Oh muffins, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways… First, you can serve these blueberry (or anything you want) whole wheat muffins as part of breakfast, lunch, or just by themselves as a snack.
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Second, they really are easy to make, and with so many possibilities of what you can add to the muffin batter I am certain that you will find a combination that you (and your kids) will love.
Third, my kids scarf down their beloved customized versions, and I feel good about what they are eating. And last but not least, they freeze beautifully!! Check out all the different types of berries. Try these Lemon Blueberry Muffins too!
The inspiration for these blueberry, fruit, nut, or anything you want whole wheat muffins
I definitely have to give credit to my 5-year-old daughter for inspiring me to make these whole-wheat muffins. She got very excited one morning when I asked her what she wanted for breakfast and responded with “blueberry muffins!” We had not made muffins in years and I think she likes the idea of them because, well, the shape is strikingly similar to a cupcake!
Once we got started my creative juices started flowing … these don’t just have to be blueberry muffins! I put strawberries in some and some leftover pear that I had on hand in others … and why not raisins? My 3-year-old loves raisins.
So anyway, you get the idea how you can take the plain batter and add whatever flavors your heart desires. Make one big batch that's all the same or make each one different…and most importantly, have fun with it!
Are whole wheat blueberry, fruit, nut, etc. muffins healthy?
The whole wheat muffin batter that I used in this recipe is made from real food ingredients. That means no processed flour or refined sugar! And the overall amount of sweetener used is reduced compared to store-bought muffins. When you add healthy ingredients like fruit, veggies, and nuts, whole wheat muffins end up being a pretty balanced breakfast or snack.
If you’re new to doing real food swaps in your house, this is a great replacement for busy families to skip processed cereal in the mornings. Plus you can sneak an extra serving of fruit or veggies in for picky eaters!
Tips before you get started making these blueberry (or anything you want them to be) whole wheat muffins:
Why does this recipe use juice?
I’ve used both apple and orange juice to make this muffin recipe, it just depends on what I have on hand. The juice adds liquid/moisture to the recipe, which is needed for these whole wheat muffins to bake properly. It also doubles as a substitute for refined sugar.
Some people may find orange juice too bitter, so in that case I’d recommend just using apple juice (we prefer unfiltered organic juice not from concentrate). You could also substitute another juice variety of your choice such as pear. Just make sure it’s 100% juice!
Finally, you can also substitute the juice with milk if you prefer. The muffins will still turn out moist, but you may find them less sweet. If you opt for milk, I suggest using sweeter mix ins or adding a bit of additional honey, depending on your preference.
Can you use frozen blueberries or raspberries in whole wheat muffins?
Frozen blueberries and raspberries should bake the same as fresh berries in this recipe. Just make sure your berries don’t melt while you’re mixing them in! If the frozen berries start to melt, they’ll start to release juice into the batter and may not hold their shape as well.
Try this Lemon Blueberry Bread too!
What foods make good fillings for muffins?
I call these “whatever you want them to be” muffins because you can add pretty much anything to the batter, and they still turn out. You can also combine more than one filling for unique flavors!
Fruit (fresh, frozen, or dried, for sweet muffins)
- Blueberries
- Raspberries
- Diced strawberries
- Chopped and peeled apple or pear
- Applesauce
- Mashed banana
- Raisins
- Dates
- Dried cranberries
- Lemon or orange zest
Vegetables (for savory muffins)
- Grated carrots
- Zucchini
- Pumpkin
- Corn
- Sweet potato
- Bell pepper
- Garlic
- Onion
Nuts (chopped)
- Pecans
- Almonds
- Walnuts
- Pistachio
Dairy & Meat
- Grated cheddar cheese
- Cream cheese
- Sour cream
- Cubed pieces of cooked meat (great for a breakfast muffin!)
If your whole wheat muffins with dried fruit, nuts, or other mix-ins come out dry
Sometimes homemade muffins can come out dry. This usually happens when you scoop the flour on the heavier side or slightly under measure the liquid in the recipe. It can also happen if you’re using dried fruit or nuts that absorb the liquid (vs fresh or frozen ingredients that have a lot of internal moisture).
Depending on how dry they are, you can add ¼ to ½ cup of applesauce, Greek yogurt, mashed banana, or grated zucchini.
How to keep muffins from sticking to the pan
I always bake my muffins inside muffin liners to make it easier to remove them. If you're using paper liners, look for the parchment variety. Another idea is to use foil cupcake liners and lightly spritz them with an oil of your choice.
If you don’t want to use liners, you’ll need to properly grease the muffin pan. Use your favorite method, or try spreading butter inside the muffin tray’s cups, then dusting with whole wheat flour. Shake off the excess.
