This is finally your year to “wow” family and friends with a dish that will get everyone talking–and begging for seconds. But in order to do that, you need to think of something unique. Something Aunt Jenny and Grandma Cindy aren’t bringing, too.

Registered Dietitian and Certified Exercise Nutrition Coach Catherine Gervacio shares her spin on traditional chocolate muffin recipes. “These muffins are a healthier alternative to traditional desserts, providing fiber from oats and whole wheat flour, and natural sweetness from bananas, and honey,” says Gervacio.

This chocolate oatmeal brownie muffins recipe is a must-try this holiday season (even if it’s your first time bringing a dish to pass). Don’t say we didn’t warn you when your family won’t stop bugging you for the recipe. 

The Perfect Combination: Chocolate, Oatmeal & Brownie

Chocolate, oatmeal, and brownie form the perfect trifecta of flavors. The rich, velvety essence of chocolate complements the hearty texture of oats, creating a tasty balance of sweetness and depth. Plus, adding brownie elements infuses a decadent touch, adding layers of fudgy goodness to each bite.

And when it comes to the holidays, these ingredients offer a harmonious blend that not only satisfies the sweet tooth but also provides a comforting and indulgent treat that perfectly suits the festive ambiance of Thanksgiving–without the overload of pumpkin pie spice flavored everything. 

Opting for Oats in Desserts

If you want to enhance texture but also add a healthy twist to indulgent treats, oats are the way to go. Not only are oats rich in soluble fiber, promoting a sense of fullness and aiding in digestive health, but their low glycemic index helps maintain steady blood sugar levels.

In fact, oats contain essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, contributing to heart health and overall well-being. Incorporating oats into desserts not only elevates the nutritional profile but also makes you feel a bit better about having two or three more servings. Hey, it’s the holidays–can you blame yourself?

Baked Oatmeal Brownie Muffins Recipe

Recipe by Catherine Gervacio, registered dietitian and nutrition writer for Living.Fit

Yield: 12 standard-sized muffins

Ingredients

• 1 cup rolled or quick oats
• 1/2 cup whole wheat or all purpose flour
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional for extra sweetness)
• 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips (optional)
• Chopped nuts or dried fruits for topping (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F 
2. Line standard muffin pans with paper liners or grease each cup lightly.
3. In a blender or food processor, grind the rolled oats into a fine flour-like consistency.
4. In a large bowl, combine the oat flour, whole wheat flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and optional brown sugar.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together the mashed bananas, honey (or maple syrup), applesauce, Greek yogurt, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined in this separate bowl.
6. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
7. If desired, fold in the dark chocolate chips for an extra chocolate muffin recipe
8. Divide the muffin batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full.
9. If using, sprinkle chopped nuts or dried fruits on top of each muffin.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
11. Allow them to cool in the muffin tin for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Optional Variations

• Vegan: Swap traditional yogurt with coconut, almond, or soy yogurt. And add extra chocolate chips with no dairy. 
• Gluten-Free: Use 1/2 cup gluten-free flour blend instead of whole wheat flour. Also, make sure that the baking powder is gluten-free.
• Blueberry Oatmeal Muffins: Toss in a handful of blueberries to this recipe to add some sweetness.

Storage Tips

Holiday mornings of can be hectic. That’s why it’s best to make these muffins a day or two ahead to save yourself the headache of whipping them up the day off. Here are some tips to keep these delicious muffins fresh and moist in preparation. 

• Cool Completely Before Storing: Placing warm muffins in an airtight container can create condensation, leading to sogginess and texture issues. Ensure that your muffins are completely cooled before storing them away.

• Airtight Containers: Store muffins in airtight containers to prevent air from drying them out. This helps to lock in moisture and keep the muffins soft.

• Line with Paper Towels: Place a sheet of paper towel at the bottom of the container before adding in the muffins. The paper towel will absorb any excess moisture and prevent the muffins from becoming overly damp and dense.

• Avoid Refrigeration: While refrigeration can extend the shelf life of baked goods, it can also contribute to dryness. Your muffins can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days.

Takeaway: Oatmeal Brownie Muffin Recipe

We hope you realize by now that these treats are destined to be the star of your dessert table. The perfect fusion of chocolate’s richness, the heartiness of oats, and the decadence of fudgy brownie textures is what dessert recipe dreams are made out of.

It’s time to elevate your dessert game and treat your loved ones to the irresistible combination of moist muffins that effortlessly blend indulgence with wholesome simple ingredients. With this must-try recipe in hand, you’re not just baking muffins–you’re creating memories that tastebuds will never forget.