Nutella-Stuffed Banana Muffins

I mean, after a title like that, do I really need to describe these muffins? Do I really need to detail how the sweet, delicious banana flavor mingles with the cinnamon and pairs with the melty, chocolatey Nutella center? Do I really need to write about the way that the chocolate melts all over your tongue and the moist insides of the muffin fill your mouth with dense, chewy brilliance?

I mean, is that really necessary?

Make these muffins!

You'll need:

• 1 c. whole wheat flour

• 1 c. all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp. baking powder

• 1 tsp. baking soda

• 2 tsp. cinnamon

• 1/2 tsp. salt

• 1/4 c. butter

• 2 ripe bananas

• 3 T. applesauce

• 1/2 c. honey

• 2 eggs

• 1 tsp. almond extract

• 1/2 c. + 2 T milk

• 1/2 c. Nutella

To make:

1. Preheat the oven to 375 F. Prepare two muffin pans by placing muffin cups in the pans or greasing the cups.

2. Whisk together the flours, baking soda and powder, cinnamon and salt.

3. In a separate bowl, add butter and bananas. Heat in the microwave for about 45 seconds, or until butter is melted and bananas are soft, then mash the bananas.

4. Mix in the applesauce and honey. Then, one at a time, add the eggs, mixing until they are completely incorporated before adding the other.

5. Add in the almond extract.

6. Add in half of the dry ingredients and mix. Then add in 1/4 c. of the milk and mix. Add in the rest of the dry ingredients and then the rest of the milk. Do not overmix -- just combine enough that all the ingredients are incorporated.

7. Fill the muffin tins about 3/4 of the way with batter.

8. Add 1 tsp. of Nutella to each muffin cup and use a toothpick to swirl. Oftentimes, the Nutella is too thick to really swirl around, but leaving it in clumps adds to that delicious, melty center, so either way is a win-win.

9. Bake for 20 minutes and check to see if a toothpick comes out clean.

It bears saying that our orchard has the best apples around, which, in turn, makes the best applesauce. And obviously the best applesauce makes the best muffins. We also have local, fantastic honey, which translates into delicious desserts. Stop by our orchard before you make these, and I promise it'll only add to the delight!

Recipe adapted from Love in my Oven.