Protein Packed Apple Cinnamon Muffins: The Ultimate Muffin Recipe
Introduction to Protein Packed Apple Cinnamon Muffins
Are you looking for a nutritious and delicious snack that satisfies your sweet tooth while providing a protein boost? Look no further than these Protein Packed Apple Cinnamon Muffins! Perfect for breakfast or a midday treat, these muffins are not only easy to make but also packed with wholesome ingredients that will keep you energized throughout the day.
A Personal Story Behind My Protein Packed Apple Cinnamon Muffins Journey
Growing up, my family had a tradition of baking muffins every Sunday morning. The sweet aroma of cinnamon and apples filling the kitchen was always a welcome start to our day. As I became more health-conscious, I wanted to recreate those beloved muffins with a nutritious twist. That’s how my journey to perfecting the Protein Packed Apple Cinnamon Muffins began. Now, I’m excited to share this recipe that brings back those fond memories while keeping health in mind!
What Makes This Protein Packed Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe Special?
These muffins stand out because they combine the classic flavors of apple and cinnamon with protein-rich ingredients like Greek yogurt and whey protein powder. This not only enhances the nutritional value but also makes them incredibly filling. Plus, the use of quick oats adds a delightful texture and heartiness, making these muffins a perfect choice for any time of the day!
The Full Protein Packed Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe
Ingredients
- ¼ cup melted butter
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ½ cup 2% or full-fat plain or vanilla Greek yogurt
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1½ cups quick cooking oats
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cane sugar
- ⅔ cup vanilla whey protein powder (60 g)
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon fine salt
- 1 cup diced apple, cut to about ½-inch pieces
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a standard muffin pan by greasing with cooking spray or lining with muffin liners.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, applesauce, yogurt, egg, and vanilla extract. Make sure to mix well to ensure a smooth batter.
- Add the oats, flour, sugar, protein powder, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix until well combined, but be careful not to overmix.
- Gently fold in the diced apples into the batter. This will help ensure that the apples are evenly distributed.
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups. You can use a measuring cup for consistent portions.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking!
- Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps maintain their moisture.
- Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, in the refrigerator for up to 7 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Serving Suggestions and Variations for Protein Packed Apple Cinnamon Muffins
These muffins are delicious on their own, but they can also be served warm with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey for extra sweetness. For added texture, consider sprinkling some oats or chopped nuts on top before baking. You can also experiment with different mix-ins like dried cranberries or walnuts for a delightful twist!
Frequently Asked Questions About Protein Packed Apple Cinnamon Muffins
Can I use other types of apples?
Absolutely! Any variety of apple works great in this recipe, but Fuji, Granny Smith, or Honeycrisp are especially delicious.
Can I make these muffins gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free.
How do I store the muffins?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Notes: For added texture, sprinkle some oats or chopped nuts on top of the muffins before baking.
Recipe Stats
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20-22 minutes
Total Time: 40-42 minutes
Calories per Serving: 200
Servings: 12
Protein Packed Apple Cinnamon Muffins
Equipment
- Muffin pan Standard muffin pan for baking.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 0.25 cup melted butter
- 0.5 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 0.5 cup Greek yogurt 2% or full-fat, plain or vanilla
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1.5 cups quick cooking oats
- 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
- 0.5 cup cane sugar
- 0.67 cup vanilla whey protein powder 60 g
- 1.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
- 0.25 teaspoon fine salt
- 1 cup diced apple cut to about ½-inch pieces
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a standard muffin pan by greasing with cooking spray or lining with muffin liners.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, applesauce, yogurt, egg, and vanilla extract. Make sure to mix well to ensure a smooth batter.
- Add the oats, flour, sugar, protein powder, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix until well combined, but be careful not to overmix.
- Gently fold in the diced apples into the batter. This will help ensure that the apples are evenly distributed.
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups. You can use a measuring cup for consistent portions.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking!
- Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps maintain their moisture.
- Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, in the refrigerator for up to 7 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.