These Cinnamon Apple Blueberry Muffins offer a delicious and wholesome start to your day. You’ll love creating these moist, flavorful treats that fit perfectly into your healthy eating goals. This recipe is a fantastic addition to your collection of Healthy Blueberry Muffin Recipes.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Whole Wheat Flour: You can use all-purpose flour for a lighter texture, but whole wheat adds fiber.
- Apples: Any sweet, firm apple like Fuji or Honeycrisp works well. Pears are a good substitute.
- Blueberries: Fresh or frozen (do not thaw) are fine.
- Sweetener: Maple syrup or honey can be used in place of brown sugar.
- Greek Yogurt: Helps keep the muffins moist; buttermilk is another option.
Ingredients:
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups whole wheat flour
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Add-ins:
- 1 cup chopped apple (about 1 medium apple)
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 12 muffins
- Calories per serving: Approximately 180-200 calories
- Tools Needed: Muffin tin, paper liners, mixing bowls
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Muffin Tin and Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it. This ensures your healthy blueberry muffin creations won’t stick.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Make sure there are no lumps.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, whisk the egg, applesauce, Greek yogurt, milk, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spoon or spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough muffins.
5. Fold in Apples and Blueberries
Gently fold in the chopped apples and blueberries. Your batter should still be a bit lumpy. You want to keep those blueberries intact for bursts of flavor in your healthy blueberry muffin.
6. Fill Muffin Cups
Divide the batter evenly among the 12 prepared muffin cups. Fill each cup about two-thirds full.
7. Bake Your Muffins
Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. The tops should be golden brown and spring back when lightly touched.
8. Cool and Enjoy
Let the muffins cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. These healthy blueberry muffin delights are best enjoyed warm!
Variation Ideas:
- Nutty Crunch: Add a sprinkle of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter.
- Citrus Zest: Include 1 teaspoon of lemon or orange zest for a brighter flavor.
- Ginger Kick: Add ½ teaspoon of ground ginger along with the cinnamon and nutmeg.
- Mini Muffins: Bake in a mini muffin tin, reducing the baking time to 10-15 minutes.
Storage Instructions:
Store your Cinnamon Apple Blueberry Muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or microwave briefly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Q: Can I use frozen blueberries?
A: Yes, you can use frozen blueberries directly without thawing them. They might slightly color the batter, but the taste will be great.
Q: Can I make these muffins gluten-free?
A: You can try using a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Results may vary slightly in texture.
Q: How do I prevent muffins from sticking to the liners?
A: Make sure your liners are good quality and consider spraying them lightly with non-stick spray for extra insurance.
Q: Can I reduce the sugar in this healthy blueberry muffin recipe?
A: You can reduce the brown sugar by a tablespoon or two, but it might slightly impact the texture and sweetness.
Q: What kind of apples are best for baking?
A: Firm, sweet-tart apples like Fuji, Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Gala hold their shape well and add great flavor.
Q: My muffins are dry, what went wrong?
A: Overmixing the batter or overbaking the muffins are common causes for dry muffins. Stir just until combined and bake until a toothpick comes out clean, but no longer.
