Granola Muffins

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Introduction

Granola Muffins are a healthy, delicious, and versatile breakfast or snack option. These muffins combine the wholesome goodness of oats, nuts, and dried fruits with the convenience of a portable baked good. They’re soft, slightly sweet, and packed with fiber and nutrients, making them a perfect choice for those looking to start their day on a nutritious note. Granola Muffins are also great for meal prepping, as they can be made in advance and stored for several days or frozen for later use. Whether you’re grabbing one for breakfast or enjoying it as a mid-afternoon snack, Granola Muffins are sure to satisfy your hunger and your taste buds.

Perfect for:

• Breakfast or brunch
• Busy mornings or on-the-go snacking
• School lunchboxes
• Healthy snack for kids and adults alike
• Make-ahead meal prep
• Granola lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe Granola Muffins

Here’s why Granola Muffins will become your go-to recipe for healthy and satisfying baked goods:

• Wholesome Ingredients: These muffins are made with oats, nuts, and dried fruit, offering a nutritious start to your day while keeping you full for longer.
• Balanced Sweetness: The muffins are sweetened naturally with honey or maple syrup, eliminating the need for refined sugar and providing a more natural sweetness.
• Chewy and Moist Texture: Thanks to the oats, yogurt, and oil, these muffins are soft and chewy, with a slight crunch from the granola and nuts.
• Quick and Easy: You only need a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time to make these muffins, making them perfect for busy mornings or a weekend baking session.
• Customizable: You can mix and match your favorite dried fruits, nuts, and seeds to personalize the muffins to your taste.
• Halal Friendly: This recipe contains no pork, bacon, or alcohol, making it suitable for a Halal diet.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Baking Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 12 muffins
• Calories per serving: Approximately 180-220 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 4g, Carbs: 30g, Fat: 9g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these wholesome and tasty Granola Muffins:

• 1 ½ cups rolled oats (old-fashioned oats)
• 1 ½ cups whole wheat flour or all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
• 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup plain yogurt or Greek yogurt
• ½ cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup granola (store-bought or homemade)
• ½ cup chopped nuts (e.g., almonds, walnuts, or pecans)
• ½ cup dried fruits (e.g., raisins, cranberries, or apricots)

Ingredient Highlights

• Rolled Oats: Oats provide the muffins with fiber and texture. They also help keep you fuller for longer, making these muffins a great option for breakfast or a healthy snack.
• Whole Wheat Flour: This flour adds a nutty flavor and increases the fiber content, making the muffins more nutritious. You can use all-purpose flour if preferred.
• Honey or Maple Syrup: These natural sweeteners give the muffins a light sweetness without using refined sugars, contributing to a healthier baked good.
• Granola: Granola not only enhances the flavor of the muffins but also adds a nice crunch, making each bite enjoyable.
• Yogurt: Yogurt adds moisture and tenderness to the muffins while providing a subtle tang that balances out the sweetness.

Step-by-Step

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make the perfect Granola Muffins:

Prepare the Muffin Batter:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the oats, flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until evenly mixed.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the oil, honey (or maple syrup), eggs, yogurt, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.

Add the Granola and Mix-ins:

5. Stir in the Granola: Gently fold in the granola, chopped nuts, and dried fruit until evenly distributed. The batter should be thick but moist.

Fill the Muffin Tin:

6. Spoon the Batter into the Muffin Tin: Using a spoon or ice cream scoop, evenly distribute the batter into the muffin cups. Fill each cup about 2/3 full.
7. Top with Extra Granola (Optional): For extra texture and crunch, sprinkle a little bit of additional granola on top of each muffin before baking.

Bake the Muffins:

8. Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 22-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs.
9. Cool: Let the muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serve and Enjoy:

10. Serve: Once the muffins are completely cooled, serve them as a breakfast or snack. You can store them in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days or freeze them for later use.

How to Serve Granola Muffins

Granola Muffins are delicious on their own, but here are a few ideas to elevate your serving experience:

• With Nut Butter: Spread a little almond butter, peanut butter, or cashew butter on top of a muffin for an extra protein boost.
• With Fresh Fruit: Pair your muffins with fresh fruit like sliced bananas, berries, or apple slices for a refreshing and nutritious breakfast or snack.
• As Part of a Brunch Spread: Serve these muffins alongside other healthy options like smoothies, yogurt parfaits, or fruit salad for a wholesome brunch or picnic spread.
• With a Hot Beverage: Enjoy these muffins with a cup of tea, coffee, or hot chocolate for a cozy treat.

