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Start the day with my jumbo oat bran muffin for one, which is vegan, oil-free, gluten-free, easy and ready in 3 minutes total!
Oats call my name–often–first thing in the morning. It is especially true on chilly, wet days, but I am not averse to a bowl of oatmeal on on humid August day either. They fill and satisfy with such ease, and the comfort factor cannot be denied.
But not every oat craving is for mush. Sometimes a more toothsome option fits the bill. For example, this oat bran, chocolate chip-topped wonder. It is pretty spectacular, if an oat bran muffin can be spectacular (yes, it can, and this one is). The texture is tender yet hearty, and the sweetness is spot on without any added sugar, just mashed ripe banana and a sprinkle of miniature chocolate chips on top.
I cannot guarantee that this oat bran muffin willHere’s to a good week. Not great, nor grand, just uneventful and good. I may make one of these muffins every morning to help clinch it.
Recipe Benefits
- Vegan (egg-free, dairy-free)
- Gluten-free
- Oil-free
- Nut-free
- Only 4 Ingredients
- Cooks in about 2 minutes (!!!)
- High in protein (6 grams)
- High in fiber (4 grams)
Ingredients for Banana Oat Flour Muffin for One
The exact amounts of each ingredient are indicated in the recipe card at the end of the post. Toggle between US Customary (volume) and Metric (weights) for preferred measurement option.
- Oat bran (Certified gluten-free, as needed. Not to be confused with steel cut oats)
- Rolled oats (Certified gluten-free, as needed. Old-fashioned or quick-cooking oats)
- Flaxseed meal
- Baking powder (gluten-free, as needed)
- Very ripe banana (about 1 medium-large banana)
- Miniature chocolate chips
- Optional: generous pinch each of salt and cinnamon
Step by Step Instructions
Note that the complete directions are also in the recipe card below.
- In a microwave-safe ramekin or mug (about 8 ounce capacity), stir together the oat bran, rolled oats, flaxseed meal, baking powder, optional salt and optional cinnamon (I use a fork).
- Add the mashed banana. Stir with fork until combined and completely combined. If adding mix-ins (see notes below), stir them in at this point. Sprinkle top of muffin with the miniature chocolate chips.
- Microwave the muffin at full power for 1 minute 45 seconds (check at this time) or for for up to 2 minutes and 30 seconds until just set (the muffin will pull away, slightly, from the sides of the ramekin or mug).
- Let the muffin cool for several minutes before eating (or cool completely). Eat with a fork, straight from the ramekin, or remove it and eat it out of hand.
Variations and Tips for Success
Microwave Oven Tip
Microwave oven power can vary from model to model. This can affect the total amount of time needed to cook the muffin. I use an 1100 watt microwave and find that 2 minutes cooking time is just right to set the muffin. Begin checking for doneness at one minute forty five seconds.
Vary the Muffin with Different Add-Ins
I love a few miniature chocolate chips to garnish this otherwise humble muffin. But the possibilities for variations go far further. Consider adding one, or a combination, of some of the following add-ins or flavorings to create your own unique morning treat:
- Chopped nuts (e.g., pecans, walnuts, peanuts, almonds)
- Seeds (e.g., green pumpkin seeds (pepitas), sunflower seed kernels , chia seeds, or hemp hearts
- Chocolate, (e.g., not just chocolate chips, but also cacao nibs, chocolate chunks or shavings, or a tablespoon of cocoa powder or cacao powder)
- Fresh berries or chopped fresh fruit, such as blueberries, raspberries or chopped apples
- Chopped dried fruit (e.g., raisins, cranberries, apricots, figs, dates).
- Flavorings: Consider adding a small portion of vanilla extract, almond extract, or other spices besides my suggested cinnamon (e.g., cardamom, ginger, allspice), or citrus zest (e.g., orange, lemon, or lime) to the batter.
FAQ
- What can I use in place of the oat bran? If you do not follow a gluten-free diet, you can likely use an equal volume of what bran or wheat germ. Note that I have only tested this particular recipe with oat bran.
- What can I use in place of banana? An equal amount of unsweetened applesauce can be used in place of the banana. Unsweetened pumpkin puree should also work. Keep in mind that the muffin will be les sweet with either of these two options.
- What can I use in place of flaxseed meal? An equal amount of finely ground chia seeds (chia meal/ chia flour) can be use in place of the flaxseed meal.
Related Posts
Oat Bran Muffin for One (Vegan, Oil-Free, GF)
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons oat bran , certified GF, as needed
- 2 tablespoons rolled oats, certified GF, as needed
- 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal
- 3/4 teaspoon baking powder, (certified GF, as needed)
- 1 generous pinch salt, optional
- 1 generous pinch ground cinnamon, optional
- 1/2 cup mashed very ripe bananas
- 2 teaspoons miniature semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- In a large mug, whisk the oat bran, oats, flaxseed meal, baking powder, and optional salt and cinnamon until combined. Add the banana and stir until well-blended.
- Smooth top of batter and sprinkle with chocolate chips.
- Microwave on HIGH for 1 minute 20 seconds until the center is just set. Let cool at least two minutes before eating, or cool entirely. Remove muffin from mug and enjoy!
Notes
-
- Chopped nuts (e.g., pecans, walnuts, peanuts, almonds)
-
- Seeds (e.g., green pumpkin seeds (pepitas), sunflower seed kernels , chia seeds, or hemp hearts
-
- Chocolate, (e.g., not just chocolate chips, but also cacao nibs, chocolate chunks or shavings, or a tablespoon of cocoa powder or cacao powder)
-
- Fresh berries or chopped fresh fruit, such as blueberries, raspberries or chopped apples
-
- Chopped dried fruit (e.g., raisins, cranberries, apricots, figs, dates).
-
- Flavorings: Consider adding a small portion of vanilla extract, almond extract, or other spices besides my suggested cinnamon (e.g., cardamom, ginger, allspice), or citrus zest (e.g., orange, lemon, or lime) to the batter.
How much baking powder do you use?
Apologies, K-yoon, I must have accidentally deleted that when I updated the recipe. Thanks for catching it. It is 3/4 teaspoon (I’ve added it back in). Cheers.
What about pumpkin instead of banana? I’m going to try it tomorrow! Thanks for your muffin recipes!
Hi Lorena! I think that would be great–but you may want to add some sweetener of some sort since the banana contributes much of the sweetness of the recipe.
Can you use applesauce instead of banana?
Hi Julie,
Yes, you can. Keep in mind that it will not be as sweet as the banana, so you may want to add a smidge of sweetener, to your taste. 🙂
Hope you enjoy it, Andrea! This is one of my go-to recipes 🙂
You had me at “2-minute” – I’m all over this!
enjoy, Andrea!
Looks delicious Camilla!! Who can resist chocolate chips? – especially after some stressful days!! Wishing you a good day and a dwindled to do list!!
Thanks, Tina!