Being outdoors does make my children hungry faster and more often and I need something yummy and quick to whip up for them that I can easily take with us on our outdoor adventures. This pumpkin whole wheat muffin is just the recipe I needed in my arsenal to keep my kids filled on days when its chilly and windy but we find ourselves outdoors for many hours.
These muffins have been working really well for us in this season (it is early spring here) because the fall spices warm us up and the nutrition from the pumpkin and whole wheat keeps us filled with energy as we work in our garden or explore local state parks as part of our homeschool co-op.
I adapted this recipe from an old pumpkin bread recipe that I found in an old cookbook to make it non-dairy since I was out of butter and had to come up with some alternative ingredients instead. I also decided to make muffins instead of bread and took note of the time needed to bake these muffins since muffins bake quicker than a loaf of bread. My kids have been asking me to make these muffins for them over and over again, they are just too dang delicious. Using whole wheat gives these muffins a hearty flavor and leaves you feeling fuller for longer.
Are these muffins healthy for children?
Yes! Whole wheat & pumpkin are both sources of dietary fiber which makes these muffins an excellent breakfast meal as well as a good on-the-go snack!
Whole wheat is a type of wheat that contains all parts of the wheat kernel, including the bran, germ, and endosperm. It is a rich source of essential vitamins, minerals, fiber, and complex carbohydrates that are vital for the growth and development of young children. Pumpkin is a rich source of essential vitamins and minerals that are crucial for the growth and development of children. It contains vitamins A, C, and E, as well as minerals like iron, potassium, and magnesium. These nutrients are essential for supporting healthy eyesight, strengthening the immune system, and promoting healthy bones and teeth.
Whole wheat is a complex carbohydrate that is slowly digested, leading to a slower and more controlled release of glucose into the bloodstream. This means that whole wheat can help regulate blood sugar levels and prevent sudden spikes and crashes that can affect children’s energy levels and mood.
How to make these whole-wheat pumpkin muffins?
These muffins come together quite nicely using a kitchen aid or a stand mixer but you don’t really need one. You could mix the ingredients together by hand as well. The batter will be slightly sticky.
Simple scoop the batter using a spoon or an ice cream scooper into a greased muffin pan and bake it.
