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?!”).

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.

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

Let’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)

Don’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.