If you’re in search of a homemade snack that’s both nutritious and satisfying, consider trying these protein-rich apple muffins. Perfect for breakfast, lunchboxes, or a mid-afternoon treat, these muffins combine wholemeal flour, oats, mixed seeds, cottage cheese, fresh apples, and raisins to deliver a balanced mix of protein, fiber, and healthy fats, while keeping added sugars low.
To begin, preheat your oven to 195°C (or 175°C if using a fan oven) and prepare a 12-hole muffin tray with paper liners. In a large mixing bowl, blend together 200g of wholemeal self-raising flour, 80g of mixed seeds, 50g of rolled oats, 50g of raisins, ½ teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda, 1½ teaspoons of mixed spice, and ¼ teaspoon of salt.
For the wet ingredients, whisk 3 eggs in a separate bowl along with 150g of cottage cheese, 125g of demerara sugar, and 100ml of extra-virgin olive oil until the mixture is smooth. Gently fold this into the dry ingredients, then add 200g of grated apple, leaving the skin on to enhance fiber and texture.
To create a crunchy topping, combine the remaining 20g of mixed seeds, 15g of rolled oats, 1 tablespoon of demerara sugar, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Evenly distribute the batter into the muffin cases, and sprinkle the prepared topping over each one.
Bake the muffins for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow them to cool in the tray before serving. These muffins can be stored in an airtight container for up to two days and are also suitable for freezing, making them an excellent make-ahead snack for a busy week.