14 Nutritious Muffin Recipes That Won’t Wreck Your Diet

Muffins photo via Katrin Morenz/flickr

When you’re craving that extra hour of sleep and wake up late, there’s definitely no time to make breakfast. Muffins are an easy, grab-and-go option for those hectic mornings, but they’re often filled with refined carbohydrates and piles of processed sugar. To avoid the sugar crash, make muffins nutritious with whole grain flour, nuts, natural sweeteners, and fruit. Below, our list of 14 healthy muffin recipes that will keep you energized all morning.

1. Apricot-Date Seed-uction Muffins
via Petit World Citizen

The ideal muffin for those who are following a gluten-free diet, these muffins are made almost entirely of nuts and seeds. For extra flavor, roast the ingredients beforehand.

2. Chocolate Muffins
via Yes I Am Vegan

Thanks to a healthy flour made from ground almonds and oats, even chocolate muffins can be nutritious. It helps that these muffins are oil-free and sweetened with dates and bananas.

3. Strawberry-Banana Quinoa Muffins
via Climb Eat Cycle Repeat

This recipe uses cooked quinoa and whole wheat pastry flour for a dose of filling whole grains. Not a fan of strawberries? Sub in any type of frozen fruit.

4. Vanilla Bean Blackberry Muffin
via Chocolate Covered Katie

If you can’t find vanilla bean paste, vanilla extract works just as well. Try substituting maple syrup or honey for Xylitol or other sweeteners to keep these muffins as unprocessed as possible.

5. Cherry Zucchini Muffins
via The Foodie and The Fix

This recipe uses zucchini to add extra nutrition while keeping the muffins moist. For a decadent-feeling touch, make an optional frosting from Greek yogurt, coconut oil, and low-fat cottage cheese.

6. Lemon Raspberry Muffins
via The Free From Kitchen

Made with lactose-free milk and gluten-free flour, these muffins are perfect for those with dietary restrictions. The batter also only yields six muffins, so portion control will be a little easier.

7. Whole Wheat Carrot Cake Muffins
via Fannetastic Food

For a morning energy boost, try this recipe. The muffins are loaded with fresh carrots, nuts, spices, and raisins.

8. Pineapple Coconut Muffins
via Hold the Grain

Coconut fans, listen up. This paleo recipe uses coconut flour—which provides a generous amount of fiber without packing on carbs—as well as coconut cream and coconut oil.

9. Oatmeal Date Protein Muffins
via Kleinworth and Co.

Scoops of protein powder make these muffins a filling breakfast or an effective post-workout snack. Don’t hesitate to add some extra dried or fresh fruit into the batter.

10. Almond Mango Muffins
via Pickled Plum

These healthy muffins use hazelnut meal instead of flour, keeping them gluten-free. Try making your own by roasting hazelnuts, peeling off the skin, and breaking them down in a food processor.

11. Avocado Quinoa Breakfast Muffins
via Archana’s Kitchen

In this recipe, avocado is substituted for butter. Since this recipe is fairly basic, get creative and add your choice of fruits and nuts.

12. Coffee Protein Muffins
via Southern In Law

This recipe calls for protein powder, so if yours is sweetened, use less maple syrup to compensate. To keep the muffins fresh, store them in the fridge or freezer and eat later.

13. Healthy Greek Yogurt and Honey Blueberry Muffins
via Baker by Nature

The classic blueberry muffin is lightened up with whole wheat flour, coconut oil, and Greek yogurt. Depending on personal preference, either coconut oil or olive oil can be used.

14. Morning Glory Muffins
via PDX Food Love

Whole wheat flour and oat bran add a large amount of fiber, while carrots, apples, nuts, and raisins provide nutrients and healthy fat. Be sure to add the liquid mixture into the dry mixture and don’t over-stir.