Introduction
Are you looking for a delicious and nutritious addition to your breakfast? Look no further! These blueberry protein muffins made with Kodiak Cakes mix are the perfect solution. Packed with juicy blueberries and a hint of lemon flavor, these muffins are not only delicious but also a great way to sneak in some extra protein. Plus, they have lower sugar and higher protein content than your typical muffin, and each muffin is only about 100 calories! So, let’s dive in and learn how to make these mouthwatering muffins.
Calories, Net Carbs, Protein
Let’s start by looking at the nutrition facts. Each Kodiak Cakes muffin contains approximately 103 calories, 9.7 grams of net carbs, and 4.9 grams of protein. These numbers may vary slightly depending on the specific ingredients you use, but rest assured that these muffins are a guilt-free treat.
Benefits
Why should you make these Kodiak Cakes blueberry protein muffins? Let’s explore some of the benefits:
- Protein Dense: While your regular bakery muffin may have more grams of protein, these blueberry protein muffins excel in protein density. With approximately 5g of protein per 100 calories, these muffins pack a decent protein punch.
- Packed with Fruit: These muffins are loaded with phytochemical-rich blueberries, making them a great option to increase your fruit intake.
- Whole Grains: Unlike most muffins, these muffins are made with Kodiak Cakes buttermilk flapjack and waffle mix, which combines whole wheat flour and whole oat flour for added nutritional benefits.
- Short Prep Time: These muffins are perfect for busy individuals, as they can be whipped up in no time.
- No Chalky Taste: Unlike many protein powder-based recipes, these muffins have a delicious taste and texture. The Kodiak Cakes mix contains wheat protein isolate, whey protein concentrate, and milk protein concentrate, giving these muffins a moist and fluffy texture.
- Simply Delicious: These muffins are not only good for you but also incredibly tasty. Once you try them, you’ll find it hard to resist having just one!
Ingredients
To make these mouthwatering muffins, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Kodiak Cakes Power Cakes Buttermilk Flapjack & Waffle Mix
- Fresh Blueberries
- Softened Butter
- Applesauce (optional for lower fat muffins)
- Granular Swerve (or your favorite 1:1 sugar substitute)
- Milk
- Egg
- Vanilla
- Fresh Lemon Juice
- Lemon Zest
- Cooking Spray
You can easily find these ingredients at your local grocery store. Kodiak Cakes products are widely available and can be found at stores like Costco, Walmart, Target, and even online on Amazon.
Equipment
Preparing these muffins is a breeze with just a few basic kitchen tools. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Metal muffin tin (preferably light-colored)
- Hand mixer (electric beaters work wonders)
- Paper liners for the muffin tin
- Toothpicks (for testing doneness)
If you’re someone who struggles with baking recipes, using a food scale can also be incredibly helpful in ensuring consistent results every time.
How to Make Kodiak Blueberry Muffins
Now that we have all our ingredients and equipment ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making these scrumptious blueberry protein muffins:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C).
- Line 8 spaces in your muffin pan with paper liners and spray them well with cooking oil spray.
- In a small bowl, mix one teaspoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice with the milk. Let it sit for five minutes to create a substitute for buttermilk with a hint of lemon flavor.
- Set aside 1/4 cup of blueberries. In a separate bowl, toss the remaining blueberries with 1 tablespoon of Kodiak mix to prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the muffins.
- Using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter and Swerve together until fluffy. You can also add applesauce for a lower-fat option. Mix in the egg, vanilla, and lemon zest.
- Slowly incorporate the Kodiak Cakes mix into the batter. Once fully mixed, add the milk mixture. The batter should have a fairly liquid consistency.
- Gently fold the floured blueberries into the batter using a spoon.
- Fill each prepared muffin paper with the batter until completely filled.
- Take the blueberries set aside earlier and gently press them into the tops of the muffins for a beautiful presentation.
- Bake the muffins for approximately 20 minutes at 425°F (218°C) on a rack positioned about one-third of the way down in the oven.
- Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into one of the muffins. If it comes out clean, your muffins are fully cooked.
- Allow the muffins to cool on a baking rack before storing them in the refrigerator.
