Lazy Banana Lactation Muffins! (Dairy and Soy Free)

There's been a lot of talk in the private Successful Breastfeeding Community group on Facebook lately. A lot of talk about FOOD! And food that is good/bad for breastfeeding. I have a disclaimer about that, and plan to write more about this topic in a future post. I do not believe that there are foods that need to be avoided, or even foods that need to be added to a breastfeeding mom's diet. What I DO believe is that having a healthy, well rounded diet, is beneficial for YOU, YOUR PERSONAL HEALTH, and will provide you the energy you need to keep on being the mom you want to be! 

I have had multiple requests for Lactation Recipes​, so I decided to start sharing some recipes that will help keep energy levels up to help you not only with breastfeeding, but with life as a mom in general! I am a big fan of REAL, WHOLE, FOODS that help bring balance and wellness into my life. I am also a BIG FAN OF COOKING AND BAKING. So, I'm going to share my VERY OWN, original recipes that are going to help YOU stay on track with your very own Successful Breastfeeding Journey! 

DISCLAIMER: I am a firm believer that the only thing necessary to make plenty of milk for your baby is to JUST NURSE YOUR BABY. Outside of rare, biological circumstances, having an efficient, pain free latch, and adequate time at the breast is all you need to do to make plenty of milk for your baby. If you believe you are struggling with milk supply, please reach out for support, or download our GUIDE FOR INCREASING MILK SUPPLY.

Also, some affiliate links may be added to recipe posts. Purchases made through these links help support this blog, our online community, and the content and resources Successful Breastfeeding LLC provides free of cost to the families we serve.

Lazy Banana Lactation Muffins
Dairy Free, Soy Free, Low Fat

When I bake, I tend to use as many plant based products as I can. I often replace dairy products in my recipes. In this recipe I use apple sauce in place of butter! Applesauce is an excellent butter replacement in baking, and I use it (almost) exclusively in place of butter when I bake. I also use unsweetened almond milk, too. 

This recipe is also SUPER EASY to make, and requires only 1 bowl, and a spoon to make it. (Hence the lazy!)
No need for an electric mixer, or fancy 

This recipe was inspired by Jessica, a mom in the Successful Breastfeeding Community, who has recently embarked on a dairy free journey, as she recently discovered her newborn may have a dairy intolerance. 
(If you've been told by your doctor your baby may have a dairy allergy, please reach out for expert lactation support. Certain breastfeeding problems, like oversupply, closely mimic dairy intolerance in infants, and is commonly misdiagnosed.)

Makes 1 dozen muffins. 
​Dairy Free. Low Fat. Soy Free. About 100 calories each.

Ingredients:
1/2 cup Unsweetened Apple Sauce
1/4 cup Light Brown Sugar
​3 over ripe bananas, mashed
​1/4 cup Unsweetened Almond Milk (plain or vanilla is fine)
1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract
1 Large Egg
1 cup Wheat Bran
​1 cup Whole Wheat Flour
1 Tablespoon Ground Cinnamon
1 teaspoon Baking Powder *
*Make sure your baking powder is ALUMINUM FREE. Many conventional baking powders contain aluminum, which is a heavy metal toxin. It is not good for you or your baby!!*
​1 teaspoon Baking Soda
1/4 teaspoon Salt (I like nutrient containing salts, like Pink Himalayan) 
1/2- 1 cup Walnuts (I used a mixture of both walnuts and pecans.)
Other optional, nutritious ingredients: Raisins, Flax Seeds, Chia Seeds, Hemp

Directions:
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees. Line your muffin tin with baking liners, and spray with non stick cooking spray. Set aside.
​
In a large bowl, mash your overripe bananas with a fork. Add the apple sauce, and brown sugar, mix it well with a wooden spoon. Next, add your egg, almond milk, and vanilla, and stir until just combined. 

Next, add your bran, flour, cinnamon, baking powder and soda, and salt on top of your wet ingredients. Mix until all the ingredients are well incorporated. Then, gently incorporate the walnuts and raisins/seeds (if you choose to use them). 

Spoon your batter evenly among your muffin tin. Bake immediately for 20-25 minutes, until set and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.

Cool completely before eating!

Enjoy! Take a picture and share in the comments below.