Craving a sweet treat without the guilt? These low-calorie blueberry muffins are the perfect answer! Packed with juicy blueberries and a hint of sweetness, they're surprisingly light and satisfying. Perfect for a quick breakfast, healthy snack, or even a delightful dessert, this recipe is a winner for anyone looking for easy recipes and delicious dishes that won't derail their healthy eating goals. Get ready to enjoy the best recipes for a guilt-free indulgence!
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups whole wheat flour (for added fiber)
- ½ cup oat flour (adds a lovely texture and boosts nutrition)
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs (or flax egg substitute for vegan option)
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce (healthy fat and moisture)
- ¼ cup honey or maple syrup (adjust to your sweetness preference)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it well. In a large bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, oat flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs (or flax egg), applesauce, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract. Make sure the honey is well incorporated for even sweetness.
Step 3: Gentle Mixing
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can lead to tough muffins.
Step 4: Fold in Blueberries
Gently fold in the blueberries. Avoid smashing them to preserve their juicy texture.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Fill the prepared muffin cups about ¾ full. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Cooling and Enjoying
Let the muffins cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these delicious and healthy muffins warm or at room temperature!
Tips for the Best Low-Calorie Blueberry Muffins:
- Use fresh blueberries: Fresh blueberries offer the best flavor and texture, but frozen work well too (just make sure they're not dripping wet).
- Don't overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in tough muffins. Mix until just combined.
- Check for doneness: Use a toothpick to check if the muffins are fully baked. If it comes out clean, they are ready.
- Cool completely: Allowing the muffins to cool prevents them from crumbling.
Variations:
- Lemon Blueberry Muffins: Add the zest of one lemon to the batter for a zesty twist.
- Spiced Blueberry Muffins: Incorporate ½ teaspoon of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg for a warm spice flavor.
- Vegan Option: Replace eggs with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water).
Nutritional Information (per muffin, approximate):
Calories: Around 150-180 Protein: Approximately 4-5 grams Fiber: Approximately 3-4 grams
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary slightly depending on the specific ingredients used.
These low-calorie blueberry muffins are a fantastic example of how healthy eating can also be delicious and satisfying. They're a great addition to any healthy meal plan, offering a sweet treat without compromising your wellness goals. Enjoy!