These Oatmeal Muffins with Cottage Cheese Filling are a delightful treat that combines the wholesome goodness of oatmeal with the creamy richness of cottage cheese. The muffins are packed with nutritious ingredients such as apple, carrot, and banana, making them perfect for breakfast or a light snack. The addition of cottage cheese filling adds a smooth and rich texture that contrasts beautifully with the slightly sweet, moist muffin. These muffins are a great option for those looking for a healthier alternative to traditional baked goods while still enjoying a delicious and satisfying treat. With a sprinkle of almond blossoms on top, they are as beautiful as they are tasty!
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
-
For the Muffins:
- 150g oatmeal
- 1 apple, peeled and chopped
- 1 carrot, grated
- 2 eggs
- 1 banana, mashed
- 20g coconut oil, melted
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
-
For the Filling:
- 360g cottage cheese
- 2 eggs
- 20g cornstarch
- 30g coconut blossom sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
-
For Garnish:
- Almond blossoms (optional)
Directions
-
Prepare the Muffins:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (360°F). Grease a muffin tin with vegetable oil or line it with muffin liners to prevent the muffins from sticking.
- Grind the Oatmeal: Place the oatmeal in a blender or food processor and blend it until it reaches a flour-like consistency. This creates a finer texture for the muffins.
- Mix the Muffin Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground oatmeal, chopped apple, grated carrot, eggs, mashed banana, melted coconut oil, and baking powder. Stir the ingredients together until well combined.
-
Prepare the Filling:
- Blend the Cottage Cheese: In a separate bowl, combine the cottage cheese, eggs, cornstarch, coconut blossom sugar, and baking powder. Blend or whisk the mixture until smooth and well incorporated. The filling should be creamy and thick.
-
Assemble the Muffins:
- Fill the Muffin Tins: Spoon half of the muffin batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each muffin cup about halfway.
- Add the Cottage Cheese Filling: Add a layer of the cottage cheese filling over the muffin batter, ensuring it covers the center of each muffin.
- Cover with Remaining Batter: Spoon the remaining muffin batter over the cottage cheese filling, covering it completely.
-
Garnish:
- Add Almond Blossoms: If desired, sprinkle almond blossoms on top of each muffin for an added crunch and visual appeal. This step is optional but adds a lovely touch.
-
Bake:
- Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
-
Serve:
- Allow the muffins to cool for a few minutes before removing them from the muffin tin. Serve warm or at room temperature. These muffins are perfect for a healthy breakfast, a snack, or even a light dessert.
Serving Suggestions These oatmeal muffins with cottage cheese filling are versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Serve them with a cup of tea or coffee for a quick breakfast or snack. For a more filling meal, pair them with a side of fresh fruit or a green smoothie. They also work wonderfully as a treat for lunchboxes or as an after-school snack for kids.
Cooking Tips
- Oatmeal Texture: Make sure to blend the oatmeal until it reaches a fine consistency to create a smooth, even texture in the muffins.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter muffin, feel free to increase the amount of coconut blossom sugar or add a bit of honey to the batter.
- Substitute Ingredients: If you don’t have coconut oil, you can substitute it with melted butter or another oil of your choice.
Nutritional Benefits
- High in Fiber: The oatmeal and grated carrots provide a good source of dietary fiber, which is important for digestion and maintaining healthy blood sugar levels.
- Rich in Protein: The cottage cheese and eggs are great sources of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall body functions.
- Vitamins and Minerals: The apples and carrots are rich in vitamins A and C, both of which support immune health and skin integrity.
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian: These muffins are vegetarian-friendly and make a great addition to a plant-based diet.
- Gluten-Free Option: The use of oatmeal (make sure it’s certified gluten-free) makes these muffins a great option for those avoiding gluten.
- Low Sugar: With the use of coconut blossom sugar, these muffins are a lower-sugar option compared to traditional muffins, making them suitable for those watching their sugar intake.
Storage These muffins can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.
Conclusion Oatmeal Muffins with Cottage Cheese Filling are a delicious and nutritious way to start your day or enjoy a satisfying snack. They offer a balance of fiber, protein, and natural sweetness, all wrapped up in a flavorful muffin. With the addition of a creamy cottage cheese filling and a crunchy almond blossom topping, these muffins are both delightful to eat and easy to make. They’re perfect for anyone looking for a healthier muffin option that doesn’t sacrifice taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I use a different type of flour instead of oatmeal? Yes, you can use regular flour or gluten-free flour if preferred, but oatmeal gives the muffins a unique texture and nutritional benefits.
-
Can I make these muffins without the cottage cheese filling? Yes, you can skip the filling and bake the muffins as a simple oatmeal muffin. They’ll still be delicious!
-
Can I substitute the coconut blossom sugar? Yes, you can substitute coconut blossom sugar with regular sugar, honey, or maple syrup. Just be mindful of the sweetness level.
-
How can I make these muffins more flavorful? You can add spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or vanilla extract to the batter for extra flavor.
-
Can I make the muffins dairy-free? Yes, you can replace the cottage cheese with a dairy-free alternative like cashew cream or coconut yogurt.
-
Can I freeze the muffins? Yes, these muffins freeze well. Just wrap them individually and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
-
What other fruits or vegetables can I add to the muffins? You can add other fruits like blueberries or raisins, or vegetables like zucchini or pumpkin for a different twist.
-
Can I make the muffins ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the muffins in advance and store them in the refrigerator or freezer for later use.
-
How do I know when the muffins are done? The muffins should be golden brown on top, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
-
Can I make these muffins vegan? Yes, you can replace the eggs with a flaxseed or chia seed egg substitute, and use a plant-based yogurt and cheese alternative to make these muffins vegan-friendly.