Halloween morning just got a whole lot more fun – and healthier! This year, ditch the sugary cereals and whip up a batch of these adorable Monster Muffins. Trust me, they’re much easier than they look.
These wholesome treats are made with whole-wheat flour, get their vibrant green color from spinach, and are topped with the cutest candy eyes (or sliced grapes for a healthier alternative). They’re guaranteed to be a hit with kids and grown-ups alike.
Why You’ll Love It
These Monster Muffins aren’t just adorable – they’re also packed with goodness! Made with whole-wheat flour, they’re a great source of fiber. The spinach adds a sneaky serving of veggies, and the sweetness is just right. Plus, they’re super easy to make and perfect for a fun and festive Halloween breakfast.
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Monster Muffins
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 12 muffins
Description
These healthy Monster Muffins are a fun and festive Halloween breakfast treat. Made with whole-wheat flour and spinach, they’re packed with fiber and hidden veggies. Decorate with candy eyes or sliced grapes for a spooky finish.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups whole-wheat flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup sugar
- ¼ cup melted butter
- ½ cup applesauce
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup spinach puree (or a few drops of green food coloring)
- Candy eyes or sliced grapes
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners.
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine sugar, melted butter, applesauce, eggs, vanilla extract, and spinach puree.
- Gently mix wet ingredients into dry ingredients until just combined.
- Fill muffin liners ¾ full and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Decorate with candy eyes or grapes.
Notes
For a richer flavor, use brown sugar instead of white sugar. If you don’t have spinach puree, you can substitute with finely chopped kale or other greens. A dollop of cream cheese frosting would make a delicious addition to these muffins.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredient Lowdown
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these spooky treats:
- 1 ½ cups whole-wheat flour: Adds a hearty texture and healthy dose of fiber.
- 1 tsp baking powder: The magic ingredient for a light and airy rise.
- ½ tsp baking soda: Works with the baking powder for double the lift.
- ¼ tsp salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- ½ cup sugar: Just the right amount of sweetness.
- ¼ cup melted butter: Adds richness and moisture.
- ½ cup applesauce: Keeps the muffins moist and adds a touch of natural sweetness.
- 2 eggs: Binds the ingredients and adds structure.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: A splash of warmth and classic flavor.
- 1 cup spinach puree (or a few drops of green food coloring): For that monstrously green hue!
- Candy eyes or sliced grapes: For the finishing touch of spooky fun.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners.
Step 2: Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the whole-wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Step 3: Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the sugar, melted butter, applesauce, eggs, vanilla extract, and spinach puree (or green food coloring).
Step 4: Combine Wet & Dry
Gently mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 5: Fill & Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared muffin liners, filling each about ¾ full. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool & Decorate
Let the muffins cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, decorate with candy eyes or sliced grapes.
Better-Than-Grandma Tips
- Don’t overmix the batter! Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in tough muffins. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Fill the muffin liners about ¾ full to allow room for rising.
- For perfectly domed muffins, start baking at a higher temperature (400°F/200°C) for 5 minutes, then reduce the heat to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking until done. Find more breakfast ideas in our Lunch category.
- Let the muffins cool completely before decorating with candy eyes or fruit, to prevent melting or sticking.
Flavor Twists
- Chocolate Chip Monster Muffins: Add ½ cup of mini chocolate chips to the batter for a double dose of sweetness.
- Blueberry Monster Muffins: Fold in ½ cup of fresh or frozen blueberries for a burst of fruity flavor.
- Pumpkin Spice Monster Muffins: Substitute pumpkin puree for the applesauce and add 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice for a festive fall twist. For other delicious desserts, check out our Desserts category.
- Nutty Monster Muffins: Stir in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
What makes the muffins green?
These muffins get their green hue from spinach puree. It’s a sneaky way to add a bit of healthy greens, and the mild spinach flavor blends right in. If you prefer, you can substitute a few drops of green food coloring.
Can I freeze these muffins?
Absolutely! These muffins freeze beautifully. Allow them to cool completely, then place them in an airtight freezer bag or container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or pop them in the microwave for a quick warm-up.
Are there alternatives to candy eyes for decoration?
While candy eyes are a classic decoration, you can use sliced grapes, raisins, or even small pieces of fruit like blueberries or strawberries. Get creative with it!
Can I substitute the whole-wheat flour?
Whole-wheat flour provides a boost of fiber and nutrients. You can substitute all-purpose flour if needed, but the texture might be slightly different.
How to Serve
These Monster Muffins are fantastic on their own, but you can also serve them with a side of fresh fruit, a dollop of yogurt, or even a drizzle of honey. Pair them with a glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee for a complete breakfast. For more healthy meal options, check out our Dinner category.
That’s a Wrap
These Monster Muffins are sure to be a hit, bringing smiles and a touch of spooky fun to your breakfast table. They’re a delightful treat that everyone can enjoy, especially the little ones. For more breakfast inspiration, explore our Breakfast category. We’d also love to see your monstrous creations! Share your photos with us on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.
