(Essentially) Sugar- Free Banana Nut Muffins

Yields 12 standard sized cupcake/muffins

Ingredients

- 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour - 1 1/8 teaspoon baking powder - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 3 medium -large bananas (mashed) - 12 packets of Splenda - 5 packets Pure Via Stevia - 3 tablespoons non-fat instant (powdered) milk - Sprinkle of cinnamon (or more if you'd like) - 1 egg - 1/3 cup melted butter - Splash of vanilla extract (about a teaspoon or more if desired) 

Optional Ingredients

- Chocolate chips (sugar-free if desired) - Walnuts 

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 F, lightly grease (I used butter) muffin pan 2. Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, instant (powdered) milk 3. In a separate bowl, mix mashed bananas, egg, butter, Spenda, Stevia, cinnamon and vanilla 4. Mix dry ingredients into the wet, 1/2 a cup to 1 cup at a time 5. Add chocolate chips, fold in thoroughly 7. Divide batter evenly into muffin tin 8. Sprinkle walnuts on top 9. Bake for about 20 minutes, bakings times can vary. Check completion by inserting toothpick (or butter knife if you're a heathen like me) 

Notes

I have been struggling to develop a decent "sugar- free" banana bread recipe as all others have ended in disaster. Though we don't have diabetes, the husband and I both have diabetes in the family. I also have a good amount of dental issues so the less sugar the better (some sugar substitues still cause cavities, these two do not). This recipe is an adaptation to this one I found from allrecipes.com

I labeled this "essentially" sugar-free because there will still be natural sugar in it from the bananas, so please be aware of that.

I haven't tried other forms of sweeteners except for Erythritol which did not turn out well. I'm fully aware that everyone has differing opinions about sugar substitute brands and substitutes in general, feel free to experiment and see what works for you.

I haven't tried this recipe without powdered milk, however, it is there to help sustain rise because the sweeteners can inhibit it.

Sorry if there are any formatting issues or baking issues. I'm but a humble experimental cook/baker who only ever cooks for two. It's hard to find sugar-free recipes without 99% also being "gluten free, vegan" etc. It's fine if you prefer that but I do not have a gluten allergy and certainly am not vegan, so there are a lot of extra and unnecessary steps that add time and money. I just wanted something more attainable for those who are diabetic or simply watching their sugar intake.

bon appetit