For those seeking a nutritious and satisfying homemade snack, protein-packed apple muffins stand out as an excellent option for breakfast, lunchboxes, or an afternoon indulgence. These muffins are crafted with wholemeal flour, oats, mixed seeds, cottage cheese, fresh apples, and raisins, delivering a well-rounded mix of protein, fiber, and healthy fats, all while minimizing added sugars.
The preparation process begins by preheating the oven to 195°C (175°C fan) and lining a 12-hole muffin tray with paper liners. In a sizable bowl, combine 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.
Next, in a separate bowl, whisk together 3 eggs, 150g of cottage cheese, 125g of demerara sugar, and 100ml of extra-virgin olive oil until well blended. Incorporate the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, then fold in 200g of grated apple, keeping the skin on to enhance fiber content and texture.
For an added crunch, combine 20g of mixed seeds, 15g of rolled oats, 1 tablespoon of demerara sugar, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Evenly distribute the batter among the muffin cases and sprinkle this crunchy topping over each muffin.
Bake the muffins for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow them to cool in the tin before serving. These muffins remain fresh for up to two days when stored in an airtight container and can also be frozen, offering a convenient make-ahead snack for busy schedules.