Indulge in the sweet goodness of blueberry muffins without the guilt with this wholesome and delicious recipe.
Made with whole wheat flour and packed with juicy blueberries, these muffins are perfect for breakfast or a satisfying snack any time of day.
Let’s dive into how to make these healthy blueberry muffins that everyone will love!
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any milk of your choice)
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
Equipment:
- Muffin tin
- Muffin liners
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Spatula
Instructions:
Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease the cups lightly with cooking spray.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, rolled oats, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
Combine Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the applesauce, honey or maple syrup, almond milk, Greek yogurt, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
Fold in Blueberries:
Gently fold the blueberries into the muffin batter using a spatula until evenly distributed.
Fill Muffin Cups:
Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full.
Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
Cool and Serve:
Remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutritional Facts:
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories: 130
- Total Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 110mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 25g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 11g
- Protein: 4g
Healthy Blueberry Muffins (Whole Wheat!) are not only a delightful treat for your taste buds but also pack a punch of nutritional benefits. Let’s delve into the health benefits of these wholesome muffins:
Whole Wheat Flour:
The use of whole wheat flour in these muffins provides a significant nutritional boost compared to refined flour.
Whole wheat flour retains the bran and germ of the wheat kernel, making it rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Fiber aids in digestion, helps regulate blood sugar levels, and promotes a feeling of fullness, making these muffins a satisfying and nutritious snack.
Blueberries:
Blueberries are renowned for their antioxidant properties, primarily due to the presence of flavonoids such as anthocyanins.
These antioxidants help combat oxidative stress in the body, reduce inflammation, and protect against chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer.
Additionally, blueberries are low in calories and high in vitamins C and K, making them a nutritious addition to these muffins.
Greek Yogurt:
Greek yogurt adds moisture and richness to the muffins while also providing a dose of protein and probiotics.
Protein is essential for muscle repair and growth, while probiotics promote gut health and aid in digestion.
Greek yogurt also contains calcium, which is crucial for maintaining healthy bones and teeth.
Eggs:
Eggs are a nutrient-dense food, providing high-quality protein, vitamins, and minerals.
They are rich in choline, which plays a vital role in brain health and development.
Eggs also contain lutein and zeaxanthin, antioxidants that support eye health and protect against age-related macular degeneration.
Maple Syrup:
Maple syrup serves as a natural sweetener in these muffins, offering a more nutritious alternative to refined sugar.
While it still contains sugar, maple syrup also contains antioxidants and minerals like manganese and zinc.
It has a lower glycemic index than white sugar, meaning it has a less pronounced effect on blood sugar levels.
Coconut Oil:
Coconut oil adds moisture and a subtle coconut flavor to the muffins.
It is rich in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are a type of saturated fat that may have benefits for heart health, metabolism, and brain function.
Additionally, coconut oil contains lauric acid, which has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Cinnamon:
Cinnamon not only enhances the flavor of these muffins but also offers potential health benefits.
It is loaded with antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes.
Cinnamon has also been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels.
Conclusion
Healthy Blueberry Muffins made with whole wheat flour, blueberries, Greek yogurt, eggs, maple syrup, coconut oil, and cinnamon offer a delicious and nutritious snack option.
Packed with fiber, protein, antioxidants, and essential nutrients, these muffins are a wholesome choice for satisfying your sweet cravings while nourishing your body.
Enjoy them as a convenient breakfast on-the-go, a satisfying midday snack, or a guilt-free dessert option!
FAQ’s:
Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen blueberries in this recipe. Do not thaw them before adding to the batter.
Can I substitute the whole wheat flour with all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour if desired. However, whole wheat flour provides additional fiber and nutrients.
Can I use regular milk instead of almond milk?
Yes, you can use any type of milk you prefer, including regular milk, soy milk, or oat milk.
How should I store leftover muffins?
Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze them for longer storage. Thaw frozen muffins at room temperature or microwave them briefly before serving.
Can I add nuts or seeds to the muffins for extra crunch?
Absolutely! Feel free to add chopped nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, or seeds, such as pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds, to the muffin batter for added texture and nutrition.