With the colder weather rapidly approaching we’ve packed away our gorgeous summer dresses and slipped into the cashmere pyjamas instead. Even looking at the open toed sandals we basked in all summer makes us shudder slightly.
When it’s cold outside we want something warm inside, and what goes better with that piping hot latte than an old time favourite, the muffin. Usually, this is a treat we associate with an extra evening down the gym, and it’s with a smidgen of guilt that we devour any lingering crumbs, the only remaining evidence of our sins.
But eating healthy doesn’t mean you have to miss out on these treats. In fact, we’ve found some of the best recipes to curb your winter cravings and they’re not only sin-free, but even good for you. A miracle, right? A muffin that won’t punish us with an actual muffin-top! These 11 healthy muffin recipes easy to make at home, much better for you than any you'll find in a café, and they’re all either gluten free or vegan! So get toasty and tuck into one or two of our top ten.
1. Banana Muffins
Who doesn’t love the delicious, carmelly taste of baked banana? And with the heating staying on for the foreseeable future we can predict a lot of ripe bananas in many households. Now you have an easy gluten-free recipe that will help you use them up. So pop these in a bag and pack them in kid’s lunches, or take them with you to work to whip them out when your tummy’s grumbling.
Get the recipe here.
2. Vanilla & Mixed Berry Muffins
This recipe will convert even those who aren’t particularly keen on fruit. The combination of warm, fluffy freshly baked muffins mixed with the gooeyness of warm berries is truly divine! Of course, berries aren’t in season now, but these are perfectly made with frozen ones. Make these with a pot of tea for girlfriends or for your children to take as a healthy snack at school. Either way, we predict this will be a household favourite. And it’s 100% vegan.
Get the recipe here.
3. Chocolate Banana Muffins
If you didn’t think banana muffins could get any better, be ready to take your muffin loving to the next level by adding some rich dark chocolate. The chocolate-banana combo works so well together, creating a decadently rich muffin that will have you convinced it’s way more calorific than it is. With the use of buckwheat, you’re getting lots of good grains into your diet, too.
Get the recipe here
4. Gluten Free Maple & Pecan Muffins
Winter is the perfect time for comfort food, and two things that never fail to get our mouths watering are maple syrup and roasted pecans. Whether they’re sprinkled on porridge or in this case, combined into delightful muffins, we’re huge fans. We think of these gluten free muffins created by Carol Lovett over at Ditch the Wheat as little bites of winter.
Get the recipe here.
5. Strawberries and Cream Muffins
Strawberries and cream just remind us of summer. Delicious plump strawberries and delicious vegan ‘cream’ evoke memories of picnics and Wimbledon. This take on a British favourite is a real winner. When it’s pouring down outside, you can still bring a little of that summer feeling inside.
Get the recipe here
6. Simple Chocolate Vegan Muffins
Who isn’t a fan of the chocolate muffin? Rich and soft and gooey all in one! This take on the classic chocolate muffin is so quick and easy to make whilst being deliciously vegan, too.
Get the recipe here
7. Vegan Carrot Muffins
This recipe is a twist on that old time favourite, the carrot cake. But this recipe is completely vegan and the moisture in these muffins comes from apple sauce and orange juice, rather than fattening butter. They'll be bursting with flavour whether they’re served fresh from the oven or cooled the next day.
Get the recipe here
8. Vegan Apple Streusel Muffins
All the flavours of this traditional German dessert are adapted into a tangy, vegan muffin. We love the touch of cinnamon–the perfect spice for winter, and one that actually mitigates the effects of sugar in your body, protecting you a bit from an insulin rush.
Get the recipe here
9. Vegan Blueberry Power Muffins
What muffin is more classic than the blueberry? But those are usually made with food baddies–not only white flour and sugar, but even worse–some kind of blueberry ‘paste’ usually serves for the fruity flavour rather than actual berries, which can be quite costly, especially in winter. Make yours with frozen blueberries, and rest easy knowing these are actually healthy–packed with fibre and vitamins from the oats.
Get the recipe here
10. Butternut Cranberry Muffins
What? Butternut squash in a muffin again? Yep. And darn tasty it is too! These vegan, gluten free AND sugar free muffins couldn’t be lighter, fluffier–or healthier! Maple syrup adds some sweetness, and crushed pecans adds some crunch.
Get the recipe here.
11. Filled Oat Bran Muffins
Do these brown vegan babies look a bit boring to you? Well, they shouldn’t–they contain a sweet little secret! They’re filled with jam! But if you want these to be even healthier, you can fill them up with any number of yummies: sugar free compote, cashew cream, or just throw a cup of leftover berries, banana slices or nuts.
Get the recipe here
This article was originally published on www.eluxemagazine.com. Read the original here.