Additional Tips for Granola Muffins

Here are some helpful tips to make your Granola Muffins even better:

• Use Rolled Oats for Best Texture: Rolled oats give the muffins their chewy texture. Avoid using quick oats, as they may result in a softer, less textured muffin.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can result in dense muffins.
• Customize the Nuts and Fruits: Feel free to swap in your favorite nuts (e.g., pecans, hazelnuts) and dried fruits (e.g., figs, dates) to suit your taste preferences.
• Chill the Batter for Even Texture: For a thicker and more textured muffin, chill the batter for 15-20 minutes before baking. This helps the oats absorb the moisture and creates a heartier muffin.
• Use Greek Yogurt for Extra Protein: If you want to boost the protein content of your muffins, opt for Greek yogurt, which has more protein and less sugar than regular yogurt.

Recipe Variations of Granola Muffins

Here are 10 variations of Granola Muffins that you can try to keep things exciting:

1. Apple Cinnamon Granola Muffins: Add 1 cup of grated apples and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon for a classic fall flavor.
2. Banana Nut Granola Muffins: Mash 1 ripe banana into the batter for added sweetness and flavor, and use walnuts or almonds for the nuts.
3. Chocolate Chip Granola Muffins: Stir in ½ cup of dark chocolate chips for a richer, more indulgent muffin.
4. Pumpkin Spice Granola Muffins: Add 1 cup of canned pumpkin puree and 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice for a seasonal twist.
5. Blueberry Granola Muffins: Fold in 1 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries for a fruity, antioxidant-packed muffin.
6. Chia Seed Granola Muffins: Add 1-2 tablespoons of chia seeds to the batter for an extra nutritional boost.
7. Coconut Granola Muffins: Stir in ½ cup of shredded coconut for a tropical flavor.
8. Maple Pecan Granola Muffins: Swap the honey for maple syrup and add chopped pecans for a nutty, maple-infused muffin.
9. Lemon Poppy Seed Granola Muffins: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest and 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds for a zesty and refreshing variation.
10. Strawberry Granola Muffins: Add 1 cup of chopped fresh or frozen strawberries for a sweet and juicy muffin.

Freezing and Storage for Granola Muffins

• Freezing: These muffins freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Let them cool completely, then wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap or foil, and store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to eat, thaw them at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds.
• Storage: Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. They will stay soft and fresh, making them perfect for breakfast throughout the week.

Special Equipment for Granola Muffins

Here are a few kitchen tools that may help when making Granola Muffins:

• Muffin Tin: A standard 12-cup muffin tin is ideal for making a full batch of muffins.
• Mixing Bowls: A large mixing bowl for the dry ingredients and a medium bowl for the wet ingredients make mixing easier.
• Ice Cream Scoop: An ice cream scoop helps to evenly distribute the batter into the muffin tin for uniform-sized muffins.
• Wire Rack: A wire rack is essential for cooling the muffins evenly and preventing them from becoming soggy.
• Silicone Spatula: A silicone spatula makes it easy to gently fold in the granola and nuts without overmixing the batter.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements ensure that the muffins come out perfectly every time.

FAQ Section about Granola Muffins

1. Can I make these muffins gluten-free?
   Yes, you can substitute the whole wheat flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use certified gluten-free oats.
2. Can I use a different sweetener?
   You can substitute the honey or maple syrup with agave nectar or a sugar substitute like stevia, but keep in mind that this may alter the texture.
3. Can I use store-bought granola?
   Yes, you can use store-bought granola, but be sure to choose one with minimal added sugar for a healthier option.
4. How do I know when the muffins are done?
   The muffins are done when the tops are golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
5. Can I make these muffins dairy-free?
   Yes, you can use plant-based yogurt (like coconut or almond milk yogurt) and dairy-free milk to make these muffins dairy-free.

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Conclusion of Granola Muffins

Granola Muffins are the perfect combination of taste and nutrition. Packed with oats, nuts, dried fruits, and a touch of natural sweetness, they provide a healthy and filling option for any time of day. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast, a snack, or as part of a brunch spread, these muffins will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Easy to make, customizable, and delicious, Granola Muffins are a treat you’ll feel good about eating and sharing with others. Enjoy!