Wholesome Cranberry Walnut Breakfast Muffins
These Wholesome Cranberry Walnut Breakfast Muffins are a delightful treat that perfectly captures the essence of fall while being enjoyable year-round. Bursting with the tartness of fresh cranberries and the rich crunch of walnuts, these muffins are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients courtesy of rolled oats and Greek yogurt. This recipe yields a generous batch of 18 muffins, making them perfect for sharing or for meal prepping snacks throughout the week. The addition of cinnamon and a hint of vanilla elevates the flavor profile, providing a warm, comforting aroma that will fill your kitchen as they bake. Make them ahead of time and freeze extras to enjoy a taste of autumn anytime!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Rolled oats
3 cups (Dry)
Flour
3/4 cup (All-purpose)
Baking powder
4 teaspoons (Dry)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (Dry)
Cranberries, chopped
1 1/2 cups (Fresh or thawed if frozen)
Walnuts, chopped
1/2 cup (Dry)
Plain yogurt
1 cup (Fat-free)
Applesauce
1/2 cup (No sugar added)
Brown sugar
1/2 cup (Packed)
Eggs
2 (Beaten)
Cinnamon
1 teaspoon (Ground)
Vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon (Liquid)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, baking powder, salt, cranberries, and walnuts. Stir until evenly mixed.
3
In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together the plain yogurt, applesauce, brown sugar, eggs, cinnamon, and vanilla until smooth.
4
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
5
Prepare your muffin tins by greasing them or lining them with paper liners.
6
Spoon the batter into each muffin cup, filling them approximately 3/4 to completely full, as these muffins do not rise significantly.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the tops are lightly golden.
8
Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Wholesome Cranberry Walnut Breakfast Muffins?
They are a nutrient-dense breakfast treat made with rolled oats, Greek yogurt, fresh cranberries, and crunchy walnuts, designed to be both delicious and satisfying.
How many muffins does this recipe make?
This recipe yields a generous batch of approximately 18 muffins.
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh ones?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries; just ensure they are thawed before adding them to the batter.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
What type of oats are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of rolled oats for the best texture.
Can these muffins be frozen for later?
Yes, these muffins are freezer-friendly and can be frozen to enjoy as a quick snack or breakfast later.
Is there a specific type of yogurt recommended?
The recipe suggests using plain fat-free yogurt or Greek yogurt for added protein and moisture.
What provides the sweetness in these muffins?
The sweetness comes from a combination of 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar and 1/2 cup of no-sugar-added applesauce.
How long do the muffins need to bake?
Bake the muffins for 30 to 35 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Why should I not overmix the batter?
Overmixing can result in a tougher texture; it is better to stir gently until just combined, even if some lumps remain.
Do these muffins rise significantly while baking?
No, these muffins do not rise significantly, which is why you can fill the muffin cups 3/4 to completely full.
Can I substitute the walnuts?
Yes, if you have a nut allergy or prefer a different flavor, you can omit the walnuts or substitute them with pecans or seeds.
What type of flour is needed?
The recipe uses 3/4 cup of all-purpose flour.
Are these muffins good for meal prep?
Absolutely, their batch size and storage stability make them perfect for weekly meal prepping.
How do I prepare the muffin tins?
You should grease the muffin tins or use paper liners to prevent the muffins from sticking.
What role does applesauce play in this recipe?
Applesauce acts as a moisture agent and a natural sweetener, helping to keep the muffins soft without extra oil.
How much baking powder is required?
The recipe calls for 4 teaspoons of baking powder to help with the structure.
Can I make these muffins vegan?
Yes, by using a flax egg and a dairy-free yogurt alternative, you can adapt this recipe for a vegan diet.
What spices are included for flavor?
The muffins are flavored with ground cinnamon and liquid vanilla extract for a warm, comforting aroma.
How should the muffins be cooled?
Allow them to cool in the tin for a few minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
While you can use quick oats, the texture will be softer and less chewy than if you used traditional rolled oats.
Is the brown sugar packed or loose?
The recipe specifies 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar.
What is the preparation for the walnuts?
The walnuts should be chopped before being added to the dry ingredients.
Can I use dried cranberries?
You can use dried cranberries, but the muffins will be sweeter and lack the tart 'burst' of fresh cranberries.
What should the batter look like before baking?
The batter should be thick and well-mixed but not over-processed; a few lumps are perfectly acceptable.
How many eggs are in the recipe?
The recipe requires 2 beaten eggs.
Are these muffins considered a fall recipe?
Yes, the combination of cranberries, walnuts, and cinnamon makes them an ideal seasonal treat for autumn.
Can I add more cinnamon?
Yes, if you prefer a stronger spice flavor, you can increase the cinnamon to your liking.
What happens if I fill the muffin cups to the top?
Since these muffins do not rise much, filling them to the top will simply result in larger, heartier muffins.
How do I check if they are done without a toothpick?
You can check if the tops are lightly golden and firm to the touch.