These Trail Mix Granola Muffins are the perfect blend of crunchy granola, sweet dried fruits, and hearty oats. Packed with energy, these muffins make a great grab-and-go breakfast or a wholesome snack any time of day.
Ingredients (Makes 12 muffins)
- 1 ½ cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/3 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup granola (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ cup dried cranberries or raisins
- ½ cup chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, or cashews)
- ¼ cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease each cup.
Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Stir until everything is well mixed.
Whisk the Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, honey (or maple syrup), milk, applesauce, and vanilla extract until smooth and combined.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. The batter should be thick and a little lumpy.
Add the Mix-ins:
- Gently fold in the granola, dried cranberries (or raisins), chopped nuts, and chocolate chips (if using). The granola adds a nice crunch to the muffins, and the dried fruits and nuts bring texture and flavor.
Fill the Muffin Cups:
- Divide the muffin batter evenly among the 12 muffin cups, filling each about ¾ of the way full.
Bake the Muffins:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The tops should be golden and slightly firm to the touch.
Cool and Serve:
- Let the muffins cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Success
- Granola: If you’re using store-bought granola, choose one with minimal added sugar to keep the muffins healthier. Homemade granola with nuts and seeds can add even more texture and flavor.
- Add-ins: Feel free to get creative with your mix-ins! You can add seeds (like sunflower or pumpkin), other dried fruits (like apricots or raisins), or different nuts based on what you have on hand.
- Make Ahead: These muffins freeze well! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat for a warm snack on the go.
These Trail Mix Granola Muffins are a great combination of wholesome ingredients, making them a nutritious and satisfying breakfast or snack. They're quick to whip up and perfect for busy mornings!
