For those seeking a tasty yet wholesome homemade snack, protein-rich apple muffins might just be the perfect option. Ideal for breakfast, lunchboxes, or an afternoon pick-me-up, these muffins are crafted from wholemeal flour, oats, mixed seeds, cottage cheese, fresh apples, and raisins. This combination ensures a balanced intake of protein, fiber, and healthy fats without an overload of added sugar.
To get started, preheat your oven to 195°C (175°C fan-assisted) and prepare a 12-hole muffin tray with paper liners. In a large mixing bowl, blend together 200g wholemeal self-raising flour, 80g mixed seeds, 50g rolled oats, 50g 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 three eggs with 150g of cottage cheese, 125g demerara sugar, and 100ml extra-virgin olive oil until the mixture is smooth. Gently fold this wet mixture into the dry ingredients before stirring in 200g of grated apple, leaving the skin on to enhance fiber and texture.
For an added crunch, make a topping by mixing 20g of mixed seeds, 15g of rolled oats, a tablespoon of demerara sugar, and a tablespoon of olive oil. Distribute the muffin batter evenly into the cases and sprinkle this seed topping on each muffin.
Bake the muffins for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center emerges clean. Let them cool in the tray before serving. These muffins can remain fresh for up to two days if stored in an airtight container and are also suitable for freezing, offering a convenient make-ahead snack for busy schedules.
