Double Oat Raisin Poppy Seed Muffins: A Healthy and Delicious Treat

These Double Oat Raisin Poppy Seed Muffins are a delightful and wholesome treat that combines the goodness of oats, the sweetness of raisins, and the subtle crunch of poppy seeds. They’re perfect for breakfast, a midday snack, or even a light dessert. This recipe is designed to be easy to follow, even for beginner bakers, and yields a batch of moist, flavorful muffins that everyone will enjoy.

## Why You’ll Love These Muffins

* **Healthy and Nutritious:** Packed with oats, which are a great source of fiber, and raisins, which provide natural sweetness and antioxidants, these muffins are a healthier alternative to many commercially baked goods.
* **Delicious Flavor and Texture:** The combination of oats, raisins, and poppy seeds creates a wonderful blend of flavors and textures. The oats provide a slightly chewy texture, the raisins add sweetness and chewiness, and the poppy seeds offer a delicate crunch.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe is straightforward and requires minimal effort. You can easily whip up a batch in under an hour.
* **Versatile:** These muffins can be easily customized to your liking. You can add different types of nuts, seeds, or dried fruit.
* **Perfect for Meal Prep:** Muffins are a great option for meal prepping. You can bake a batch on the weekend and enjoy them throughout the week.
* **Freezable:** These muffins freeze well, so you can always have a supply on hand.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

### For the Dry Ingredients:

* **1 ½ cups all-purpose flour:** Provides the structure for the muffins. You can substitute with whole wheat flour for a healthier option, but the texture might be slightly denser.
* **1 cup rolled oats (old-fashioned):** Adds fiber, texture, and a nutty flavor. Using old-fashioned oats provides a chewier texture compared to quick-cooking oats.
* **½ cup oat flour:** Enhances the oat flavor and contributes to a tender crumb. You can make your own oat flour by grinding rolled oats in a food processor until finely ground.
* **¾ cup granulated sugar:** Sweetens the muffins. You can adjust the amount to your preference. Brown sugar can also be used for a richer, molasses-like flavor.
* **2 teaspoons baking powder:** A leavening agent that helps the muffins rise.
* **½ teaspoon baking soda:** Another leavening agent that works in conjunction with baking powder to create a light and airy texture.
* **½ teaspoon salt:** Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
* **2 tablespoons poppy seeds:** Adds a subtle crunch and a distinctive flavor.
* **1 cup raisins:** Provides sweetness and chewiness. You can use golden raisins, dark raisins, or a mix of both.

### For the Wet Ingredients:

* **1 cup milk:** Adds moisture to the muffins. You can use dairy or non-dairy milk.
* **½ cup vegetable oil:** Provides moisture and richness. You can substitute with melted coconut oil or unsalted butter.
* **2 large eggs:** Binds the ingredients together and contributes to the structure of the muffins.
* **1 teaspoon vanilla extract:** Enhances the flavor of the muffins.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **Muffin tin:** A standard 12-cup muffin tin.
* **Muffin liners (optional):** Makes it easier to remove the muffins from the tin and reduces cleanup.
* **Two large mixing bowls:** One for the dry ingredients and one for the wet ingredients.
* **Whisk:** For combining the dry ingredients.
* **Spatula:** For folding the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.
* **Measuring cups and spoons:** For accurate measuring.
* **Ice cream scoop or large spoon:** For evenly distributing the batter into the muffin cups.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

### Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Muffin Tin

* Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This higher temperature helps the muffins rise quickly and creates a nice dome.
* Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease the tin well with cooking spray. This will prevent the muffins from sticking.

### Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

* In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, oat flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and poppy seeds.
* Make sure all the ingredients are well combined to ensure even distribution throughout the muffins.
* Add the raisins to the dry ingredients and toss to coat. This helps prevent the raisins from sinking to the bottom of the muffins.

### Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

* In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
* Ensure the eggs are fully incorporated into the mixture.

### Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

* Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.
* Gently fold the wet and dry ingredients together using a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can result in tough muffins.
* It’s okay if there are a few streaks of flour remaining. The mixture will come together as it bakes.

