Whole Wheat Strawberry Beet Muffins

There’s something magical about baking muffins, especially when they involve a surprising ingredient like beets. The first time I made Whole Wheat Strawberry Beet Muffins, I was a bit skeptical. Could these two contrasting flavors really come together? As I mixed the vibrant red beets with sweet strawberries, the kitchen filled with a delightful aroma that made my mouth water. Each bite of these muffins is a little celebration, a reminder of how playful cooking can be. I love serving them fresh out of the oven, their tops golden and slightly crisp, while the insides remain soft and moist. These muffins have become a go-to breakfast in our home, especially during spring when strawberries are at their peak. The joy of sharing these colorful treats with friends and family always brings a smile to my face.

Ingredients Required for Whole Wheat Strawberry Beet Muffins

When it comes to creating the perfect muffin, the choice of ingredients is crucial. In these Whole Wheat Strawberry Beet Muffins, each component plays a vital role. The whole wheat flour provides a nutty flavor and hearty texture, while the beets add moisture and a hint of sweetness. The strawberries give a burst of freshness that balances the earthiness of the beets beautifully. Together, these ingredients create a delightful symphony of flavors that leaves you wanting more.

• 3 cups Strawberries: Fresh strawberries, diced to release their sweet juices, offer a wonderful burst of flavor.
• 1 cup Beet: Grated beets contribute moisture and a subtle sweetness while providing a lovely color.
• 3 1/2 cups Whole Wheat Flour: This flour adds a wholesome touch and fiber to keep you feeling full.
• 1 tablespoon Baking Powder: Essential for giving the muffins a nice rise.
• 2 teaspoons Baking Soda: Works alongside the baking powder for a light texture.
• 2 teaspoons Cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice that complements the other flavors.
• 1 teaspoon Salt: Enhances the flavors of the muffins.
• 3 cups Applesauce: Unsweetened applesauce keeps the muffins moist and adds natural sweetness.
• 1/2 cup Sugar: A touch of sugar ensures the muffins are sweet enough to enjoy.
• 2 large Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness to the muffins.
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract: A dash of vanilla enhances the overall flavor profile.

How to Assemble Whole Wheat Strawberry Beet Muffins

Making Whole Wheat Strawberry Beet Muffins is a simple and rewarding process. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious batch of muffins to enjoy in no time. Let’s dive into the details!

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is just right for creating the perfect muffin texture—soft and fluffy on the inside while slightly crispy on the outside. While the oven warms up, take a moment to prepare your muffin tin by greasing it or lining it with paper liners.

2. Next, rinse and dice 3 cups of strawberries into very small pieces. You want them to mix seamlessly into the batter. As you chop, the sweet aroma of strawberries filled the air, making the anticipation even greater. Set aside 3/4 cup of diced strawberries for topping the muffins later.

3. For the beet, rinse, peel, and grate 1 cup of fresh beets. Be cautious as they can stain! The vibrant color will add a beautiful touch to your muffins. It’s amazing how such a simple vegetable can transform the whole dish.

4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: 3 1/2 cups of whole wheat flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 2 teaspoons of baking soda, 2 teaspoons of cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Mixing these together ensures that the leavening agents are evenly dispersed throughout the flour, which leads to a consistent rise.

5. In another bowl, whisk together 3 cups of unsweetened applesauce, 1/2 cup of sugar, 2 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. As you stir, notice how the applesauce creates a smooth, creamy mixture. This will be the base for your muffins, adding moisture and sweetness.

6. Now, gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined; be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense muffins. You want the batter to be thick yet pourable.

7. Once combined, fold in the grated beets and all but the reserved 3/4 cup of strawberries. This ensures that the flavors meld beautifully throughout the batter, and smashing the strawberries a bit while mixing helps release their juices, which is a delightful addition to the muffins.

8. Using a spoon or an ice cream scoop, fill each muffin cup about 3/4 full with the batter. This allows room for the muffins to rise without overflowing. Sprinkle the reserved strawberry chunks on top for an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal.

9. Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. As they bake, the smell will fill your kitchen, making it hard to resist!

10. Finally, allow the muffins to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. They’re best enjoyed at room temperature, but I find that warm muffins are simply irresistible.

Helpful Hints

Here are some tips to elevate your muffin-making experience.

• Storage: Store any leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to maintain their freshness.
• Freezing: You can freeze these muffins for up to three months. Just wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• Pairing: These muffins are perfect for breakfast or a snack. Pair them with yogurt for a healthy twist, or enjoy them with a cup of tea for a cozy afternoon treat.
• Serving Tip: Serve warm with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey for an extra touch of indulgence.
• Variations: Feel free to substitute the strawberries with other fruits like raspberries or blueberries to mix things up.
• Adding Nuts: Chopped nuts such as walnuts or almonds can be added for a delightful crunch and added nutrition.

