Healthy Strawberry Oat Breakfast Muffins (with Lemon Zest)

Looking for a delicious and nutritious breakfast option that satisfies your sweet tooth? Look no further than these Healthy Strawberry Muffins with Oats! Packed with whole wheat flour, old-fashioned oats, and the delightful combination of juicy strawberries and lemon, these muffins are the perfect way to start your day. With a touch of lemon zest, they offer a refreshing twist to your traditional oatmeal breakfast that the whole family will enjoy. Perfect for a quick breakfast on the go or a healthy snack, these muffins are made as healthy as possible. Find the full recipe below on the recipe card!

Why Make These Strawberry Oatmeal Muffins

Besides being incredibly easy to make, there are a few reasons why you’ll love this Strawberry Oatmeal Breakfast muffin recipe:

• Nutritious and Healthy: These healthy breakfast muffins are made with whole wheat flour and old-fashioned oats, providing a good dose of fibre, vitamins, and minerals from whole grains. They are a great way to incorporate wholesome ingredients into your diet and start your day on a healthy note as an easy breakfast option.
• Eggless Option: For those who prefer or need eggless recipes, these muffins are a fantastic choice. They are made without eggs, making them suitable for individuals with dietary restrictions or allergies.
• Ideal Breakfast Option: These muffins are the perfect grab-and-go breakfast option. Perfect to make ahead of time, allowing you to have a nutritious and satisfying breakfast even on busy mornings. You can pair them with a cup of yogurt or a piece of fruit for a well-rounded morning meal.
• Moist and Tender Texture: One bite into these muffins, and you’ll experience their moist and tender texture. The combination of oil and milk ensures these muffins have a light and fluffy texture. You can also use any dairy-free milk for this recipe!
• Bursting with Flavor: The addition of lemon zest adds a refreshing and tangy twist to these muffins. The combination of the bright citrusy flavour with the sweet fresh strawberries creates a delectable flavour profile that is sure to impress.
• Versatile and Customizable: While these muffins are already delicious on their own, you can customize them to your liking. Add some dark chocolate chips for a touch of indulgence or throw in some chopped nuts for added texture and nutrition. You can easily adapt the recipe to suit your preferences and create your own unique variation. Start with adding 1/2 cup to start with any additions.

What are the Benefits of Using Oil in these Muffins (Instead of Eggs)

Using oil instead of eggs in the healthy strawberry lemon muffin recipe offers several benefits:

1. Egg Allergies or Dietary Restrictions: Eggs are a common allergen, and many people may have dietary restrictions that prevent them from consuming eggs. By using oil as a replacement, these muffins become suitable for individuals with egg allergies or those following a vegan or plant-based diet.
2. Moisture and Texture: Oil adds moisture to baked goods, resulting in a tender and moist texture. In the absence of eggs (which also contribute to moisture), the oil helps retain the desired consistency of the muffins. The oil coats the dry ingredients and prevents them from drying out during the baking process.
3. Binding Agent: Eggs serve as a binding agent in recipes, helping to hold the ingredients together. While oil doesn’t have the same binding properties as eggs, it still helps to bring the muffin batter together and prevent it from falling apart.
4. Lighter Texture: Unlike eggs, which can make baked goods dense and heavy, using oil creates a lighter texture in the muffins. The oil helps create a tender crumb without weighing down the batter, resulting in fluffy and airy muffins.
5. Health Considerations: Depending on the type of oil used, using oil in place of eggs can offer specific health benefits. For example, opting for heart-healthy oils like olive oil or avocado oil provides monounsaturated fats, which are considered beneficial for cardiovascular health.

Suggested: How to Keep Strawberries Fresher Longer in the Fridge

It’s worth noting that while eggs offer additional nutritional benefits, such as protein and certain vitamins, using oil as a substitute can still yield delicious and satisfactory results in terms of taste and texture.

Can I Make these Oatmeal Breakfast Muffins Gluten-Free Recipe?

Yes, you can use gluten-free flour as a substitute in this oat strawberry and lemon muffin recipe. Here are a few tips to help you successfully make them a gluten-free muffin:

1. Choose a Gluten-Free Flour Blend: Opt for a gluten-free flour blend that is specifically formulated for baking. These blends usually consist of a combination of gluten-free flour, such as rice flour, tapioca flour, and potato starch. Using a blend helps mimic the texture and structure that gluten provides.
2. Consider Adding Xanthan Gum: Gluten is responsible for providing elasticity and structure in baked goods. Since gluten-free flours lack this property, you can add xanthan gum to help improve the texture and binding of the muffins. As a general guideline, add 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of xanthan gum per cup of gluten-free flour.
3. Adjust the Liquid Content: Gluten-free flours may absorb liquids differently than regular wheat flour. You might need to adjust the amount of liquid in the recipe slightly. If the batter appears too dry, add a tablespoon or two of additional liquid (such as almond milk) until the batter reaches a moist and scoopable consistency.
4. Follow the Recipe as Directed: While using gluten-free flour, try to follow the recipe instructions closely to ensure the best results. Mixing methods, baking time, and temperature should generally remain the same.

By making these adjustments, you can successfully adapt the recipe to be gluten-free and still enjoy delicious strawberry and lemon muffins.

