From classic pumpkin spice to trendy sweet potato quinoa, these eight recipes deliver delicious results in under 200 calories
Store-bought muffins can seem like the perfect treat — unless you look at the nutrition label.
Advertisement
Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy
Don’t be fooled by the “healthy” sounding fruit- or vegetable-based names of some commercially baked muffins. Many of these baked goods are loaded with added sugar, saturated fat and calories.
Let’s face it: They’re mostly just glorified cupcakes.
That’s why we’ve rounded up this collection of eight easy-to-make muffin recipes. From pumpkin to chocolate to cranberry, each delivers the taste you want in a treat, without excessive sugar and fat.
As a bonus, each muffin on our list comes in under 200 calories — or less than half of many store-bought muffins.
So, grab a mixing bowl and get that oven pre-heated. We’ve got some baking to do.
Image content: This image is available to view online.
View image online (https://assets.clevelandclinic.org/transform/cad16a8e-83cb-4bb5-a116-4da6d23f00a5/pumpkinSpiceMuffin-174992741-770x533-1_jpg)
We get that pumpkins serve as a symbol of Halloween and fall, but don’t skip eating the super squash in other seasons. Take advantage of pumpkin’s nutritional resume year-round with these pumpkin spice muffins.
Image content: This image is available to view online.
View image online (https://assets.clevelandclinic.org/transform/bea3b653-2f0a-4fce-b83e-8ad85417e90e/applesauceMiniMuffins-1062628194-770x553-1_jpg)
Let’s take a moment to celebrate the little things in life — starting with these applesauce mini muffins. Ten minutes of baking is all you need to make a week’s worth of delicious bite-sized snacks.
Image content: This image is available to view online.
View image online (https://assets.clevelandclinic.org/transform/daa999b7-8181-49d2-a428-b79e0714da5a/smoresMuffins-ashley-051920-770x533-1_jpg)
Who doesn’t love s’mores, that ooey-gooey campfire delight? And we’ve already established everyone’s affection for muffins. So, s’mores muffins? YES, PLEASE! These chocolaty treats are perfect for snacking with or without a crackling campfire.
Advertisement
Image content: This image is available to view online.
View image online (https://assets.clevelandclinic.org/transform/cf4973b7-e61b-4660-aead-2c98e65289d5/wheatCranberryOrangeMuffins-1206780280-770x533-1_jpg)
Fresh cranberries add a tart-and-tangy punch to these whole-grain muffins. Behind that powerful flavor, though, hides serious nutritional value thanks to the low-fat cottage cheese, whole-wheat pastry flour and unsweetened applesauce on the ingredient list.
Image content: This image is available to view online.
View image online (https://assets.clevelandclinic.org/transform/9de5c0cf-ec9d-4d26-a2bf-26f4815d7b72/chaiPumpkinAppleMuffins-519684744-770x553_jpg)
Don’t be fooled by the diminutive size of a chia seed. That dot-sized seed is a nutritional powerhouse loaded with fiber, protein and omega-3 fatty acids. You’ll get all that and more in this recipe for pumpkin-apple-chia muffins.
Image content: This image is available to view online.
View image online (https://assets.clevelandclinic.org/transform/a07ba479-4e46-44b0-9097-4d1431a2f78c/zucchiniRaisinMuffins-500538104-770x533-1_jpg)
When it comes to making a perfect muffin, consider zucchini a secret weapon. The Hulk-sized green vegetable adds moisture and texture to baked goods. See for yourself with these zucchini raisin muffins and check a serving of veggies off of your dietary to-do list.
Image content: This image is available to view online.
View image online (https://assets.clevelandclinic.org/transform/4084bdc3-652c-4832-b172-72d1bf46b287/potatoQuinoaMuffins-ashly042220-770x533-1_jpg)
Move over, sweet potato pie — you’ve got company on the treat table dedicated to the orange root vegetable. These sweet potato-quinoa muffins will satisfy your sweet tooth without piling on calories.
Image content: This image is available to view online.
View image online (https://assets.clevelandclinic.org/transform/ad70a96c-dba1-46f7-9244-49eec1fd7792/veggieOmeletMuffins-1180054114-770x533-1_jpg)
These aren’t traditional muffins. They’re more of a baked egg white omelet in a muffin shape. But this breakfast option offers a dose of protein without many calories, carbs or fat. Load in veggies for added flavor and nutrition, too. Sound good? Then get crackin’!
Advertisement
Learn more about our editorial process.
Advertisement
A lighter fare of a favorite dish
A hearty morning meal that’ll keep you energized for your day
Perfect for breakfast, brunch or even dinner
A light and tasty power breakfast
Delicious and heart-healthy, this breakfast is sure to get your morning off to a good start
Jumpstart your morning with this delectable dish
Wearing a scarf, adjusting your outdoor activities and following your asthma treatment plan can help limit breathing problems
Your diet in the weeks, days and hours ahead of your race can power you to the finish line
When someone guilt trips you, they’re using emotionally manipulative behavior to try to get you to act a certain way