Healthy Makeover: Morning Glory Muffins

Morning glory muffins contain everything I love: pineapple, carrots, raisins, cinnamon...the list could go on.  But when I saw a package in the store with a whooping 450 calories and 22g of fat, I could feel a challenge coming on.

I knew I could make a healthier version will all the delicious flavours sans the calories and fat.

Mission accomplished.

These muffins are exactly what I hoped:  Light and fruity with just a hint of sweetness.  They also have a 1/3 less calories,  3/4 less fat and more fibre than the regular version.

See, you can have your cake muffin and it it too.

Morning Glory Muffins (Make 18 Muffins)
Adapted from Cooking Nook

1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1/2 cup ground flax
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp ginger
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 egg
1/2 cup buttermilk*
1/4 cup applesauce
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup crushed pineapple
1 cup grated carrot
1/2 cup raisins**

Preheat oven to 400 degrees and line or lightly grease18 muffin cups.

Mix flour, flax, powder, soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger in a small bowl and set aside.  In a separate bowl, whisk egg and sugar.  Add buttermilk, applesauce and vanilla.

Slowly add dry ingredients to the wet, stirring until almost combined.  Add pineapple, carrots and raisins.  Mix until incorporated being careful not to over mix.

Scoop batter into tins and bake for 15-17 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.

*If you don't have buttermilk, make your own.  Add 1/2 tbsp of white vinegar to 1/2 cup of milk.

**Feel free to substitute/add nuts, seeds, dried fruit or coconut.


      Traditional Recipe (found here)

         Healthy Makeover Version

Are you a fan of spicy muffins or do you prefer neutral flavours?

Stay Healthy,
Tracy