For those seeking a wholesome and satisfying homemade snack, protein-packed apple muffins are an excellent 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 delivers a healthy mix of protein, fiber, and fats, while keeping added sugars to a minimum.
To get started, preheat your oven to 195°C (175°C fan) and prepare a 12-hole muffin tray with paper liners. In a large mixing bowl, combine 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.
In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 eggs, 150g of cottage cheese, 125g of demerara sugar, and 100ml of extra-virgin olive oil until well blended. Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, then incorporate 200g of grated apple, ensuring the skin is left on to enhance fiber and texture.
For an added crunch, combine the remaining 20g of mixed seeds, 15g of rolled oats, 1 tablespoon of demerara sugar, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Divide the muffin batter evenly among the prepared cases, topping each with the crunchy seed mixture.
Bake the muffins for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean. Once done, allow them to cool in the tin before serving. These delicious treats will stay fresh in an airtight container for up to two days and can be frozen, making them a convenient snack option to prepare ahead for busy weeks.
