller heart muffins baked for 15 minutes)

Healhty Hazelnut Chocolate Banana Protein Muffins recipe - dairy free, gluten freeDon’t be afraid to add a little more nut butter love to the top of your muffin as well! I mean you shouldn’t deprive yourself of moments that make your soul sigh with relief. Oh and totally remember to not eat them all, you made these for a loved one remember!

Sports Nutrition

I always like to look at what makes these recipes great for us as athletes too. Here are some of the top reasons:

Hazelnuts: Help reduce LDL (the bad cholesterol), healthy monosaturated fats, Vitamin E for a brain boost and thiamine which helps to create red blood cells.

Flaxseed: Omega-3’s for heart health, fiber for good digestion, ALA fats for great hair and nails, supports the growth of probiotics in the gut.

Bananas: Our favorite cheap source of magnesium!! Also great for runners who get upset stomachs.

Do you bake for Valentine’s?

Are you doing anything fun to celebrate?

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This is a sponsored post on behalf of Naturally More. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  2. Emily says

    Food. Yes. Food is such a perfect way to say, ‘I love you,’ especially when your family doesn’t really want anything. And that Naturally More spread is one that I’ve wanted to try. There’s so much nut butter and so little time!

  3. Susie @ Suzlyfe says

    Is it weird that I think this would be really good in a marinade or sauce for beef or pork? I’m not even a big beef or pork person, but yum.
    Also, I want a muffin, or to spread this loveliness on an English Muffin!

  7. Alisa Fleming says

    Now this is the kind of gift my husband will appreciate. We had our very first date many years ago on Valentine’s Day – I probably should do something :) Now to find a heart silicone mold to make these!

  8. Emily says

    I am loving this hazelnut spread!! I am a guilty lover of that other hazelnut spread, I won’t say the name!!, and eat it in shame because I know it’s no good for me 😉 But I love this version, will have to try in these tasty muffins. Thanks!!

  11. Angelica says

    Gorgeous. I love baking and banana muffins are my absolute favourite. These are much healthier than the recipe I have. Do you think there’s a way to incorporate psyllium husk into this recipe? I want to use up this bag I bought but, whenever I make substitutions, bad things happen. Lol.

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Website written, managed and maintained by Amanda Brooks. I am a certified personal trainer, but any advice should be taken as general information and not a personalized plan. All opinions, tips and reviews are based upon my personal life experience and the experiences of those around me. View my full privacy and review policy.