Banana Chocolate Cup Cakes
I’m always trying to come up with new and interesting healthy ideas, especially when it comes to desserts. Banana, chocolate, and nut butter makes a delicious combination, especially when the recipe is simple and takes minutes to make. When you finish the cup cakes with some fresh berries or chopped up fresh fruit, you have a nutrient-dense combination of sweet vanilla and chocolate dessert that will satisfy anyone’s sweet tooth.
Chocolate is loaded with compounds called flavonoids that are also found in apples, strawberries, red wine, cranberries, and green tea. Over 4,000 of these flavonoids grow in the plant kingdom protecting the plants from toxins that occur naturally in the environment. Eating plants that are high in flavonoids give us a lot of the same benefits. So a piece of chocolate or a glass of red wine every now again is actually very good for you. Again, everything in moderation, and remember that you’re getting the same benefit, if not more, with a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables in your daily diet. When buying chocolate, look for good quality dark chocolate with over 70 percent cocoa. The higher the percentage the less you need to eat to feel satisfied. You also get the extra health benefits the more cocoa the chocolate contains.
When buying nut butters, pick a brand with nuts and salt. The fewer ingredients on the label the less processed, and the healthier it will be for you and your family. You can also try making your own as we do. Enjoy!
Banana Chocolate Cup Cakes
Serves 4
Ingredients:
2 overripe large Bananas
½ cup almond butter or peanut butter
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons maple syrup
½ cup cacao powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons shaved chocolate 70%
How to make:
Take a medium size bowl and add the peeled bananas and nut butter then mix together until well combined.
Take a small bowl add the eggs, maple syrup, cocoa powder and vanilla extract, whisk together until well combined. Pour the batter mixture into the bowl with the bananas and nut butter, again whisk until smooth and creamy.
Take four cups or small mugs and pour in the banana batter mixture evenly between them.
Place two cups at a time into the microwave, and cook for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes on high or until the batter has risen and is firm to the touch, repeat with the other two cups. Serve with chocolate shavings, grated coconut Greek yogurt and some of your favorite berries.