Green Leprechaun Muffins (Vegan and no food coloring!)

St. Patrick’s Day is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than with some delicious green muffins? These vegan green “leprechaun” muffins are not only festive, but they’re also healthy and free of added sugar and artificial food coloring. They’re made with wholesome ingredients like spinach, oats, and flaxseed, making them a perfect breakfast or snack option for the whole family.

The Importance of Avoiding Artificial Food Coloring and Added Sugar

It’s no secret that many processed foods are loaded with artificial food coloring and added sugar. While these ingredients may make the food look and taste more appealing, they can also have negative effects on our health. Artificial food coloring has been linked to hyperactivity in children and has even been banned in some countries. Added sugar, on the other hand, has been linked to a host of health problems, including obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

That’s why it’s so important to choose foods that are free of these ingredients. By making these vegan green “leprechaun” muffins with no added sugar and no artificial food coloring, you can enjoy a festive treat without compromising your health.

The Ingredients

These muffins are made with a variety of healthy ingredients, including:

Spinach:

Spinach is a powerhouse of nutrients, including vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron, calcium, and fiber. It’s also what gives these muffins their beautiful green color.

Oats:

Oats are a great source of fiber and can help lower cholesterol levels. They’re also gluten-free and make a great base for muffins.

Flaxseed:

Flaxseed is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids and fiber. It can also help improve digestion and lower cholesterol levels.

Bananas:

Bananas add natural sweetness to these muffins and are a good source of potassium and fiber.

Maple syrup:

Maple syrup is a natural sweetener that’s free of added sugar. It’s also a good source of antioxidants and minerals like zinc and manganese.

Vanilla extract:

Vanilla extract adds flavor to these muffins without adding any extra sugar.

Baking soda:

Baking soda is a leavening agent that helps the muffins rise.

Sea salt:

Sea salt adds flavor to these muffins and also helps balance the sweetness.

The Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 flax eggs (2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed mixed with 6 tablespoons of water)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup unsweetened non-dairy milk (such as soy, almond, or oat milk)
• 2 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup)
• 1/3 cup maple syrup
• 1/2 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 small handfuls fresh baby spinach
• 2 cups quick rolled oats
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
• Vegan Chocolate Chips (Optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Line a 12-hole muffin tin with liners.
3. In a blender or food processor, combine all of the ingredients starting with the wet ingredients.
4. Blend until the batter has a smooth consistency and even color.
5. Portion the batter out between the 12 muffin tins.
6. Add chocolate chips. (Optional)
7. Bake for 17-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the middle of a muffin comes out clean.
8. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring the muffins to a cooling rack.
9. Enjoy warm or allow to cool completely before storing in the fridge for up to 5 days or in a freezer for up to a month.

Variations

While these muffins are delicious as is, there are a few variations you can try to switch things up: