Banana Cake Muffins - Third Time's a Charm

I am really pleased with the end results. I finally have something I don't feel (too) guilty about eating for breakfast. Anne really likes these, too. They freeze amazingly well. Just defrost for a few seconds in the microwave, and enjoy! (I put them on their side for about 10 seconds, and then turn them onto their other side for another 10 seconds. That way the top doesn't stick to the paper towel.)

Banana Cake Muffins - for the third, and (most likely) final, time

1 C. Unsalted Butter, softened*
1 1/2 C. Turbinado Sugar
4 Eggs**
2 tsp. Vanilla
3 1/2 C. Soft Whole Wheat Flour (aka Whole Wheat Pastry Flour)
1 Tbsp. Baking Powder
1 tsp. Baking Soda
1 tsp. Sea Salt
1 tsp. Ginger
1 C. Buttermilk
5 large Bananas, pureed or very well mashed (approx 2 1/2 - 3 cups)
1 bag Cinnamon Chips, chopped***

Line two regular size muffin tins with cupcake papers. Grease a mini loaf pan as well for any left over batter.

Combine the dry ingredients in a large bowl and mix well. Cream the butter and sugar. Add eggs, mixing after each addition. Add dry ingredients, and pour buttermilk over the top. Mix until well combined. Mash the bananas and add them, mixing well. Bake for 20-22 minutes or until a cake tester inserted in the center comes out nearly clean with only a few little crumbs attached

Alternately, this can be made into 5 mini loaves. Bake for 45 minutes or until a cake tester inserted in the center comes out nearly clean with only a few little crumbs attached.

*I am contemplating replacing half the butter with a 1/2 cup of applesauce to increase the nutrition value, but I haven't done it yet. I may or may not try it, because I really like these just they way they are. If you try it, let me know how it turns out.

**I found Omega-3 fortified eggs marked down at Fry's, and used those.

***Albertson's is the only grocery store that I have found that carries Cinnamon Chips. They are right next to the regular chocolate chips. I would highly recommend chopping them into smaller pieces, otherwise they sink to the bottom of each muffin. If you find Mini Cinnamon Chips, they would probably work better, but I am not willing to pay the exorbitant amount to special order them.