Other muffin recipes you might like
- Whole Wheat Lemon Raspberry Muffins
- Whole Wheat Banana (Nut) Muffins
- Whole Wheat Carrot Applesauce Muffins
- Apple Walnut Muffins
Fruit, Nut, or Berry Whole-Wheat Muffins
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups whole-wheat flour (I used King Arthur’s white whole-wheat flour)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ¼ cup coconut oil (or other oil of your choice)
- ¾ cup apple juice (or orange juice)
Filling Options - about 1 cup needed (see below for details)
- berries
- fruit
- nuts
Instructions
- Heat oven to 400 degrees F.
- In a large bowl with a fork or whisk mix the flour, salt, baking powder, cinnamon and nutmeg.
- Make a well (hole) in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the eggs, honey, vanilla, oil and orange juice. Mix the dry and wet ingredients together – do not overmix.
- Now here is the fun part. If you are in a hurry just add 1 cup of blueberries, mashed up banana & nuts, or other filling of your choice. If you have 5 or 10 minutes extra (and some anxious helpers) do not add anything to the muffin batter before continuing with the next step.
- Line a muffin pan with liners and fill ⅔ to ¾ of the way full with batter. If you didn’t already add your filling, sprinkle 1 – 2 teaspoons of whatever you would like (from the list below or from your own creation) onto the top of each raw muffin in the pan. Then gently mix each one with a fork or spoon.
Here are some options to consider for the fillings:
- blueberries
- diced strawberries
- peeled and diced pears
- applesauce
- either diced or mashed up bananas and chopped walnuts
- raisins and chopped pecans (I add an extra pinch of cinnamon to the muffins with this filling)
- grated carrot and chopped walnuts
- orange or lemon zest (only add ¼ to ½ teaspoon of zest per individual muffin)
- a mix of dried fruit bits
- jelly - After the filling has been mixed into each muffin slide the tray into the warm oven and bake for 10 – 15 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Serve warm or at room temperature and freeze some for a later date.
Enjoy!
Notes
We recommend organic ingredients when feasible.
Kate says
These were delicious. I used half wheat and half spelt (it is lighter like it was stated on the pumpkin spelt muffin recipe). Try using the power C-machine Naked brand juice instead of apple or orange! Wow it was a great choice. It has orange and apple in it, but also strawberry, mango and peach and guavas....nice and sweet but natural!
TKW says
I just made these and I'm completely new to coconut oil (I know, for shame, shaaaaaaame!) ... but am I supposed to melt the coconut oil before I put it in the batter?
Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says
Hi. Yes and this will give you more info: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/02/07/how-to-cook-with-coconut-oil/.
TKW says
Well, that was exactly what I was looking for! Thanks!!
Cintia says
I just baked these today, and although they are tasty they lack in color. What do you recommend for giving my muffin a nice golden brown color?
Thanks in advance.
Xoxo
Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says
Hi. Have you tried buttering the muffin top?
TERRY CHRONISTER says
I have used this recipe twice - once with srawberries and pecans, and once with overripe bananas and walnuts. The first batch wasnt my favorite out of the oven, still had a bit of that bitter wheat flavor, but the next day I microwaved them, and the flavor was improved. I mashed the overripe bananas so they blended with the dough, and this batch was delish, did not taste like a wheat muffin. Only chage I would make is I used 1 cup (2 bananas) of bananas and 1/2, maybe of walnuts, the dough needs to be saturated with walnuts for texture. Good base recipe to play with to your liking.
Jeanne says
I made these and my daughter loved them (she hates whole wheat) The next batch I substituted 1/2 cup ground flax seed for the whole wheat flour, added 2 cups of blueberries and 1/2 cup of walnuts and I used red palm oil.
Tasted great.
Anastasia says
I just made these this morning and they were so good! I was making them for toddlers so I did half banana and half blueberry. I wanted the banana to add sweetness. The little girls LOVED them. My daughter is used to food like this, but the girl I nanny is finicky with food, but she was shoving these in her mouth. And I loved them too. I used apple juice because orange juice can be bitter and some comments were about it tasting bitter.
Thanks for always posting high quality recipes! I appreciate your integrity as a blogger!
Stacey says
I made these last night with my almost 3 year old. The muffins were quick and easy and very tasty! My mother in law would like them sweeter, but those that only eat whole grain - they are a treat to feel great about! We added raisins, apricots and bananas.
Marilyn says
These muffins are great - so easy to prepare, not too sweet and my family loves them. I used home made apple sauce instead of juice (probably changes texture a little), hand picked (frozen) blueberries twice and apple/date pieces the third time. I've been using paper cups, but for my first baking I did not have any so cut small circles from parchment and placed in bottoms of the pan, and greased sides. Every time the muffins have come out clean and the papers peal off easily. The hardest part of this recipe for me is grinding my whole wheat flour from wheat berries before combining ingredients, and I used an organic, aluminum -free baking powder: There was no bitterness at all. These are definitely the most hassle free - tastiest muffins I've ever made! This is the first review I've ever written, so it must be a good recipe for me to take the time to write about it.
