Protein-Packed Pumpkin Banana Muffins (No Protein Powder!)

If you're on the hunt for a delicious, guilt-free breakfast or post-workout treat that's as cozy as your favorite sweater and as easy as pie to make, you've landed in the right place. Today, I'm unveiling my newest recipe for High-Protein Pumpkin Banana Muffins. 🎃🍌

With just a handful of everyday pantry staples, these pumpkin banana protein muffins are the embodiment of simplicity and flavor. In fact, you probably have most of the ingredients in your kitchen already. How awesome is that? 🙌

But hold on, it gets even better! Each muffin is a protein powerhouse in disguise, boasting a whopping 7 grams of the good stuff, all wrapped up in a perfectly portioned treat that's under 150 calories. Best of all, you don't need any expensive protein powder to make them!

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love These Healthy Pumpkin Banana Muffins 
• Ingredients & Substitutions
• How To Make Banana Pumpkin Muffins With Kodiak Pancake Mix
• Optional Variations & Dietary Adaptations
• Expert Tips
• Frequently Asked Questions 
• More Easy DIY Breakfast Ideas
• High-Protein Pumpkin Banana Muffins
• 💬 Reviews

Why You’ll Love These Healthy Pumpkin Banana Muffins 

• 🌟 Quick & Easy, No Fuss! We all have those mornings where time seems to slip through our fingers faster than we can say "pumpkin spice latte, please." That's where these protein pumpkin muffins come to the rescue! With just one bowl and a mere 10 minutes of prep work, you'll have these moist and tender goodies ready for the oven. Say goodbye to complicated recipes that require a chemistry degree and a dozen dishes to clean up. We're keeping it super simple!
• 🥞 Made With Only 10 Ingredients, No Protein Powder Required! These healthy banana pumpkin muffins are powered by one of my favorite Costco pantry finds: Kodiak Cakes pancake mix! No spendy protein powder here! Plus, we've got the autumn vibes covered with natural sweetness from maple syrup and a generous sprinkle of pumpkin spice, like a cozy sweater for your tastebuds!
• 🥇 Nourishing & Satisfying. Say goodbye to those muffins that leave you feeling like you've been hit by a sugar truck. My Kodiak protein muffins are a game-changer. With a whopping 7 grams of protein and 2 grams of fiber per serving, they're little powerhouses of nutrition. They'll fuel you up, keep your energy steady, and ensure you're ready to tackle whatever the day throws your way. No mid-morning energy slumps here!

So, there you have it, folks – quick, easy, delicious, and secretly packed with goodness. These muffins are a win-win-win-win (yes, that's four wins!). Get ready to fall in love with fall, one protein-packed pumpkin spiced bite at a time. 🍂❤️

Ingredients & Substitutions

As promised, these banana pumpkin protein muffins require just a handful of simple ingredients. Here’s what to grab:

• Milk - You’re welcome to use the dairy milk or unsweetened plain or vanilla plant-based milk of your choice. 
• Egg - Feel free to swap in a vegan liquid egg equivalent (e.g. JUST Eggs) if needed. 
• Maple Syrup - I think maple is perfect for the season, plus I love that it’s less refined than regular sugar. Feel free to swap in honey, agave nectar, or brown sugar as needed.
• Mashed Banana - You’ll need about 1 medium-large banana that’s nice and ripe. 
• Pumpkin Purée - If you’re using the kind that comes from a can, double-check that it’s not pumpkin pie filling.
• Kodiak Cakes Flapjack & Waffle Mix - This is the secret ingredient that gives these pumpkin banana muffins a healthy dose of protein without needing to spend an arm and a leg on fancy protein powder. I used the classic buttermilk flavor, but you’re welcome to use the pumpkin version for an added boost of autumnal deliciousness instead. Alternatively, you can also swap in the Aldi version of protein pancake mix — it works just as well. 
• Pumpkin Pie Spice - For that spot-on seasonal flavor. If needed, you can make your own blend with 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon ginger, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, and a pinch each of allspice and ground cloves.
• Kosher Salt - Feel free to swap in the salt of your choice.
• Pepitas - I love the added texture and heart-healthy boost of fat. You’re welcome to omit them or swap in the nut or mix-in of your choice.
• Turbinado Sugar - Optional, but lovely. It adds a touch more sweetness plus some shimmer and crunch to the tops of these pumpkin-flavored Kodiak cake protein muffins.

