• Let’s get those muffins in the oven! Following these easy steps makes baking as fun as eating. You won’t believe how simple it truly is.

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Muffin Pan

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, grab your muffin pan and give it a good spritz with some non-stick cooking spray. This will help your muffins slide right out once they’re baked. Set the pan aside while you get the batter going.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

• In a large mixing bowl, pour in 2 cups of Kodiak Power Cakes Mix. This is where the heart of your muffins lies. It’s convenient, nutritious, and oh-so-perfect for this recipe! Set it aside as we dive into the wet ingredients.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

• In another bowl, mash your ripe bananas until they’re smooth—trust me, the riper, the better! Next, whisk in that cup of almond milk, the egg, maple syrup, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and your optional applesauce. This combo brings a lovely depth of flavor and moisture. Mix until everything is well combined.

Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures

• Pour your wet mixture over the Kodiak mix that you had waiting in the other bowl. Stir gently until just combined; you want the mixture to come together without over-mixing. Over-mixing can lead to dense muffins, and nobody wants that!

Step 5: Add Those Chocolate Chips and Nuts

• Now, it’s time for the fun part! Gently fold in your mini chocolate chips and the chopped walnuts. Save a few chips for topping—this adds a nice touch for presentation.

Step 6: Fill the Muffin Pan

• Using a large spoon or a cookie scoop, carefully transfer your batter into the prepared muffin pan. Fill each cavity about three-quarters full. This allows the muffins to rise without overflowing.

Step 7: Top and Bake

• Sprinkle those reserved mini chocolate chips on top of each muffin for that picture-perfect look. Bake your muffins in the preheated oven for about 22 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

• Let your muffins cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Cooling is essential to get them to be less gooey and easier to handle. These muffins are delightful warm, but they become even tastier the next day as the flavors meld!