These apple protein muffins are quick and easy to make in one bowl! Filled with sweet apples and plenty of cinnamon spice, these apple muffins are hearty, healthy, and satisfying. A delicious snack or breakfast option that’s freezable too!
Muffins are always a hit in my house! They’re freezer-friendly, portable, and perfect for make-ahead breakfasts and snacks. Some of our favorite muffins include pumpkin muffins and banana oatmeal muffin cups. And during the fall months, I make a ton of these apple protein muffins. They’re the perfect blend of sweet and tart flavors!
This is the kind of muffin that I would refer to as fuel food – it’s like a muffin on a mission. Its purpose is to deliver protein and some carbs after a workout or first thing in the morning to get your day started off right! They just so happen to taste REALLY good too.
How Do You Make Muffins Healthier?
When I’m creating a healthy muffin recipe, there are three ingredients that I replace or reduce with more nutritious options: white flour, fat/oil, and sugar. For these apple protein muffins:
- Use old-fashioned rolled oats instead of all-purpose flour. Oats work great in these muffins because the oats give them a nice hearty texture. If you use certified gluten-free oats, these muffins will naturally be gluten-free.
- Replace butter/oil with Greek yogurt. Greek yogurt in this recipe makes your muffins soft and moist, not dry.
- The apple in this recipe acts as a natural sweetener, so you will only need to use a small amount of sugar.
How Do You Make Apple Protein Muffins?
This is a simple one-bowl muffin batter made with oats, protein powder, egg whites, Greek yogurt, a small amount of sugar, cinnamon, baking powder and salt. A generous amount of chopped apple is stirred into the batter too!
Start this recipe by preheating your oven to 350ºF. Prepare a muffin pan by either brushing each cup with a little coconut oil or spraying with some cooking spray. Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl and mix well. Once everything is combined, divide evenly amongst 12 muffins. Bake for 18-20 minutes. Let it cool and enjoy!
Variations:
- Try using chopped pear in place of the apple for a different flavor.
- Add 1/2 teaspoon maple extract for maple flavor.
- Throw in some raisins and/or chocolate chips for extra deliciousness!
What To Serve With Muffins:
One of my favorite ways to eat these healthy apple muffins is to crumble one on top of some Greek yogurt or cottage cheese. I highly recommend giving it a try. So good! Another delicious option is to serve these apple protein muffins with almond butter or peanut butter spread over the top. For a complete breakfast, add a piece of fruit and yogurt or scrambled eggs.
Can You Freeze Apple Muffins?
Muffins are one of my favorite foods to freeze. It is so great to have a healthy muffin treat ready to go for busy mornings or straight after a workout. Some tips for freezing and thawing muffins:
To Freeze:
- Allow muffins to completely cool to room temperature.
- Place muffins on a plate or tray in your freezer for about an hour until they are mostly frozen before packing them in an airtight container. This will keep them from getting smashed or from sticking together.
- Place your muffins in an airtight container like a sealable baggie to keep air out.
- Frozen muffins will stay good for up to 3 months.
To Thaw:
- You can let your muffins thaw at room temperature and this will take about 30 minutes.
- Or you can microwave your muffin for about 30 seconds.
- Another option is to wrap your muffin in foil and heat it in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes.
You’re going to love these wholesome, fruit- and protein-packed muffins. They’re absolutely delicious, perfectly sweet, and satisfying!
Keep these muffins on hand for a quick, on-the-go breakfast or snack. I love having a batch of these on hand instead of having to buy super sugary and processed alternatives.
These muffins are high in protein and are perfect for a post-workout snack. What are some of your favorite post-workout meals? Do you try to get some protein in after a workout? I would love to hear all about it down below. 😉
More Apple Recipes To Enjoy:
I’d love to know if you make this (or any) recipe! Tag @clean_and_delicious on Instagram and be sure to subscribe to our mailing list to receive more healthy, delicious recipes straight to your inbox.
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 apple, diced
- 2 scoops vanilla protein powder (I used whey)
- 4 egg whites
- 1 cup non-fat Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons turbinado sugar
- 2 tsp. cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp. baking powder
- Pinch kosher salt
Instructions
- Pre-heat oven to 350ºF.
- Prepare a muffin pan by either brushing each cup with a little coconut oil or spraying with some cooking spray.
- Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl and mix well. Once everything is combined, divide evenly amongst 12-muffins.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes. Let cool and enjoy!
- Makes 12 muffins.