### Step 5: Fill the Muffin Cups

* Use an ice cream scoop or a large spoon to evenly distribute the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each cup about two-thirds full.
* This will allow the muffins to rise without overflowing.

### Step 6: Bake the Muffins

* Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
* The muffins should be golden brown on top and spring back lightly when touched.

### Step 7: Cool the Muffins

* Remove the muffin tin from the oven and let the muffins cool in the tin for 5-10 minutes.
* Then, transfer the muffins to a wire rack to cool completely.
* This will prevent the bottoms of the muffins from becoming soggy.

## Tips for Perfect Muffins

* **Don’t Overmix:** Overmixing the batter develops the gluten in the flour, which can result in tough muffins. Mix until just combined.
* **Use Room Temperature Ingredients:** Room temperature ingredients incorporate more easily and result in a smoother batter.
* **Fill Muffin Cups Evenly:** This ensures that the muffins bake evenly.
* **Check for Doneness:** Use a wooden skewer to check for doneness. If the skewer comes out clean, the muffins are done.
* **Cool Completely:** Allow the muffins to cool completely before storing to prevent them from becoming soggy.
* **Add a Streusel Topping:** For extra flavor and texture, consider adding a streusel topping before baking. Combine flour, sugar, butter, and cinnamon for a simple streusel.
* **Experiment with Flavors:** Try adding different types of nuts, seeds, or dried fruit to customize the muffins to your liking.

## Variations and Substitutions

* **Gluten-Free:** Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour.
* **Dairy-Free:** Use non-dairy milk and melted coconut oil or vegan butter in place of dairy milk and vegetable oil.
* **Lower Sugar:** Reduce the amount of sugar or use a sugar substitute.
* **Add Nuts:** Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the batter.
* **Add Spices:** Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to the batter for a warm, spicy flavor.
* **Add Chocolate Chips:** For a chocolatey twist, add chocolate chips to the batter.
* **Fruit Swaps:** Replace the raisins with dried cranberries, chopped dates, or dried apricots.
* **Oatmeal Boost:** Use steel cut oats instead of rolled oats for even more texture and fiber. Soak them in the milk for 30 minutes before mixing for best results.

## Storage Instructions

* **Room Temperature:** Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
* **Refrigerator:** Store the muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
* **Freezer:** Freeze the muffins in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or in the refrigerator.

## Serving Suggestions

* Enjoy them plain as a quick breakfast or snack.
* Spread with butter, jam, or cream cheese.
* Serve alongside a cup of coffee or tea.
* Pack them in lunchboxes for a healthy and delicious treat.
* Warm them up slightly in the microwave or oven for an extra comforting experience.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate, per muffin)

* Calories: 200-250
* Protein: 4-5g
* Fat: 8-10g
* Carbohydrates: 30-35g
* Fiber: 2-3g

*Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*

## Printable Recipe Card

**Double Oat Raisin Poppy Seed Muffins**

**Prep time:** 15 minutes
**Cook time:** 20 minutes
**Yields:** 12 muffins

**Ingredients:**

* 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
* 1 cup rolled oats (old-fashioned)
* ½ cup oat flour
* ¾ cup granulated sugar
* 2 teaspoons baking powder
* ½ teaspoon baking soda
* ½ teaspoon salt
* 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
* 1 cup raisins
* 1 cup milk
* ½ cup vegetable oil
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with liners or grease well.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, oats, oat flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and poppy seeds. Add raisins and toss.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, oil, eggs, and vanilla.
4. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Fold gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Fill muffin cups 2/3 full.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Cool in the tin for 5-10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

## Conclusion

These Double Oat Raisin Poppy Seed Muffins are a delightful and nutritious treat that you can enjoy any time of day. They are easy to make, customizable, and perfect for meal prep. So, grab your ingredients and get baking! You’ll be rewarded with a batch of moist, flavorful muffins that will satisfy your cravings and nourish your body.

Enjoy your baking!