Making a healthier Muffin, will this work?

[Jeni78]

I changed this muffin recipe around to be more healthful. Do you think it will work? Applesauce for the oil and honey for the sugar.

1 C wheat flour
1 T baking powder
1/2 t baking soda
1/8 t salt
1 C mashed banana
1/4 C unsweetened applesauce
1 large egg
1/2 t vanilla
1/4 C honey

[Katie E]

I've used applesauce instead of shortening/oil in many recipes for baked goods. The honey should work but, the only question I would have, since the honey is more of a liquid ingredient, it may have an impact on the texture. Just me, but someone else will most likely come along and offer more thorough advice.

[Adillo303]

Originally Posted by Katie E

someone else will most likely come along and offer
more thorough advice.

I don't know about thorough, but, liquid balance is most important. I do not know the original recipie. You have to maintain the dry to wet ratio to get the same texture.

[Alix]

You should be OK. Add a little more flour if it looks too goopy. Be warned though, that is going to be one HEAVY muffin. It also will likely not weather well. They will need to be eaten within a day or so.

[Jeni78]

Do you mean dense by "heavy?"

I am planning to use them Saturday morning.

[Alix]

Yes I mean very dense, chewy and they will feel heavy, not light and airy.

If you are making them for Saturday I would wait til Saturday morning and serve them fresh. They won't stand up to a few days in a tupperware container. They'd be lovely warm served with a little honey.

[bethzaring]

Hi Jeni78, I'm one of the original health nuts here, and I recommend using white sugar instead of honey. There really is no health advantage to using honey, and some disadvantages, cooking wise. I also have a personal bias against using a large amount of baking powder. I am looking at a whole grain muffin recipe that calls for 2 cups whole wheat flour, 1 t. baking soda and no baking powder. It does call for buttermilk or yogurt to give some lift with the baking soda. I would add cinammon too!

Good luck, I was thinking of making muffins today...

[Dina]

I agree with Beth on this one. Go with regular sugar and perhaps drizzle the tops with honey.

[Jeni78]

So, substitute yogurt for the baking powder? I can do that!

My problem is that I can't use any refined sugar. That being said, what I am really looking for is just something sweet to add that is not refined. I also thought dates might be a good idea?

I really do appreciate your feedback, if you couldn't tell already, I am not very good at baking.

Thanks

[Jeni78]

What about adding dark chocolate?

I was also thinking of adding almond or cashew butter.