Sweet Potato Pecan Muffins are a delicious way to start your day, packed with wholesome goodness. These healthy breakfast muffins offer a delightful blend of earthy sweetness and nutty crunch, making them an excellent choice for a nutritious and satisfying meal. You’ll love how easy they are to make, perfect for busy mornings or a grab-and-go snack.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Sweet Potato Puree: Use canned or homemade. Pumpkin puree is a good substitute.
- Whole Wheat Flour: All-purpose flour or a gluten-free blend can be used.
- Pecans: Walnuts or chopped almonds work well.
- Maple Syrup: Honey or agave nectar can be used as alternatives.
- Greek Yogurt: Sour cream or applesauce can be substituted for moisture.
Ingredients:
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups whole wheat flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ⅛ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup sweet potato puree
- ½ cup unsweetened Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- ¼ cup unsweetened almond milk
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Mix-ins:
- ½ cup chopped pecans
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 12 healthy breakfast muffins
- Calories per serving: Approximately 210 calories
- Tools Needed: Muffin tin, paper liners, two large mixing bowls, whisk, spatula.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Muffin Tin
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease it lightly. This step ensures your healthy breakfast muffins won’t stick.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Make sure there are no lumps for even distribution in your healthy breakfast muffins.
3. Whisk Wet Ingredients
In a separate large bowl, whisk together the sweet potato puree, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, almond milk, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth. This creates the flavorful liquid base for your muffins.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough muffins. A few lumps are perfectly fine.
5. Fold in Pecans
Gently fold in the chopped pecans until evenly distributed throughout the batter. These add a delightful crunch to your sweet potato pecan muffins.
6. Fill Muffin Cups and Bake
Divide the batter evenly among the 12 prepared muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
7. Cool Muffins
Let the muffins cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these warm or at room temperature as a perfect healthy breakfast.
Variation Ideas:
- Add ½ cup of shredded coconut for extra texture and flavor.
- Stir in ¼ cup of dried cranberries or raisins for a fruity twist.
- Top with a sprinkle of brown sugar and cinnamon before baking for a sweet crust.
- Include a dash of allspice for a warmer, spicier profile.
Storage Instructions:
Store your Sweet Potato Pecan Muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen muffins at room temperature or warm them gently in the microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Can I use canned sweet potato puree?
Yes, canned sweet potato puree works perfectly. Just make sure it’s unsweetened.
How can I make my own sweet potato puree?
You can bake or boil sweet potatoes until very soft, then mash them or blend them until smooth.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the whole wheat flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
Are these muffins suitable for meal prepping?
Absolutely! These healthy breakfast muffins are excellent for meal prepping and can be enjoyed throughout the week.
What if I don’t have Greek yogurt?
You can use sour cream or unsweetened applesauce as a substitute for Greek yogurt.
Can I reduce the sugar?
You can slightly reduce the sugar if you prefer less sweetness, but be aware it might alter the texture slightly.