For those seeking a nutritious snack that’s both tasty and satisfying, homemade protein-rich apple muffins are a standout choice. Ideal for breakfast, packing in lunchboxes, or enjoying as an afternoon snack, these muffins are crafted with wholemeal flour, oats, mixed seeds, cottage cheese, fresh apples, and raisins. This combination ensures a well-rounded intake of protein, fiber, and healthy fats, while keeping added sugars to a bare minimum.
To start, preheat your oven to 195°C (or 175°C for fan ovens) and prepare a 12-cup muffin tray with paper liners. In a large mixing bowl, blend together 200 grams of wholemeal self-raising flour, 80 grams of mixed seeds, 50 grams of rolled oats, 50 grams of raisins, half a teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda, one and a half teaspoons of mixed spice, and a quarter teaspoon of salt.
In a separate bowl, whisk 3 eggs with 150 grams of cottage cheese, 125 grams of demerara sugar, and 100 milliliters of extra-virgin olive oil until the mixture is smooth. Combine the wet mixture with the dry ingredients and then fold in 200 grams of grated apple, leaving the skin on to enhance fiber and texture.
To add a crunchy layer, mix an additional 20 grams of mixed seeds, 15 grams of rolled oats, a tablespoon of demerara sugar, and a tablespoon of olive oil. Spoon the batter evenly into the muffin liners and sprinkle the crunchy topping over each one.
Bake the muffins for about 25 to 30 minutes, checking with a skewer to ensure they are cooked through. Allow them to cool in the tray before serving. These apple muffins will stay fresh for up to two days when stored in an airtight container and can also be frozen, making them a practical option for busy weeks.