Ingredients for Strawberry Oatmeal Muffins

• 2 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup old fashioned oats
• 1/2 cup sugar, I used Coconut Sugar
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil, or canola oil works too
• 1 1/2 cup of milk or any dairy-free alternative (I used oat milk)
• 1 tbsp vanilla
• zest of 1 lemon
• 1 cup strawberries, diced in small pieces. You can also use frozen strawberries

How to Make Strawberry Oat Muffins

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (175°C). Grease or line a muffin tin with muffin cups.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, old-fashioned oats, baking powder, baking soda, and lemon zest. Mix flour mixture well to ensure all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
3. In a medium bowl, add the sugar, vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla extract. Stir together until the wet ingredients are well combined.
4. Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the large bowl of dry ingredients. Gently fold the mixture together using a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can lead to dense muffins.
5. Add the diced strawberries to the batter. Gently fold them in until evenly distributed throughout the batter. If using frozen strawberries, allow them to thaw before adding to the batter.
6. Spoon the muffin batter into the prepared paper liners of your 12-cup muffin pan, filling each one about three-quarters full.
7. Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
8. Once baked, remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the tin for a few minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely or enjoy them warm.

Variations for This Strawberry Oat Muffins Recipe

If you’d like to experiment with variations of the Strawberry Oat Muffins, here are a few ideas to consider:

1. Streusel Topping: Add a delicious crumbly topping to your muffins by mixing together flour, brown sugar or maple syrup, and cold butter until crumbly. Sprinkle the streusel mixture over the muffin batter before baking for an extra layer of texture and flavour. You can even add some quick oats to the mixture as well!
2. Cream Cheese Filling: Create a delightful surprise by adding a cream cheese filling to your muffins. Fill each muffin cup with a spoonful of batter, then place a small dollop of cream cheese in the center. Top with more batter and bake as usual. The cream cheese filling will add richness and tanginess to each bite.
3. Almond or Coconut Flakes: Sprinkle sliced almonds or shredded coconut on top of the muffins before baking. This will add a delightful crunch and extra flavor to complement the strawberries and lemon.
4. Cinnamon or Nutmeg: Add warmth and depth of flavor by incorporating a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the batter. These spices pair well with the strawberries and can enhance the overall taste of the muffins.
5. Lemon Glaze: Drizzle a simple lemon glaze over the cooled muffins for an extra burst of citrus flavor. Mix powdered sugar with freshly squeezed lemon juice until you achieve a pourable consistency, then drizzle it over the muffins. Allow the glaze to set before serving.
6. Swirls of Strawberry Jam: Create a marbled effect by adding spoonfuls of strawberry preserve or jam to the muffin batter. Swirl gently with a toothpick to create a beautiful pattern. This adds bursts of intense strawberry flavor throughout the muffins.
7. Mixed Berry Medley: Instead of using only strawberries, try adding a combination of different fresh berries or fresh fruit to the muffins. Consider incorporating raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries alongside the strawberries for a vibrant and fruity twist.

Remember to adjust baking times accordingly when making any variations to ensure the muffins are baked thoroughly. These variations offer an opportunity to personalize the recipe and add your own unique touch to these strawberry oat muffins!

Tips for Perfect Muffins

Achieving perfect muffins can be a delightful and rewarding experience. Here are some tips to help you bake the best batch of muffins:

1. Start with Accurate Measurements: Use measuring cups and spoons to ensure precise measurements of ingredients. Baking is a science, and even small variations can affect the final outcome.
2. Preheat the Oven: Always preheat your oven before baking muffins. This allows for consistent heat distribution and helps ensure even baking.
3. Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix the batter until the dry ingredients are just combined with the wet ingredients for tender muffins. Overmixing can result in tough and dense muffins. It’s okay if there are a few lumps in the batter.
4. Use the Right Flour: Different recipes call for different types of flour. Pay attention to the specific flour mentioned in the recipe. For example, some recipes might require all-purpose flour, while others might call for whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour. Using the correct flour will yield the best texture and flavor.
5. Add Mix-Ins Carefully: If your muffin recipe includes mix-ins like berries, nuts, or chocolate chips, fold them gently into the batter. Overmixing the muffin mix can break down the mix-ins or cause the batter to turn blue (in the case of berries) or become streaky (in the case of chocolate chips).
6. Fill Muffin Cups Appropriately: Fill the muffin cups about two-thirds full to allow room for the muffins to rise. Using an ice cream scoop or a large spoon can help distribute the batter evenly in the muffin liners.
7. Monitor Baking Time: Keep a close eye on the muffins while they bake. Follow the recommended baking time in the recipe, but remember that ovens may vary. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a muffin. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs clinging to it, the muffins are ready.
8. Cool Properly: Once baked, let the muffins cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps prevent them from becoming soggy on the bottom.

By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to baking perfect, flavorful, and moist muffins every time. Happy baking!

How to Store These Healthy Strawberry Oat Muffins

To properly store your strawberry oat muffins and keep them fresh for longer, follow these guidelines:

1. Cooling: Allow the muffins to cool completely before storing them. This prevents condensation and maintains their texture.
2. Room Temperature Storage: If you plan to consume the muffins within a day or two, you can store them at room temperature. Place them in an airtight container or sealable bag to keep them fresh. Avoid leaving them exposed to air, as they may dry out.
3. Refrigeration: If you live in a warm or humid environment or if you want to extend the muffins’ shelf life, you can store them in the refrigerator. Again, place them in an airtight container or sealable bag to prevent moisture loss. Before enjoying, allow the muffins to come to room temperature or warm them slightly in the microwave for a few seconds.
4. Freezing: For longer-term storage, you can freeze the strawberry oat muffins. Individually wrap each muffin in plastic wrap or place them in freezer-safe bags. Ensure they are well-sealed to prevent freezer burn. Label the bags with the date for easy reference. Frozen muffins can be stored for up to 3 months.
5. Thawing: When ready to eat, remove the desired number of muffins from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature. Alternatively, you can warm them in a microwave or oven until heated through.

Remember to consider the moisture content of the muffins and adjust the storage method accordingly. While room temperature storage is ideal for maintaining moisture, refrigeration or freezing can help prolong shelf life without sacrificing taste.

By following these storage tips, you can enjoy your strawberry oat muffins at their best for an extended period.