Irresistibly Delicious & Healthy Blueberry Cake Cinnamon Sugar Muffins: Your New Favorite Low-Point Treat!
There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked muffins wafting through the kitchen. Recently, a fantastic sale on blueberries inspired me to stock up and reignite my passion for baking. While classic blueberry muffins are always a treat, I craved something extra special – a muffin with a tender, cake-like crumb, bursting with juicy blueberries, and topped with a delightful cinnamon-sugar crunch. And so, these absolutely divine Blueberry Cake Cinnamon Sugar Muffins were born!
From the first bite, I knew these weren’t just any muffins. They possess a moist, fluffy texture that truly lives up to their “cake” name, complemented by the sweet-tart pop of fresh blueberries and an aromatic cinnamon-sugar topping that adds an irresistible warmth. The best part? These incredible muffins are surprisingly light and healthy, clocking in at just 3 SmartPoints each on various Weight Watchers programs. Yes, you read that right! I enjoyed two of these delightful treats without an ounce of guilt, and you can too!
This recipe transforms a simple muffin into a gourmet experience, perfect for a wholesome breakfast, a satisfying snack, or even a light dessert. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, you’ll find this recipe straightforward and incredibly rewarding. Get ready to impress your taste buds and your friends with a batch of these truly unforgettable blueberry muffins, designed for both flavor and wellness.
Ready to bake a batch of these extraordinary muffins? Here’s the detailed recipe that will guide you through creating these light, flavorful, and perfectly sweet treats. You’ll be amazed at how simple it is to achieve such a delightful result.
Blueberry cake cinnamon sugar muffins
Ingredients
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to baking success. You’ll notice a few key components that contribute to the unique cake-like texture and reduced points of these muffins, such as white cake mix and unsweetened applesauce. Fresh blueberries are highly recommended for the best flavor and texture, but frozen can also work in a pinch (just don’t thaw them first!).
- 1 1/4 cup flour
- 1/3 cup white cake mix, I used Duncan Hines
- 2 Tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 egg
- 1 egg white, 2 Tbsp
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup unsweetened apple sauce
- 2/3 cup almond milk, I use unsweetened original
- 3/4 cup fresh blueberries
- Topping- 1/2 Tbsp sugar & 1/2 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create a batch of perfect Blueberry Cake Cinnamon Sugar Muffins. Precision in baking helps ensure the best results, especially when aiming for that desirable light and fluffy texture. Remember, avoid overmixing the batter for tender muffins!
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Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a standard 12-hole muffin pan by lightly spraying each cup with non-stick cooking spray or lining them with paper muffin liners. This ensures your muffins won’t stick and will release easily.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine all your dry ingredients: the flour, white cake mix (which gives these muffins their unique cake-like softness), sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, and baking soda. Whisk them together thoroughly until well combined. This prevents lumps and ensures even distribution of leavening agents.
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In a separate, smaller bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients. Start by lightly beating the whole egg and egg white until just combined. Then, stir in the unsweetened apple sauce, vanilla extract, and almond milk. Mix these liquid ingredients well to ensure they are fully incorporated before adding to the dry mixture.
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Pour the wet ingredients into the large bowl containing your dry ingredients. Mix them together using a spatula or a wooden spoon just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter; a few small lumps are perfectly fine and will lead to a more tender muffin. Overmixing can result in tough, dense muffins.
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Very gently fold in your fresh blueberries. The key here is gentle handling to avoid crushing the berries and coloring the batter too much. Once folded, evenly divide the batter among the 12 prepared muffin cups. Try to distribute the blueberries as evenly as possible without overloading individual muffins, which can lead to a messy bake or cause the muffins to sink.
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For the delightful cinnamon-sugar topping, combine 1/2 tablespoon of sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon in a small bag or bowl. Sprinkle this fragrant mixture generously over the tops of your 12 filled muffin cups. This topping will bake into a wonderfully sweet and slightly crunchy crust.
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Place the muffin pan into your preheated oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes. The muffins are done when they are golden brown on top and a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them towards the end.
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This recipe yields 12 regular-sized muffins, each serving as a wholesome treat at just 3 PersonalPoints or 3 SmartPoints on all three MyWW programs (Blue, Green, and Purple), and only 2 points plus each on older programs. For optimal freshness and to maintain their delightful texture, these muffins are best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. They also freeze exceptionally well; simply place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature or gently warm in the microwave for a fresh-baked experience.
