These Peach Ginger Quinoa Muffins are a fantastic way to brighten your morning, offering a delicious and wholesome start to your day. You’ll love how simple these healthy breakfast muffins are to prepare, making them perfect for busy schedules.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Ripe Peaches: Fresh or frozen and thawed peaches work well.
- Cooked Quinoa: Leftover quinoa is perfect, or you can cook a fresh batch.
- Ground Ginger: Freshly grated ginger can be used for a stronger flavor (use less).
- Whole Wheat Flour: All-purpose flour or a gluten-free blend can be substituted.
- Maple Syrup: Honey or agave nectar are good alternatives for sweetness.
- Unsweetened Applesauce: Mashed banana or pumpkin puree can replace applesauce.
- Plant-Based Milk: Any dairy or non-dairy milk will work.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups whole wheat flour
- ½ cup cooked quinoa
- ½ cup granulated sugar (or less, to taste)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ½ cup plant-based milk
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups diced fresh or frozen (thawed) peaches
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 12 healthy breakfast muffins
- Tools Needed: Muffin tin, mixing bowls, whisk, spatula.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease it thoroughly. This ensures your healthy breakfast muffins won’t stick.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, cooked quinoa, granulated sugar, baking powder, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, and salt. Make sure everything is well combined.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, whisk the egg, unsweetened applesauce, plant-based milk, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. This creates your liquid base for the muffins.
4. Combine Wet and Dry
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula until just combined; do not overmix. A few lumps are perfectly fine for moist muffins.
5. Fold in Peaches
Gently fold in the diced peaches. Be careful not to mash the fruit too much. This distributes the juicy peach flavor throughout your healthy breakfast muffins.
6. Fill Muffin Cups
Divide the batter evenly among the 12 prepared muffin cups. You can use an ice cream scoop for easy portioning.
7. Bake the Muffins
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. Allow them to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Variation Ideas
- Add a streusel topping: Combine oats, brown sugar, a touch of flour, and a pat of cold butter.
- Include nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans would add a lovely crunch.
- Boost the spice: A pinch of cardamom or nutmeg pairs well with ginger and peach.
- Make them gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Storage Instructions
Store your cooled Peach Ginger Quinoa Muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen muffins overnight in the refrigerator or reheat briefly in the microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can you use frozen peaches?
A: Yes, just thaw them first and drain any excess liquid before dicing and adding to the batter.
Q: How do you know when quinoa is cooked?
A: Cooked quinoa should be fluffy with a slight bite, and you’ll see the germ separated from the seed.
Q: Can you make these muffins ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! They are perfect for meal prepping and taste great for a few days after baking.
Q: What if you don’t have coconut oil?
A: You can use any neutral-flavored oil, such as vegetable oil or melted unsalted butter.
Q: Can you reduce the sugar in this recipe?
A: Yes, you can reduce the granulated sugar by ¼ cup without significantly affecting the texture.
Q: Are these healthy breakfast muffins good for kids?
A: Yes, they are a nutritious and delicious option that kids often enjoy due to the sweet peaches.