For those seeking a wholesome and satisfying homemade snack, protein-rich apple muffins present an ideal option for breakfast, lunchboxes, or an afternoon pick-me-up. Crafted with ingredients like wholemeal flour, oats, mixed seeds, cottage cheese, fresh apples, and raisins, these muffins deliver a nutritious blend of protein, fiber, and healthy fats while keeping added sugars low.
To start, set your oven to 195°C (or 175°C for a fan oven) and prepare a 12-hole muffin tin with paper liners. In a large mixing bowl, gather 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. These dry ingredients form the base of the muffin mix.
In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 eggs, 150g of cottage cheese, 125g of demerara sugar, and 100ml of extra-virgin olive oil until they are well blended. Gently fold this wet mixture into the dry ingredients, ensuring everything is well incorporated. Finally, add 200g of grated apple, complete with its skin to enhance the fiber and texture.
To create a crunchy topping, combine 20g of mixed seeds, 15g of rolled oats, 1 tablespoon of demerara sugar, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Evenly distribute the muffin batter into the prepared cases, and sprinkle each with the seed and oat mix. Bake the muffins for 25 to 30 minutes, checking for doneness when a skewer inserted in the center emerges clean. Let them cool in the tin before serving.
These muffins can be stored in an airtight container for up to two days or frozen for future use, offering a convenient, make-ahead snack for those hectic weeks. Whether enjoyed fresh or saved for later, these apple muffins are a delightful and healthy choice for any time of day.