Protein muffins

Protein muffins

25 min
Discover a new tasty treat with our protein muffin recipe, a delightful mix that marries the creamy texture of skyr with the sweetness of blueberries. These muffins are more than delicious; they're a source of protein, making them a great snack for those extra active days, and any time in-between. Each muffin offers a soft bite with pops of juicy blueberries, making them a go-to choice whenever you’re in the mood for a comforting treat that hits all the right notes. 
https://www.arlafoods.co.uk/recipes/protein-muffins/

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 180 °C (convection oven).
  • Put cornstarch in a bowl and fold in the fresh blueberries, ensuring an even coating. Remove the blueberries and save the cornstarch.
  • Melt butter in a small saucepan.
  • Whisk the skyr, eggs and vanilla powder well and add the melted butter, sugar and salt.
  • Sift the flour, baking powder and the remaining cornstarch into the egg mixture and use a spatula to gently fold it into the dough.
  • Gently fold blueberries into the dough, preventing them from crushing.
  • Using a 12-cup muffin tin, fill each cup (approx. ¾ full).
  • Bake them in the middle of the oven for about 15 minutes until golden (or when a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out clean).
Enjoy!

Questions about protein muffins

These muffins are a great and tasty way to incorporate protein into snack time, and we also have some hacks to ensure you end up with delectably fluffy muffins without a soggy base in sight. We also provide tips on how to store your muffins so you can enjoy them for as long as possible.

What's the best way to store protein muffins?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator, where they will stay fresh for up to a week. If you need to keep them even longer, freeze the muffins: individually wrap each muffin in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw them at room temperature or warm them briefly in the microwave before serving.
Why do I need to coat the blueberries in cornstarch?
Coating the blueberries in cornstarch prevents them from sinking to the bottom of the batter during baking. The cornstarch creates a barrier that helps the blueberries stay suspended, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout your treat. It also helps absorb some of the moisture released by the blueberries as they bake, preventing the muffins from becoming soggy.
Why are my muffins dense?
Overmixing the batter is a common culprit, as it develops too much gluten, resulting in a dense and chewy texture. It’s important to gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Also make sure that you use the exact right amount of flour and baking powder: too much flour or too little baking powder can lead to heavy muffins. Additionally, using wet ingredients that are too cold can cause the batter to seize up and not rise properly. Lastly, avoid overbaking, as this can dry out the muffins and make them dense.

Ingredients

Corn starch
8 g
Blueberries, fresh
75 g
35 g
Skyr
115 ml
Egg
1
Vanilla powder
1 tsp
Sugar
65 g
Salt
1 pinch
All-purpose flour
90 g
Baking powder
1½ tsp

Prevent your muffins from sticking

To prevent your protein muffins from sticking to the tin, use muffin liners or grease the tin thoroughly with non-stick spray. You can also dust the greased tin with a light coating of flour, which creates a barrier between the batter and the pan.

Additionally, allow the muffins to cool slightly before attempting to remove them, as this helps them firm up and release more easily.

Whisk the skyr well for extra fluffy muffins

For extra fluffy protein muffins, whisk the skyr well with the egg and vanilla powder until the mixture is smooth and slightly frothy. This step incorporates air into the batter, which helps the muffins rise and creates a light, tender texture.

Using room-temperature skyr also ensures it blends more easily with the other ingredients, contributing to a more consistent batter and better overall results.

The role of skyr in extra fluffy protein muffins

Skyr contributes to the fluffiness of protein muffins by adding moisture and richness to the batter without making it too heavy. Its creamy texture and slight tanginess enhance the overall flavour while providing a tender crumb. The protein content in skyr also helps with the structure of the muffins, making them more stable and allowing them to rise beautifully during baking.

Serving suggestions and presentation ideas

Serve your protein muffins warm-from-the-oven or at room temperature. For a charming display, arrange them on a rustic wooden board, a tiered cake stand, or in decorative baskets with colourful napkins. Display the muffins on a mirrored tray for a sleek, modern aesthetic or on a vintage cake plate for a touch of nostalgia.

Pair your muffins with complementary treats like banana protein muffins or a quick and easy protein mug cake for a varied snack experience. For refreshing accompaniments, serve with smoothies in vibrant flavours. Looking for some smoothie inspiration? Give our mango-, berry-, or cottage cheese protein smoothies a try. These creative presentation and pairing ideas enhance the flavours and create a visually appealing assortment for any occasion.

Pay attention to the temperature of your ingredients

To maintain the best texture for your protein muffins, avoid overheating your ingredients. Melt the butter gently over low heat to prevent it from becoming too hot. Using room-temperature eggs and skyr ensure they blend smoothly into the batter, promoting a uniform consistency. If your ingredients are too warm, it can cause the batter to become too thin or even start cooking prematurely, affecting the final texture of the muffins.

Optimise baking temperature and time

Bake your protein muffins at 180 °C in a convection oven for optimal results. This temperature ensures even baking without drying out the muffins. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the centre of a muffin; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, they are ready. Avoid opening the oven door frequently during baking, as this can cause temperature fluctuations and affect the rise and texture of the muffins.

The art of crafting the perfect protein muffin

Crafting the perfect protein muffin involves a balance of ingredients and following precise techniques. Ensure your dry and wet ingredients are measured accurately and mix them gently to avoid overworking the batter.

Incorporate air by properly whisking the skyr and eggs, and coat your blueberries in cornstarch to keep them evenly distributed. Pay close attention to baking time and temperature, and allow the muffins to cool slightly before serving. These steps will help you achieve a light, fluffy, and delicious muffin every time.