Banana-Chocolate Muffins With Pumpkin Seeds

These muffins are loaded with seeds and whole grains for fiber and healthy omega-3 fatty acids.

Chocolate muffins with banana on dark background.

Updated on March 28, 2024.

I like to portion pumpkin seeds into 1/4-cup servings (169 calories and 162 mg magnesium) and put them in zip-top bags or reusable fabric bags. Then I stash them in my purse and gym bag for a simple, on-the-go snack.

You can eat them plain, use them in trail mix—or bake them into these wholesome, tasty muffins. And when you're not eating them as a snack, you can grind them up, mix them with spices, and use them as a healthier breadcrumb alternative on chicken and fish. 

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/4 cups whole wheat flour
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 Tbsp ground flaxseed
  • 1 Tbsp plus 1 tsp dark cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2/3 cup semisweet chocolate chips
  • 6 ounces low-fat organic vanilla yogurt
  • 2 medium overripe bananas, mashed
  • 1 egg (preferably omega-3-enhanced)
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 2 Tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1/4 cup soy or organic 1% milk
  • 1/4 cup (35 g) raw pumpkin seeds

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners. Coat liners with cooking spray and set aside.
  2. Measure out the flours, leveling with a knife. Combine in a large mixing bowl along with the brown sugar, flax, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt and chocolate chips. Whisk together until combined.
  3. Combine the yogurt, bananas, egg, vanilla extract, oil and milk in a separate bowl until thoroughly mixed (it’s okay if there are a few chunks of banana left).
  4. Fold the banana mixture into the dry mixture just until combined. 
  5. Fill the muffin tin cups until they are 3/4 full with batter. Sprinkle tops with the pumpkin seeds and bake for 20 minutes or until the tops of the muffins look dry and spring back when touched in the center.

More On

How can I order healthy Mexican food?

video

How can I order healthy Mexican food?
Think Mexican food is junk food? Think again! Kevin Soden, MD, shares tips to order healthy Mexican fare and reveals why salsa is a must-have inflamma...
Radicchio Salad with Lemon-Herb Grilled Shrimp Recipe

article

Radicchio Salad with Lemon-Herb Grilled Shrimp Recipe
8 Fruits and Veggies to Spiralize This Season

slideshow

8 Fruits and Veggies to Spiralize This Season
You can reduce your intake of refined carbohydrates and boost your fiber intake by making noodles out of fruits and vegetables.
Okinawan breakfast plate

video

Okinawan breakfast plate
This cooking video offers not just a recipe but an opportunity to embrace the Okinawan way of life, one that promotes wellness and happiness through t...
What's the best time to eat protein?

video

What's the best time to eat protein?
Most of us get plenty of protein. In this Health Smarts video, Kevin Soden, MD, explains when you should eat protein and how much protein you can get ...