Tips to Make Muffins Fluffy
To achieve the fluffiest muffins possible, here are a few tips:
- Make sure all the ingredients, especially the batter, are at room temperature.
- Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent it from becoming dense and heavy.
- Opt for baking powder instead of baking soda, as the Kodiak Cakes mix already contains the necessary components for leavening.
Leftovers and Freezing
If you have any leftovers, these muffins can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain their freshness, wrap them in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container. If you’d like to save some for later or have a batch ready for a quick and delicious breakfast, these muffins can be frozen. Just wrap them in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them in the fridge for 1-2 days.
Toppings and Flavor Variations
While these muffins are scrumptious on their own, you can elevate them with some tasty toppings:
- Fruit spreads
- Peanut butter and other nut or seed butters
- Honey, maple syrup, or sugar-free syrup
- Whipped cream
- Butter
Feel free to get creative with your toppings! Personally, I love adding a dollop of peanut or almond butter to my muffins for an extra burst of flavor.
Speaking of flavor variations, the Kodiak Cakes buttermilk flapjack and waffle mix has a neutral flavor, making it the perfect base for endless combinations. Here are a few ideas to inspire you:
- Lemon and poppy seeds
- Peaches and cinnamon
- Apple cinnamon
- Carrot cake (with shredded carrots and raisins)
- Cranberry orange
- Pumpkin
- Strawberry
- Cherries and mini chocolate chips (opt for sugar-free chocolate chips if desired)
- Banana chocolate chip
- Savory muffins (try adding zucchini, sausage, and sun-dried tomatoes)
Experiment with different flavors and find your favorite combinations using this versatile mix.
Expert Tips from a Dietitian
These blueberry protein muffins fall into level 3 of my recipe categorization, which is suitable for weight maintenance and active lifestyles. While they are low in calories, the presence of flour bumps them up to level 3. However, this does not mean that these muffins are unhealthy. Whether these muffins are a good choice for you depends on your individual needs and goals.
If you typically consume large bakery muffins loaded with white flour and table sugar, these Kodiak Cakes muffins are a more nutritious alternative. However, if your regular breakfast already consists of whole foods like yogurt, fruit, or vegetable omelets, switching to these muffins may not necessarily be a better option.
When it comes to weight loss, muffins, including these blueberry protein muffins, may not be the best choice due to their calorie density. They tend to pack a lot of calories into a small volume, which can make it challenging to maintain a calorie deficit. However, you can make some modifications to make them a more weight-loss-friendly option. For instance, you can use half butter and half applesauce instead of all butter to reduce the calorie content. Additionally, serving these muffins with protein-rich foods like scrambled eggs and adding extra fruit for volume can create a more satiating breakfast.
FAQs
Q: Are Kodiak Cakes muffins healthy?
A: These low-calorie blueberry protein muffins can be considered healthy, depending on what they replace. If your usual muffin of choice is a high-sugar, white flour bakery muffin, then these Kodiak Cakes muffins are a more nutritious option. However, if you already consume a balanced breakfast with whole foods, these muffins may not offer significant advantages.
Q: Are Kodiak Cakes muffins good for weight loss? What makes muffins high in calories and fat?
A: Generally, muffins, including these blueberry protein muffins, are not the best choice for weight loss due to their energy density. The presence of flour, added fats or oils, and sometimes sugar contributes to their calorie content. If you aim to lose weight, using the suggested modifications and incorporating these muffins as a side dish alongside protein-rich foods can make them a more weight-loss-friendly option.
Other Healthy Muffin Recipes
If you’re a fan of muffins, I have some additional healthy recipes you might enjoy:
- Banana Protein Muffins: A delicious way to use ripe bananas.
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Muffins: Grain-free muffins with sweet potato.
- Small Batch Banana Muffins: Perfect for when you want just a few muffins.
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The Disclaimer…
Remember that individual dietary needs and preferences vary. It’s always a good idea to consult with a registered dietitian or your physician to determine the best dietary pattern for your specific needs. The provided nutrition information is an estimate and may vary depending on the brands and specific ingredients used. Calorie information on food labels can be inaccurate, so don’t get too caught up in the numbers.
Ready to give these delicious blueberry protein muffins a try? Let’s get cooking!