Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh or cooked beets, peeled and finely grated or mashed
- 1 cup whole wheat flour (or almond/oat flour for gluten-free)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ½ cup whole milk, breast milk, or dairy-free milk (e.g., almond or coconut milk)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Beets: Wash, peel, and finely grate fresh beets or use steamed or roasted beets mashed to a smooth consistency suitable for muffins.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour and baking powder to evenly distribute the leavening agent.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the egg, then stir in the applesauce, milk, and vanilla extract if using, mixing until smooth and well-blended.
- Incorporate Beets: Fold the grated or mashed beets gently into the wet mixture until fully combined and naturally colored pink.
- Bring It All Together: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined, taking care not to overmix to keep muffins tender.
- Bake the Muffins: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spoon batter into greased or lined muffin tin cups, filling about two-thirds full. Bake for 18–22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Let muffins cool in the tin for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool slightly before serving warm for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use fresh beets for optimum sweetness and nutrition.
- Grate beets finely or puree for the softest muffin texture.
- Check muffins a few minutes before baking time ends to avoid drying out.
- Mix batter just until combined to maintain tenderness.
- Cool completely before storing to prevent sogginess.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Baby Food
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: beet muffins, baby snacks, healthy baby food, gluten-free option, natural sweetness, vegetable muffins