These are REALLY good little muffins that I make for my sons when they are “off” their breakfast. I call them cakes which instantly gives them more appeal and they are wolfed down in seconds.
Once baked, I freeze them and either defrost the night before or just blitz in the microwave for 20 seconds and they are lovely and warm in the middle and the smell of cinnamon makes you feel cosy and snug!
Whole wheat flour contains more nutrients and fibre than its white cousin. Fibre helps to support the digestive system, slows down the release of glucose (sugar) into the bloodstream and keeps little ones feeling fuller for longer. The apple, banana and dried fruit increase both the fibre content and nutrient content of this handy little recipe.
Delicious Healthy Muffins
Serves: 6 large muffins or 8-10 small cupcake sized ones
Ingredients
- 170g whole wheat flour
- 1½ tsp baking powder
- 30g unrefined brown sugar (muscovado, light or brown will do)
- 35g maple syrup
- 40ml rapeseed oil – sunflower or vegetable oil will work just as well; just not as healthy
- 1 small apple, grated
- 1 small banana, mashed
- Milk or water to loosen (if the mix feels very thick I usually add a small glug)
- Pinch of salt
- ¼ tsp cinnamon
- Raisins (or dried apricot, fresh blueberries, raspberries any nice dried or fresh fruit work really well)
- Few sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180C.
- Combine the dry ingredients in one bowl and in a separate bowl combine all the wet ingredients. Then, with a large metal spoon, combine the dry and wet together. Do this quickly as you don't want to over-work the mix so don't be tempted to just keep on stirring - about 12 strokes should be enough.
- Dollop spoonfuls into baking cases (until two-thirds full) and sprinkle a few seeds on top of each.
- Pop into the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden and firm to the touch. Larger cases can take 35-40 minutes. You can always check if they are ready by inserting a skewer or knife into the centre of the muffin. When you pull it out it should come out clean.
- If your bananas are really ripe and sweet you may well find you don't even need to add the brown sugar at all and could just use agave nectar.
- These freeze brilliantly so I often make batches to freeze. These are great when mornings are busy and you're on the go as you can whack one in the microwave and run!
Notes
These little muffins freeze brilliantly and are so versatile. Feel free to try different fruits, fresh or dried.
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