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Nutritional information per muffin (excluding blueberries, as their size can vary): Approximately 83 Calories, 0.9g Fat, 0.2g Saturated Fat, 15.4g Carbohydrates, 0.6g Fiber, 4.7g Sugars, and 2.3g Protein. Remember that fresh blueberries add valuable antioxidants, vitamins, and a small amount of additional fiber and natural sugars, enhancing both the flavor and the nutritional profile of these wonderful muffins. This makes them a smart choice for a healthier indulgence.
Additional Info
Beyond being incredibly delicious, these Blueberry Cake Cinnamon Sugar Muffins offer a lighter alternative to traditional muffins, making them a fantastic choice for anyone mindful of their dietary intake. The secret to their delightful texture and lower point value lies in a clever combination of ingredients. Using a touch of white cake mix contributes to an incredibly tender crumb that mimics a delicate cake, while unsweetened applesauce replaces a significant amount of butter or oil, providing moisture without the added fat and calories.
Why You’ll Love These Muffins (And How to Make Them Perfect!)
These muffins aren’t just a recipe; they’re an experience. Here’s why they’re destined to become a staple in your kitchen:
- Cake-like Texture: The addition of white cake mix is a game-changer, giving these muffins an unbelievably soft and fluffy texture that truly melts in your mouth.
- Bursting with Flavor: Fresh blueberries provide natural sweetness and a slight tang, perfectly complemented by the warm, inviting spice of cinnamon in the topping.
- Health-Conscious: At just 3 SmartPoints (or PersonalPoints) per muffin, you can indulge without guilt. They’re a fantastic option for Weight Watchers members or anyone seeking a lighter treat.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward instructions and readily available ingredients, even beginner bakers can achieve spectacular results.
Tips for Muffin-Making Success
To ensure your Blueberry Cake Cinnamon Sugar Muffins turn out perfectly every time, keep these expert tips in mind:
- Don’t Overmix: This is perhaps the most crucial rule for tender muffins. Mix your wet and dry ingredients just until combined. A few lumps are perfectly acceptable; overmixing develops gluten, leading to tough, dense muffins.
- Fresh Blueberries are Best: While frozen blueberries can be used (do not thaw them; fold them in directly from the freezer!), fresh ones tend to hold their shape better and provide a more vibrant flavor and pop. If using frozen, be extra gentle to prevent the batter from turning grey.
- Proper Oven Temperature: Ensure your oven is fully preheated before baking. The initial blast of heat helps the muffins rise beautifully and achieve that desirable domed top.
- Even Distribution: Try to distribute the batter and blueberries as evenly as possible among the muffin cups for consistent baking, uniform appearance, and accurate portion sizes.
- Cinnamon-Sugar Topping: Do not skip this step! It adds a delightful texture and an extra layer of warm, sweet flavor that truly elevates these muffins from good to exceptional. You can even add a touch more if you adore a prominent cinnamon kick.
Customization and Serving Suggestions
While these muffins are perfect as they are, feel free to experiment with creative additions to make them uniquely yours:
- Lemon Zest: A teaspoon of finely grated lemon zest folded into the batter can brighten the blueberry flavor beautifully, adding a refreshing citrus note.
- Nuts: For an added textural element, a handful of finely chopped walnuts or pecans could be gently folded into the batter alongside the blueberries.
- Different Berries: Feel free to substitute half the blueberries with other small berries like raspberries or chopped strawberries for a delightful mixed berry twist.
These muffins are wonderfully versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Serve them warm with your morning coffee or tea for a comforting start to your day, pack them in lunchboxes for a delightful and healthy snack, or offer them as a light dessert. They are particularly delightful still slightly warm, perhaps with a pat of light butter or a dollop of plain Greek yogurt for an added touch of creaminess.
The Goodness of Blueberries
Beyond their delicious taste and vibrant color, blueberries are tiny powerhouses of nutrition. They are packed with antioxidants, which play a crucial role in helping combat free radicals in the body and supporting overall cellular health. Blueberries are also a good source of essential vitamins like Vitamin C and Vitamin K, as well as manganese, and they contribute beneficial dietary fiber. Incorporating these superfruits into your diet, especially in a healthy and enjoyable form like these muffins, is a fantastic way to enjoy their numerous health benefits while satisfying your sweet tooth.
We hope you enjoy baking and savoring these Blueberry Cake Cinnamon Sugar Muffins as much as we do. They are a testament to the fact that healthy eating absolutely does not mean sacrificing flavor or enjoyment. Grab your apron, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake some magic with this delightful and guilt-free recipe!