Minnie says
Excellent. I used apple cider. Mixed frozen blueberries right into the batter. Just the right amount of spice and sweetness. Was surprised that they really did bake to perfection in just 15 minutes. Thank you!
Christina says
I made these today with my little girls and we all loved them. We actually used milk instead of juice and just used diced bananas. The muffins turned out great. Not sweet except for the bananas, but for us the sweetness was perfect. It really lets the fruit shine through. Awesome recipe! Thanks!
Kelly says
It worked well with the milk?
Christina says
It did for us. The juice would probably make them sweeter, but I liked them with milk. I made them a second time and added diced thawed peaches. Also delicious! I also subbed applesauce for the oil, and that worked well too.
Ladonna says
Did everyone cook the muffins at 400 degrees? That seems a little hot? Just curious, as I'm accustomed to baking muffins closer to 350.
Kelly says
Thank you!
Christine says
These turned out great. I wasn't looking for sweet muffins. I added walnuts and dried cranberries. As for the pan sticking, I highly recommend these silicon baking cups http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00N4ONBGY?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00.
Brian says
Extremely bitter... Too much baking powder? We made them exactly as written with frozen blueberries. We've had bad luck with Clabber Girl baking powder, but this recipe also seems to call for much more than Lisa's other muffin recipes -- 2 tsp vs 1/4 tsp plus baking soda, etc.
sue says
These were bitter for me as well.
Anastasia says
Did you use orange juice? I feel like orange juice can be very bitter. I made these with apple juice and they weren't bitter at all.
Nadiya says
I made these twice, once with mulberries and once with mixed berries. Both times I used apple juice. The texture was good, but they weren't very sweet. We don't eat a lot of sweet things in our house, so they worked our okay for us. Next time I may try cider to see if I can get them just a tad sweeter.
Susan says
Love these! Close to the old BH&G Cookbook muffin recipe that I grew up with -- my recipe called for milk but I subbed OJ on a regular basis. I loved my old recipe because they were NOT sweet, and you could taste the fruit, so I love this one just as much, and the whole wheat makes them "nuttier." Allow the muffins to cool completely & most muffin papers will slip right off, BUT I picked up a "professional" brand at a scratch-n-dent grocery and those suckers will NOT come off -- not the fault of the muffins! These are GREAT with blueberries that were u-picked and frozen, and a few drops of lemon extract in place of the vanilla. Yummmmm!
Tracey says
Not a fan, I read these reviews after I mixed everything up, right before baking so I added more honey and maple syrup. I still didn't like the outcome.
Jennifer says
What can I substitute for the juice if I don't have any on hand?
Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says
Hi Jennifer. Apple sauce mixed with some water will work.
Sheila says
I made these with blueberries this morning. Both my daughter and I liked them. I used apple cider because I think it sweetens things better than orange juice. We don't eat much sugar so thought they were sweet enough. I could actually taste the honey flavor since there wasn't a bunch of sugar to cover it up. We'll be making these again.
Kimberly says
I made these today with strawberries and banana as the "add in". I don't like really sweet muffins, but these weren't sweet at all. They also stuck really badly to the liners. Guess it's back to the drawing board, I won't try this recipe again. Too bad I made a double batch to use up some berries that were getting a bit old.
Kelly says
I made these for the first time today for my muffin-loving kiddos, and I added frozen blueberries. I have grown used to the less-sweet real food baking recipes, but this one came out very slightly sweet, almost not sweet at all. Otherwise, it was a good muffin! I added everything exactly except I added equal parts unsweetened applesauce and olive oil instead of just oil. Should I add a bit more honey next time or some maple syrup? I liked them but I think the kids would like them more if they were a bit sweeter. Just not sure how to slightly sweeten them vs over-sweeten them. LOVE this site, and your pumpkin muffins are our favorite around here! :)
Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says
Hi. You can always add a little more honey.
Karly says
I just popped these in the oven. I used olive oil. I grabbed a handful of mixed frozen fruit (strawberry, blueberry, cherry, raspberry) and stuck them in my ninja. I made very small peices of fruit and mixed them in after separating the plain batter into cupcake liners. Then made some with thinly sliced banana and a dollop of cbs nuts peanut butter (1 ingredient pb). I'm pretty excited, I've always had good luck with Lisa's recipes. My son loves muffins in his lunch!
Bec says
I made these the other night with strawberries. My daughter's devoured the left overs for breakfast the next day and requested them for school lunches. My biggest issue is how do I freeze these? I generally just put things in zip lock bags, is that enough or should I do something more? They love grabbing food from the freezer and packing their own lunches.
