The most delicious, fluffy and easy-to-make chocolate-chip pumpkin muffins that fit perfectly into your diabetes or prediabetes eating plan. Plus, pumpkins are loaded with good nutrition!
Now that fall is here, pumpkin recipes are taking over the internet and delicious-looking, fall treats are showing up in every store! Instead of buying the prepared items at your local bakery or grocery store, consider making your own at home! The beauty of cooking for yourself is that you have control over exactly what goes into it. You can adjust the sugar or salt, swap out ingredients and even reduce or double the amount you make! The best part of this recipe is making it in a blender which means less dirty dishes!
When you've been conscious about lowering your blood sugar levels you might be concerned if your fall favorites even fit into your diet anymore. If you've been following my content for a while you know I'm all about moderation, creating a healthy lifestyle you can enjoy and finding healthier modifications on our traditional favorites so we can still enjoy them. This recipe below is one of my absolute favorite ways to enjoy pumpkin, and the recipe couldn't be easier to make!
These "diabetic" pumpkin muffins only take about 25 minutes total and the recipe makes about 12-15 muffins! I keep the added sugar low by using Vermont maple syrup (shout out to my home state) which has such a rich, savory sweetness to it and the recipe doesn't need very much to bring out the natural sweetness of the pumpkin!
I incorporate complex carbs with high-fiber old fashioned oats to slow the blood sugar rise and protein in the Greek yogurt to make them an even more filling treat! Spices including cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger ramp up that savory autumn flavor plus you can't forget about the best part - the chocolate chips! You'll want to cozy up with a fuzzy blanket, a glass of coffee or milk and a spooky movie while eating these!
Let's Get Started!
Recipe:
Ingredients
2 cups old fashioned oats
1 cup pumpkin puree
3/4 cup Plain Greek Yogurt
1/4 cup maple syrup (or other sweetener of choice)
2 large eggs
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp nutmeg
1/8 tsp ginger
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
Directions:
Step 1: Prep
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Grease muffin pan (I use olive oil spray) or insert paper muffin liners.
Step 2: Mix Ingredients
Measure all the ingredients except chocolate chips into a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth. Scrape down the sides of blender as needed.
Step 3: Add chocolate chips
Stir in chocolate chips if desired.
Step 4: Get ready to bake
Scoop batter into muffin pan filling cups about two-thirds full. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until lightly browned on the edges.
Step 5: Let cool and enjoy!
Gently remove muffins from pan and let cool on a wire rack. Best eaten immediately, but they can be stored in sealed tupperware for up to a week or in the freezer 1-3 months. Can be reheated in the microwave and add a pat of butter if desired. Enjoy with a cup of coffee at breakfast or a glass of your favorite milk in the evening!
Nutrition Facts:
A single serving of diabetic pumpkin muffins has 80 calories.
Each of these diabetic pumpkin muffins contain only 80 calories and 12 grams of carbohydrates! Most of the fat (2 grams) comes from healthy, unsaturated fats and the sodium is only 5% of your daily value!
You even get 3 grams of protein per muffin! Slice the muffin in half and add a tbsp or two of natural peanut butter for a bit more protein to make these muffins into a super satisfying snack!
Pumpkin is such a nutritious food containing loads of beneficial nutrients including vitamins A, B1, B6, and C, as well as copper, fiber, folate,, manganese, calcium, potassium, and magnesium! The bright orange color tells us it's also loaded with beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant and great for our eyesight!
You don't have to miss out on your fall favorites when you have prediabetes or diabetes, you just need to find the right recipes!
If you own a blender and a muffin pan you can make these delicious muffins and get your fall sweet treat fix! You will be surprised at how easy they are to make and you'll have warm muffins sitting on your counter in less than 30 minutes if you start now, so grab your ingredients and give them a go!
Leave me a comment below if you tried my pumpkin muffins! Don't forget to follow me on social media at @resilient.nutrition.dietitian and check out my other post on the best snack plate ideas!