How To Make Banana Pumpkin Muffins With Kodiak Pancake Mix

These Kodiak cakes pumpkin muffins come together in just a few simple steps. Here’s how:

Prep. Preheat oven to 350F. Line a muffin tin with muffin liners and/or spray with non-stick spray.

Step 1: Wet Ingredients. Mix together milk, egg, maple syrup, mashed banana, and pumpkin purée in a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Dry Ingredients. Add pancake mix, pumpkin pie spice, and salt to the bowl, and mix to combine.

Step 3: Fold in pepitas.

Step 4: Divvy batter evenly between 12 muffin wells. Divvy the turbinado sugar as a topping. Add a sprinkle of pepitas on top for added garnish.

Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 20-22 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool for 10 minutes in the tin, then remove to a wire rack to finish cooling. Enjoy!

Optional Variations & Dietary Adaptations

As much as I love this banana pumpkin protein muffin recipe just the way it’s written, there are several ways you can make it your own. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Make Plain Kodiak Banana Muffins - No pumpkin on hand? Not to worry. Replace the pumpkin with another mashed banana. Feel free to swap in the warming spice of your choice (e.g. plain cinnamon) and add a teaspoon of vanilla extract for a banana bread vibe.
• OR, Make Plain Kodiak Pumpkin Muffins - Out of bananas? Swap in extra pumpkin instead!
• Pumpkin Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins - I personally don’t love chocolate and pumpkin together, but I know lots of people who do. Feel free to replace the pepitas with or add ½ cup of mini chocolate chips to the batter for an added burst of indulgence.
• Vegan Pumpkin Banana Muffins - Swap in Kodiak’s plant-based pancake mix and use a vegan liquid egg replacer to keep these pumpkin banana muffins vegan.
• Protein Pumpkin Bread - No muffin tin? No problem. Bake the batter in a well-greased standard loaf tin instead. Just increase the bake time to about 45-50 minutes, or as needed to bake through. 

Expert Tips

• Prep Ahead for Busy Mornings: Freeze your healthy banana protein muffins for those mornings when you need a quick breakfast fix. To freeze, individually wrap each muffin tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container or a resealable freezer bag for up to a month.
• Use Ripe Bananas: The riper your bananas, the sweeter your high-protein banana muffins will be. Overly ripe bananas are not only easier to mash but also provide natural sweetness, reducing the need for extra sugar. So, don't toss those spotted bananas; put them to delicious use!
• Don't Overmix the Batter: When combining your wet and dry ingredients, mix until they are just incorporated. Overmixing can result in a tougher texture. A few lumps are perfectly fine; they'll disappear during baking.
• Portion Control: To ensure evenly sized and uniformly baked Kodiak cakes protein muffins, use a spring-loaded disher to distribute the batter into the muffin cups. 
• Cool Before Storing: Allow your pumpkin protein muffins to cool completely on a wire rack before placing in a storage container to prevent condensation from making your muffins soggy.
• Reheating from Frozen: When you're ready to enjoy a frozen protein muffin, simply remove it from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes or pop it in the microwave for a quick thaw. You can also wrap it in aluminum foil and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes.
• Pair with Extra Protein: For an even more satisfying breakfast, pair your pumpkin banana muffin with a serving of Greek yogurt or few tablespoons of dessert hummus to keep you feeling full and energized for longer.

With these expert tips, you'll not only master the art of making these scrumptious Pumpkin Banana Muffins but also have a stash of grab-and-go breakfasts ready whenever you need them. Enjoy! 🍂🧁

Frequently Asked Questions 

More Easy DIY Breakfast Ideas

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