Pairing Suggestions for Whole Wheat Strawberry Beet Muffins

When it comes to serving Whole Wheat Strawberry Beet Muffins, the options are endless! Here are some delightful pairings:

• Breakfast Treat: These muffins make for a nutritious breakfast option. Serve them alongside a fresh fruit salad for a colorful morning meal.
• Brunch Delight: Perfect for brunch gatherings, these muffins can be accompanied by eggs, bacon, or a light quiche for a well-rounded spread.
• Snack Time: Enjoy these muffins as a quick snack during the day. They’re not too sweet, making them great for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up.
• Seasonal Favorites: During spring, pair them with a light herbal tea or iced coffee. In the fall, consider enjoying them with spiced chai.
• Dessert Option: You can even serve these muffins as a light dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.
• Storage Tip: If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container. They also freeze well, maintaining their quality for future enjoyment.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Whole Wheat Strawberry Beet Muffins stand out for their unique combination of flavors and nutritious ingredients. With the sweetness of strawberries and the earthiness of beets, these muffins are a delicious way to start your day. I encourage you to give this recipe a try; your taste buds will thank you, and you’ll likely find yourself making them on repeat!

Whole Wheat Strawberry Beet Muffins

The ultimate comfort food for any occasion! These Whole Wheat Strawberry Beet Muffins combine the earthy sweetness of beets with fresh strawberries for a delightful breakfast or snack. Packed with nutrients and flavor, they're perfect for sharing or enjoying on your own. Make them tonight and experience the joy!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Breakfast

Cuisine American

Servings 30 servings

Calories 180 kcal

Equipment

• Grater
• Mixing Bowl
• Baking Sheet
• Wooden Spoon
• Oven
• Peeler
• Cutting Board

Ingredients

  

• 3 cups Strawberries
• 1 cup Beet
• 3.5 cups Whole Wheat Flour
• 1 tablespoon Baking Powder
• 2 teaspoons Baking Soda
• 2 teaspoons Cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 3 cups Applesauce unsweetened
• 0.5 cups Sugar
• 2 large Eggs
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is just right for creating the perfect muffin texture—soft and fluffy on the inside while slightly crispy on the outside. While the oven warms up, take a moment to prepare your muffin tin by greasing it or lining it with paper liners.
• Next, rinse and dice 3 cups of strawberries into very small pieces. You want them to mix seamlessly into the batter. As you chop, the sweet aroma of strawberries filled the air, making the anticipation even greater. Set aside 3/4 cup of diced strawberries for topping the muffins later.
• For the beet, rinse, peel, and grate 1 cup of fresh beets. Be cautious as they can stain! The vibrant color will add a beautiful touch to your muffins. It’s amazing how such a simple vegetable can transform the whole dish.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: 3 1/2 cups of whole wheat flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 2 teaspoons of baking soda, 2 teaspoons of cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Mixing these together ensures that the leavening agents are evenly dispersed throughout the flour, which leads to a consistent rise.
• In another bowl, whisk together 3 cups of unsweetened applesauce, 1/2 cup of sugar, 2 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. As you stir, notice how the applesauce creates a smooth, creamy mixture. This will be the base for your muffins, adding moisture and sweetness.
• Now, gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined; be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense muffins. You want the batter to be thick yet pourable.
• Once combined, fold in the grated beets and all but the reserved 3/4 cup of strawberries. This ensures that the flavors meld beautifully throughout the batter, and smashing the strawberries a bit while mixing helps release their juices, which is a delightful addition to the muffins.
• Using a spoon or an ice cream scoop, fill each muffin cup about 3/4 full with the batter. This allows room for the muffins to rise without overflowing. Sprinkle the reserved strawberry chunks on top for an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal.
• Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. As they bake, the smell will fill your kitchen, making it hard to resist!
• Finally, allow the muffins to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. They’re best enjoyed at room temperature, but I find that warm muffins are simply irresistible.

Notes

• Storage: Store any leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to maintain their freshness.
• Freezing: You can freeze these muffins for up to three months. Just wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• Pairing: These muffins are perfect for breakfast or a snack. Pair them with yogurt for a healthy twist, or enjoy them with a cup of tea for a cozy afternoon treat.
• Serving Tip: Serve warm with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey for an extra touch of indulgence.
• Variations: Feel free to substitute the strawberries with other fruits like raspberries or blueberries to mix things up.
• Adding Nuts: Chopped nuts such as walnuts or almonds can be added for a delightful crunch and added nutrition.

Keyword Beet Muffins, Healthy Muffins, Strawberry Muffins, Whole Wheat Muffins

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Meet Maya Carlson

I believe that every dish tells a story through its colors and textures. I apply my artistic eye to everything we make. I love being hands-on with every recipe, helping to plate a savory stew just as beautifully as a dessert. I enjoy the challenge of making every single genre of food look as good as it tastes. If we are cooking, I am right there in the mix, styling and seasoning until it’s perfect.