For those in search of a homemade snack that’s both tasty and satisfying, protein-rich apple muffins are an ideal choice. Perfect for breakfast, adding to lunchboxes, or enjoying as an afternoon pick-me-up, these muffins are crafted with wholemeal flour, oats, mixed seeds, cottage cheese, fresh apples, and raisins. This combination ensures a balanced intake of protein, fiber, and healthy fats, all while minimizing added sugars.
To whip up a batch, start by preheating your oven to 195°C (or 175°C for fan ovens) and prepare a 12-hole muffin tray with paper liners. In a large mixing bowl, blend together 200g of wholemeal self-raising flour, 80g of mixed seeds, 50g of rolled oats, 50g of raisins, ½ teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda, 1½ teaspoons of mixed spice, and ¼ teaspoon of salt.
Next, in a separate bowl, whisk 3 eggs with 150g of cottage cheese, 125g of demerara sugar, and 100ml of extra-virgin olive oil until the mixture is smooth. Combine these wet ingredients with the dry mixture, then gently fold in 200g of grated apple, leaving the skin on to enhance fiber content and texture.
To create a crunchy topping, mix together the remaining 20g of mixed seeds, 15g of rolled oats, 1 tablespoon of demerara sugar, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Spoon the batter evenly into the muffin cases, then sprinkle each with the prepared topping. Bake the muffins for 25 to 30 minutes, checking that a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean to ensure they’re done. Allow them to cool in the tin before serving.
These muffins maintain their freshness for up to two days when stored in an airtight container and can also be frozen, making them a convenient option for preparing ahead of time during busy weeks.