Apple Cranberry Oatmeal Muffins (Sugar-Free)
Ingredients (for approx. 4 cups)
- 1 cup (100g) oatmeal (rolled oats)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- ½ cup (50g) dried cranberries
- ½ cup (50g) raisins, rinsed in hot water
- 1 egg
- ⅓ cup (80ml) Greek yogurt
- 3 tbsp (45ml) vegetable oil
- 2 apples, peeled and diced
- ½ cup (100g) sugar-free chocolate chips
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
- Set your oven to 360°F (180°C) and allow it to preheat while you prepare the muffin batter. Grease or line 4 oven-safe cups or ramekins with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of oatmeal, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir these dry ingredients together until well combined.
3. Prepare the Wet Ingredients
- In another bowl, whisk together 1 egg, ⅓ cup of Greek yogurt, and 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Whisk until smooth, ensuring the ingredients are fully incorporated to create a creamy mixture.
4. Combine the Mixtures
- Add the wet ingredients to the bowl with the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense muffins.
- Gently fold in the ½ cup of dried cranberries, ½ cup of rinsed raisins, 2 diced apples, and ½ cup of sugar-free chocolate chips. Stir until the fruits and chocolate chips are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
5. Divide the Batter
- Evenly divide the batter among the prepared cups or ramekins, filling each one about three-quarters full. This will allow the muffins to rise properly while baking.
6. Bake the Muffins
- Place the cups in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The muffins should have a slightly crisp top and a soft, moist center.
7. Cool and Serve
- Once baked, remove the muffins from the oven and allow them to cool slightly in the cups or ramekins for a few minutes. Serve warm for a comforting treat, or let them cool completely to enjoy later.
Nutritional Information (Per Muffin)
- Servings: 4 muffins
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Total Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugars: 14g (from fruit)
- Protein: 7g
Tips for the Best Muffins:
- Rinse the Raisins: Soaking the raisins briefly in hot water softens them, making them plump and juicy when baked.
- Customizable: Feel free to swap out cranberries and raisins for other dried fruits like apricots or dates, or use nuts like walnuts or almonds for a crunchy addition.
- Sugar-Free Chocolate Chips: For a sweeter taste without added sugar, use sugar-free or dark chocolate chips.