Craving a delightful breakfast or brunch treat? Dive into the world of Crispy Oat Coconut Muffins – a perfect blend of wholesome ingredients that will tantalize your taste buds. These moist muffins are packed with flavorful crumbs and a satisfying crunch, thanks to the addition of ground crispy oats and coconut flakes. The hint of cinnamon adds a touch of sweetness, making each bite a burst of deliciousness.
Toasting the coconut may seem like an extra step, but trust me, it’s worth it. The toasted coconut elevates the flavor profile, giving these muffins a delightful twist. With a focus on nutritious ingredients like old-fashioned oats and coconut, these muffins not only taste amazing but also provide a boost of essential nutrients and fiber. Get ready to impress with these Crispy Oat Coconut Muffins that are as wholesome as they are delicious.
Ingredients
Creating delicious coconut oat muffins requires a combination of key ingredients. Let’s dive into what you need to make these flavorful muffins.
Coconut and Oat Base Components
- 1 1/2 cups whole wheat pastry flour or all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 cups Quaker Old Fashioned Oats
- 1 cup ground flaxseed meal
- 1/3 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup plain apple sauce
- 1 cup low-fat plain yogurt
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries
- 1/3 cup sliced almonds (plus more for sprinkling on top)
- Optional add-ins to the batter like cinnamon, raisins, dried cranberries, blueberries, raspberries, orange zest, etc.
Equipment Needed
For preparing these scrumptious coconut oat muffins, you will need the following mixing and baking tools:
- Large Mixing Bowl: Use a spacious mixing bowl to combine all the dry and wet ingredients efficiently.
- Muffin Tin or Liners: Prepare a muffin tin by either greasing it or lining it with paper liners to prevent sticking.
- Measuring Spoons and Cups: Accurately measure the various ingredients using measuring spoons and cups for precise results.
- Large Spoon: A large spoon will be handy for gently mixing all the ingredients until just combined.
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit for baking the muffins to perfection.
- Spatula: Have a spatula ready for scraping down the sides of the mixing bowl and filling the muffin cups evenly.
Ensure you have all these tools ready before you start making these delightful coconut oat muffins for a seamless baking experience.
Preparation Steps
Preparing these delicious Coconut Oat Muffins is a straightforward process that results in moist and flavorful treats perfect for any time of the day.
Mixing Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat pastry flour, Quaker Old Fashioned Oats, flaxseed meal, sweetened shredded coconut, light brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, kosher salt, and ground cinnamon. Ensure all ingredients are evenly mixed for consistent flavor in every bite.
Combining Wet Ingredients
Add the eggs, plain apple sauce, low-fat plain yogurt, and pure vanilla extract to the dry ingredient mixture. Gently stir with a large spoon until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain the muffins’ light and fluffy texture. Finally, fold in the dried cranberries and sliced almonds for a delightful burst of flavor and texture in every mouthful.
Directions
Preparing the Muffin Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine whole wheat pastry flour, Quaker Old Fashioned Oats, flaxseed meal, sweetened shredded coconut, light brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, kosher salt, and ground cinnamon. Mix the dry ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution of flavors.
Next, gently fold in the wet ingredients, including eggs, plain apple sauce, low-fat plain yogurt, and pure vanilla extract. Stir the mixture until all ingredients are well incorporated, being careful not to overmix to maintain a light and fluffy texture.
For added flavor and texture, incorporate dried cranberries and sliced almonds into the batter. Optionally, you can include other add-ins like cinnamon, raisins, blueberries, raspberries, or orange zest to customize the muffins to your preference.
Baking the Muffins
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease the tin for easy removal of the muffins later. Fill each muffin cup with the prepared batter, dividing it equally among the cups to ensure uniform muffin sizes.
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake the muffins for about 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. The tops should be golden brown and slightly crisp when they are ready.
Cooling and Serving
Once baked, remove the muffins from the oven and allow them to cool in the tin for a few minutes. Transfer the muffins onto a wire rack to cool completely before serving. These delightful coconut oat muffins can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. Store any leftovers in an airtight container for freshness, and reheat briefly before serving for a delicious treat.
Tips and Tricks
When making Coconut Oat Muffins, consider the following tips and tricks for the best results:
Achieving Perfect Texture
To ensure a perfectly moist and tender texture in your muffins, avoid overmixing the batter. Overmixing can activate the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough and dense final product. Mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined for light and fluffy muffins.
Flavor Variations
Experiment with different flavor variations to customize your Coconut Oat Muffins. Try adding a dash of cinnamon for a warm spice, orange zest for a citrusy twist, or a handful of blueberries for a burst of fruity goodness. Get creative with your mix-ins to create unique and delicious muffin flavors.
Storage and Preservation
Storing at Room Temperature
These coconut oat muffins can be kept at room temperature for up to 3-5 days when stored in an airtight container. While they maintain their freshness on the counter, refrigerating them extends their shelf life, keeping them fresh for up to 7 days.
Freezing and Reheating
For longer preservation, these coconut muffins freeze exceptionally well. Simply store them in a gallon-sized ziplock freezer bag, and they will last for several months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, cut a muffin in half, spray with a bit of butter, and toast in a toaster oven for 3-4 minutes until warm. These muffins make a convenient and delicious grab-and-go breakfast option.
Conclusion
In crafting these Coconut Oat Muffins, I’ve highlighted the perfect blend of flavors and textures that make them a must-try breakfast option. The combination of wholesome ingredients like oats, coconut, and a variety of add-ins offers a delightful twist to traditional muffins. By experimenting with different flavors, you can create unique variations to suit your taste preferences. Remember to store them properly to maintain their freshness and enjoy them for days to come. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, these muffins are a simple yet delicious treat that will surely impress your family and friends. Try out this recipe and indulge in the goodness of Coconut Oat Muffins for a delightful start to your day.