I started making these muffins for toddler gatherings with my son, but they have quickly become a hit with adults as well. They can be customized to be vegan and/or sugar-free, and the possible combinations of fruits, veggies and nuts to add in are endless. I hope you enjoy them as much as our family does!
Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 20-25 minutes
Makes 2 dozen mini muffins
Ingredients:
2 Tablespoons ground flax seed
¾ cup whole wheat flour
½ cup rolled oats
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground cardamom
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup applesauce
3 Tablespoons melted butter, ghee or coconut oil
1–2 Tablespoons maple syrup (optional)
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Fruit, veggies and/or nuts to mix in (see notes for ideas)
Preparation:
Mix together 2 tablespoons of ground flax seed with 4½ tablespoons of water. Stir well and refrigerate for 10-15 minutes (the mixture will thicken slightly during this time).
Preheat oven to 350 (F) / 177 (C). Lightly oil a 24-count mini muffin tray.
In a large bowl, mix together the flour, oats, baking powder, baking soda, spices and salt.
In a small bowl, mix together the applesauce, melted butter/ghee/oil, maple syrup (if using), flax seed mixture and vanilla.
Add the wet ingredients to the dry and stir well. Gently fold in any fruits, veggies and/or nuts you are using.
Fill muffin cups with batter (about 1 heaping tablespoon per cup). Bake for 20-25 minutes. Let muffins cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove (use a knife to loosen them as needed) and finish cooling on a wire rack. Store muffins in a tightly sealed container. Refrigerate any muffins not consumed within 48 hours for longest life.
NOTES:
- You can replace the flax seed mixture with two eggs if desired
- A few add in options:
1 cup shredded carrot, zucchini or sweet potato and ¼ cup raisins
½ cup frozen wild blueberries and 3 pitted and finely chopped dates
½ cup mini chocolate chips and ¼ cup chopped pecans
You can also use any other combination of fruits/veggies/nuts that you have on hand that inspires you! These truly are versatile muffins.