Blueberry muffins are a beloved classic, and these high-protein blueberry muffins take them to a whole new level of deliciousness and nutrition. Fluffy, moist, and lightly sweet, they are packed with 8 grams of protein each, making them a perfect snack or meal prep idea for your busy days. Whether you’re looking for a breakfast treat, a snack to keep you energized, or something to serve during a tea time, these muffins fit the bill.
Why You’ll Love High Protein Blueberry Muffins
High Protein: Each muffin contains 8 grams of protein, thanks to the addition of Greek yogurt and whey protein powder. This high-protein boost helps balance blood sugar and keeps you feeling fuller for longer.
Lower Sugar: These muffins are lightly sweetened with maple syrup and naturally flavored with the tartness of blueberries and vanilla, so you don’t have to worry about unnecessary sugar.
Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward, requiring just a few ingredients and simple steps to achieve perfect, fluffy muffins.
Moist and Fluffy: Thanks to the Greek yogurt and protein powder, the muffins have a cake-like texture while still maintaining a moist, fluffy consistency.
Great for Meal Prep: These muffins are ideal for preparing in advance. They can be stored at room temperature for up to three days or frozen for longer storage, making them a convenient and nutritious option to have on hand.
What Makes These Muffins High Protein?
These blueberry muffins are made high protein with the help of two key ingredients: Greek yogurt and vanilla whey protein powder.
- Greek Yogurt: This dairy product adds both flavor and moisture without the need for excess sugar or fat. It brings a natural creaminess to the muffins while adding a good dose of protein. Using a full cup of Greek yogurt ensures maximum protein content.
- Vanilla Whey Protein Powder: The addition of vanilla whey protein powder not only enhances the flavor with a sweet vanilla taste but also provides a significant protein boost. You won’t even taste the protein powder once the muffins are baked, so you can enjoy a delicious treat that’s good for you.
Ingredients for High Protein Blueberry Muffins
To make these high-protein blueberry muffins, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- All-Purpose Flour: I used plain all-purpose flour for a soft, bakery-style muffin. You can substitute with gluten-free flour if necessary.
- Vanilla Whey Protein Powder: Use a high-quality whey protein powder for the best taste and protein boost. My favorites are Leanfit Vanilla Whey and Legion Athletics Whey.
- Salt: Just a pinch to help balance the sweet flavors.
- Baking Soda & Baking Powder: These help create a light, fluffy muffin texture.
- Fresh Blueberries: Fresh blueberries are best for a burst of juicy flavor. If you’re using frozen, be aware that they might stain the batter.
- Plain Greek Yogurt: Use low-fat Greek yogurt to keep the recipe lighter while still providing plenty of moisture and protein.
- Maple Syrup: A natural sweetener for a touch of sweetness. You can substitute with honey if desired.
- Olive Oil: Olive oil provides a healthy fat source, though you can swap it with melted unsalted butter or other vegetable oils.
- Vanilla Extract: I doubled the usual amount of vanilla extract to give the muffins an extra cake-like flavor.
- Eggs: Eggs bind the ingredients together and add structure to the muffins. I wouldn’t recommend any substitutes here.
How to Make High Protein Blueberry Muffins
Follow these steps to create your own batch of high-protein blueberry muffins:
- Prepare the Muffin Pan: Line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper or silicone liners. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and set the rack in the middle of the oven.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, vanilla whey protein powder, salt, baking soda, and baking powder. Whisk until fully mixed.
- Toss Blueberries: Gently toss the fresh blueberries in the flour mixture, coating them with the dry ingredients. This prevents the blueberries from sinking to the bottom of the muffins during baking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, maple syrup, olive oil, vanilla extract, and eggs until smooth and combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and use a wooden spoon or spatula to gently fold everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in dense, tough muffins.
- Fill Muffin Pan: Spoon the batter evenly into the muffin pan. Press a few extra blueberries into the top of each muffin for a burst of color and flavor.
- Bake: Bake the muffins for 18-22 minutes, or until they’re set and lightly golden. A toothpick inserted into the center of the muffin should come out clean.
- Cool: Let the muffins cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy them once they reach room temperature!
What to Serve with High Protein Blueberry Muffins
These muffins are already packed with protein, but if you want to make them even more filling, you can pair them with:
- Greek Yogurt: A great addition for even more protein.
- Cottage Cheese: A protein-rich pairing that complements the sweetness of the muffins.
- Cheese Stick or Meat Stick: For a savory balance to the sweet muffins.
- Fresh Berries: Add more antioxidants and fiber to your snack.
- Nuts: Almonds or walnuts provide healthy fats and additional protein.
Tips for Success
- Use Quality Protein Powder: Choose a protein powder you enjoy the taste of—this will make a big difference in the flavor of your muffins. Leanfit Whey Vanilla is a favorite of mine.
- Don’t Overmix: Be gentle when combining the ingredients to avoid tough muffins. A light fold is all you need!
- Use Silicone Muffin Liners: These prevent the muffins from sticking and make for an easy cleanup.
How to Store High Protein Blueberry Muffins
- Room Temperature: Once the muffins are completely cool, store them in an airtight container or plastic bag at room temperature for up to three days.
- Freezer Storage: For longer storage, keep the muffins in the freezer. They’ll stay fresh for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply defrost on the counter overnight or warm them in the microwave.
These high-protein blueberry muffins are not only a tasty snack, but they’re also a great way to keep your body fueled throughout the day.