This website has inspired them with so many ideas for their lunches. Thank you.
Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says
Hi. Ziplocs will work fine. I get as much of the air out as possible to prevent freezer burn.
Danielle says
I made these yesterday for the week. We used blueberries as the add in it they turned out wonderfully.
Jana says
I just made these tonight as blueberry muffins. I added the zest of one lemon along with the juice of 1/2 lemon to add more flavor. I also sprinkled some organic sugar on top. Even after my modifications, I found these muffins to be pretty blah. I ate one warm with butter, but they were still missing sweetness. They came out light and I'm sure my 4 year old will love, but this one just didn't do it for me. Most everything else that I've made from the cookbook I've been very pleased with. Maybe I'll have better luck with the lemon raspberry?
Sarah says
I WANT to like these muffins, but when I make them they come out dense and heavy. I don't expect them to taste like boxed muffins- I understand they're a whole different food- but I can't help but think I could do something differently to make them more enjoyable. Can anyone help?
Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says
Hi Sara. Have you tried using white whole wheat flour? It is 100% whole wheat but is lighter in color and texture.
GMASUZY says
Love your recipes! We'd love them more in our diabetic household if they included nutritional information!
Shannon B. says
We have a coconut allergy, what can I substitute for the coconut oil?
Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says
Hi there. Butter will work.
Marie Kropp says
My coconut oil re-solidified when I added it to the dry ingredients. Is there a way to avoid that? Or does it not matter. (The muffins are still baking, so I don't know what the final result will be.)
Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says
Hi Marie. How did they turn out? Allowing colder ingredients to rest at room temp for a while can help as can mixing pretty quickly as you add the oil.
Sunni says
I just made these for my 2 year old who was recently diagnosed with an egg allergy and lactose intolerance. I made them with flax eggs and they turned out great. He just asked for another "mummin." :)
Erin says
Is there something I can sub for the juice? I never keep juice in the house anymore.
momof6 says
Erin, I'm curious, too! I would think milk? But the juice also provides sweet flavor not just liquid, so you would need to up the sugar / honey.
Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says
Hi Erin. You could use water and add a bit more honey. You could also use a combo of applesauce and water. I've not subbed with milk.
Kara says
Hello!
I'm wondering if anyone had trouble with these sticking to the paper muffin baking cups? We made these tonight and they were great, but they all stuck to the paper.
I'm going to grease the pan next time and not use liners.
Emily says
I dont have muffin cups so I just greased my pan well and they popped out easily.
Ana says
Yes, they always stick for me!!! And I forgot that that is what I did last time, skipped the liners and grease the pan! I wish I had read this last night! On the other hand, I used silicone liners on half and they did not stick.
Rachel says
Made the blueberry muffins and they are delicious. Of course they're nowhere near the sweetness of a typical sugar heavy muffin. But, for once, I can actually taste the blueberry goodness! My kids love these as well.
Sarah d says
How long can these be frozen for? And can you just take them out of the freezer and microwave?
Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says
Hi Sarah. They are fine for up to 3 months in the freezer. I would thaw them overnight in the fridge.
Becky says
Is there a substitution for honey that I can use? Corn syrup?
Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says
Hi Becky. We would sub pure maple syrup for the honey...but never corn syrup. :)
Paula says
Wondering if I used 1c. Flour and 1/2 c of oat flour, would the Muffins hold up. I am new to other flours besides whole wheat. I just know oat flour is so good for you.
Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says
Hi Paula. Not sure because we have not tried. Let us know how it goes if you do. :)
Danielle says
Anyone use this for almond poppy seed muffins? I love the Costco ones so looking for an alternative!
Brenda Trombley says
Since the coconut oil is solid, do you just put in in like you would shortening or do you melt it first?
Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says
Hello Brenda. You melt it. Here is more info: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/02/07/how-to-cook-with-coconut-oil/.
Amanda says
Anyone use this to make a savory muffin for snack or lunch/dinner? I'm thinking cheese, spinach (because we could always use more greens), broccoli bits...you get the idea! Just wondered before I start experimenting with food.
Ginny says
Could you use unsweetened applesauce in place of the oil?
Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says
Hi Ginny. Other readers have. ;)
Melissa Wilson says
Can you use frozen blueberries? Do they need to be defrosted first?
Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says
Hi Melissa. You can use frozen blueberries, too. I do let them defrost somewhat but if they are fully defrosted, they may break up as you mix them in.
Ana says
I have used frozen berries and I have to add 15 to 20 minutes to the baking time.
Rachel says
I just made these with canola oil b/c my husband doesn't like coconut (they are really really good, by the way) but I would obviously like to not use the processed oils. Could you use melted or unmelted butter?
Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says
Hi Rachel. Melted butter will work fine.