Naturally sweetened whole grain oatmeal raisin mini breakfast muffins are perfect for little ones!
I’m at that stage of my life where we now have play date parties. I have girls nights out and whatnot, but when it’s a group get together, it’s almost always kid-focused. Play dates or baby showers or birthday parties.
And while at times I miss some of the fun we all had pre-kids, I’m actually fine with it. It’s cool to see people you’ve known forever become parents and then get to watch them with their little ones. A whole new side of us opens up, I feel like.
Also, when we get enough people together, the kids tend to take care of themselves. We had some of my high school friends over last month and we all sat in the kitchen, sipping mimosas, as the kids explored the toys in the living room.
I made these little mini muffins and set out some fruit for all the little ones to snack on. Mine, of course, couldn’t wait for the party to sample the goods.
They saw these breakfast muffins the day before when I baked them. I told them they weren’t ready yet - they were for the party the next morning.
So ALL morning long while we were playing and trying to not wreck the house before everyone arrived, they kept asking if it was time to try one. It was funny in a diabolical way to keep saying no. They were trying so hard to be patient.
Finally, I caved and let them sneak one before everyone arrived. Then I let them each have two more at the party. My husband later told me that J got an additional two after that. Somehow he still managed to eat all of his lunch. Ah, those little growing boys…
I found myself popping a couple of these as well throughout the day. They are just barely sweet but have great flavor from the raisins and the maple syrup combination. If you are making these for older kids or adults, you may want to increase the maple syrup to ⅓ cup to make them a bit sweeter.
And you can definitely sub honey, but I use maple syrup so they are safe for babies under age 1. Fun little finger food!
We’ve actually got that same group coming over again this weekend for a Valentine's Day morning play date, which is what reminded me of these little breakfast muffins. Might have to whip up another batch and watch my kids wiggle as they wait. 😉
Wishing you a happy weekend and a Valentine’s Day full of love!
Mini oatmeal raisin toddler muffins
Naturally sweetened whole grain oatmeal raisin mini breakfast muffins are perfect for toddlers and young children!
Ingredients
- 1 cup oats (I use old-fashioned oats)
- 1 cup milk (skim, 2% or soy all work fine)
- 1 cup whole wheat flour (I use white whole wheat flour)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ cup maple syrup (see notes)
- ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- ⅔ cup raisins
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350. Spray a 24-cup mini muffin tin with cooking spray and set aside.
- Place oats in a medium bowl and add milk. Allow the oats to soak while you prepare the rest of the muffins.
- In a separate large bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon.
- Add the maple syrup, applesauce, egg and vanilla to the bowl with the soaked oats and stir to combine.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir to combine.
- Mix in the raisins. The batter will be very runny.
- Fill the mini muffin tin. Each cup should be filled almost to the top.
- Bake at 350 for 13-15 minutes, until done.
Notes
I used maple syrup so these would be safe for any kids under the age of 1 (you can’t give honey to babies). Otherwise, you could certainly substitute honey for the maple syrup.
These are just barely sweet and great for little ones. If you want them to be sweeter, try increasing the maple syrup to ⅓ cup.
Extras can be stored on the counter for 3 days, in the fridge for up to 5 days and frozen for up to 3 months.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
24Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 61Total Fat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 9mgSodium: 84mgCarbohydrates: 12gFiber: 1gSugar: 5gProtein: 2g
Sarah
Ahhh I love muffins and these mini ones look delicious! Finding this recipe just made my day, thanks! 🙂
Kathryn
Yay, thanks Sarah! We are serious muffin fiends around here and these little babies are great to have on hand 🙂
Caro
I really want to make these but don't have any raisins on hand - can I sub with frozen blueberries??
Kathryn
Hi! No, frozen blueberries would have too much liquid for this recipe. You could substitute dried blueberries or dried cranberries though. Hope that helps!
jacqueline | i sugar coat it!
I love all things mini - perfect excuse to have more! Not a raisin fan, but all the flavours and spices make these tiny bites of deliciousness.
Kathryn
Haha, right? I take them down two at a time - they are very pop-able 🙂
Amy @ Accidental Happy Baker
These are just perfect for little ones. My husband's grandma makes "baby" muffins each Friday morning for her 15 grandbabies, and then she makes lunch for all of us--she's a trooper, and the kids just love them. These are the perfect size and sweetness!
Kathryn
Oh wow! She's a muffin machine! I know mine are serious muffin lovers and it sounds like it runs in your family too 🙂
allie @ Through Her Looking Glass
Love these sweet little muffins and I can see why the kids had trouble waiting. I'd have trouble too! The maple syrup is the best part to this New England girl!
Kathryn
Haha, they are hard to resist! And we love us some maple syrup!
Rahul @samosastreet.com
I would love these in the mornings when I’m running late for work
Kathryn
Yes! They are very portable and great for grabbing as you run out the door!
Kate @ Framed Cooks
They may SAY toddler muffins, but I know a couple of oldsters that I will be making these for. 🙂
simonacallas
I understand perfectly your kids, mine were the same when they were little - and now they're grown up and still have trouble with patience when it comes to dessert 🙂 And these muffins are perfect, congratulations! ❤❤
Kathryn
Haha, I struggle with patience myself so they come by it honestly at least 😉
Lisa @ Chocolate Meets Strawberry
I can just imagine how excited the kiddos were to have a special pre-party taste of these, Kathryn! They look so delicious, and I love how low in sugar they are! I'm thinking these would taste a lot like oatmeal raisin cookies, only in a softer, fluffier form! Delicious! 😀
Kathryn
They are kind-of like a muffin version of an oatmeal raisin cookie!
Ramona W
Perfect snack size treat!! Just give me a cup of tea and I'm all set. 🙂
Kathryn
Yes, very snack size friendly, and they would be a lovely accompaniment to a cup of tea!
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary
I love anything mini! I also happen to love oatmeal, raisins, maple syrup and muffins... so I feel like you made these babies (lame pun intended) just for me. 😉 Forget breakfast or lunch... i would have just stuffed my face with these Mini delights! Yum! Cheers, sweets!
Kathryn
They ARE just for you Cheyanne 😉 XO
Mahy
These look super cute, super sweet and super healthy too!! Can't wait to make them 🙂
Kathryn
Thanks Mahy! They are very pop-able 🙂
Nancy @ Spicie Foodie
What a great and healthy muffin recipe. They look super cute too.
Kathryn
Thanks Nancy! They are sweet, aren't they? 🙂
Revathi Palani
Love the idea of baby muffins. These look so cute and delicious 🙂
Kathryn
Thanks! They were a hit with all the little ones - and the adults, too!
Winnie
Wonderful muffins 🙂 I love to bake with oats
Instead of maple - I'd use date-syrup which is very popular here
Kathryn
Thanks Winnie! Absolutely, I think you could substitute date syrup and be just fine 🙂
Helen Fern
These would make a great to go breakfast! Thanks for sharing on the "What's for Dinner" link up!
Kathryn
Thanks Helen, they really do!
Alexis
These are great!! Used almond milk and added a sprinkle of dark chocolate chips. Baked for 15 minutes and they are perfect! My 18 month old gobbles them up.
Kathryn
I'm so happy to hear you and your toddler love these! Love the addition of some dark chocolate chips! 😊
Molly
I don’thave regular oats but I do have the quick cook steel cut oats, can I use those instead??
Kathryn
I haven't made this recipe with those, but I think they would work! Would love to hear if you try it!