With protein, fiber, and natural sweetness, this Berry Muffin recipe is a favorite breakfast or snack to share. You can use one berry, a mix, or even berries and chocolate chips!

berry muffinson cooling rack with one cut open.

Berry Muffins

I have dozens of yummy muffins for kids on my website, but I wanted to make a berry muffin recipe that was both basic and versatile. One that we could turn to over and over when we want nutritious ingredients and the option to flavor it anyway we like using the ingredients we have on hand. And one that is most versatile to make even if you have food allergies in your house.

With a base of whole grain flour and fruit, this toddler breakfast or kid snack has natural sweetness, fiber, beneficial fats, and the most tender texture. It’s a similar base to my Berry Breakfast Cake, which has quickly become a fan favorite.

They stir together in one bowl, can be made as standard size or mini muffins, are easy to store for future weeks. In short, they’re perfect!

Your toddler won’t eat? Help is here!

Sign up for our email updates to get tips and ideas sent to your inbox. 

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Ingredients You Need

Here’s a look at the ingredients you need to have on hand to make this muffin recipe for kids.

Ingredients for berry muffins on countertop.
  • Whole-milk plain yogurt: To create a nutritious and tender base for the muffins. I use whole-milk plain yogurt. (You can substitute nondairy yogurt or milk as needed. See the Notes at the end of the recipe for options.)
  • Banana: Ripe banana adds moisture and sweetness to the recipe. (If you are unable to use bananas, you can use applesauce instead.)
  • Maple syrup: Maple syrup, any variety, is one of my favorite sweeteners to use in baking for kids. You can also use honey here for kids over age 1.
  • Butter: I bake with unsalted butter so I can control the salt flavor in the recipe. If you only have salted butter, simply omit the small amount of salt listed in the recipe.
  • Eggs: I use large eggs in my kitchen, which are typically about ¼ cup in volume.
  • Vanilla extract: You can use pure or imitation vanilla extract in this recipe. I buy pure vanilla extract, but artificial is less expensive.
  • Whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour is used in this recipe since it contains fiber and complex carbohydrates to provide lasting energy. You can also use whole wheat pastry flour, all purpose flour, or a gluten-free option. See the Notes at the end of the recipe.
  • Baking powder and baking soda: A combination of these helps the muffins rise nicely and bake through properly.
  • Berries: such as fresh or frozen blueberries, diced strawberries, raspberries, and/or chocolate chips.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Below is an overview of how to make this recipe so you know what to expect from the process. Scroll down to the end of this post for the full recipe, including the amounts and timing.

how to make berry muffins in grid of images.
  1. In a large bowl, stir together the wet ingredients well using a whisk or a spoon.
  2. Add the dry ingredients to the bowl.
  3. Gently stir the yogurt mixture into the flour mixture.
  4. Pour batter into the prepared pan, using either a standard-size muffin pan or a mini muffin pan. Add fruit on top as desired and bake.
berry muffins in baking pan after baking.

How to Store

Once cooled, store in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature. Store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Warm slightly to serve from the fridge (the squares firm up a bit when they’re cold so warming slightly returns them to their softer texture).

You can also freeze the muffins in a freezer bag with as much air removed as possible for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or in 15-second increments in the microwave.

Healthy muffins on cooling rack.

Best Tips for Success

  • To make this dairy-free, use a nondairy yogurt or ¾ cup nondairy milk. Use a neutral oil like avocado oil or melted coconut oil in place of the butter.
  • Gluten-free: Substitute cup-for-cup gluten-free flour in place of the wheat flour, adding an extra 2 tablespoons to ensure they bake properly in the middle
  • Egg-free: Omit the eggs. Reduce the yogurt to ¾ cup. Add ¼ cup milk. Increase the baking soda to 1 teaspoon. Proceed with the recipe.
  • Stir 1 cup fruit into the batter to make a batch with all the same flavor, or add a few pieces of fruit on top of each batter-filled muffin cup.
  • To make as mini muffins, use a 24-cup mini muffin pan and bake for 10-12 minutes.
  • Add cinnamon or lemon zest to the batter for additional flavor.
  • Use 1 ½ cups all purpose flour in place of the whole-wheat if desired.

Related Recipes


I’d love to hear your feedback on this post, so please rate and comment below!

Want to save this recipe?
Just enter your email and get it sent to your inbox! Plus you’ll get new recipes from us every week!
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
Healthy muffins on cooling rack with one cut open.

Favorite Berry Muffins

With protein, fiber, and natural sweetness, this Berry Muffin is a favorite breakfast or snack to share. And it works with fresh or frozen berries so you can use what you. have.
5 from 6 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 16 minutes
Total Time 26 minutes
Cuisine American
Course Breakfast
Calories 129kcal
Servings 12

Ingredients

  • ½ cup whole-milk plain yogurt
  • ½ cup mashed very ripe banana (about 1 medium)
  • ¼ cup maple syrup
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled)
  • 2 eggs (lightly beaten)
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • cups whole wheat flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup add-ins (such as fresh or frozen blueberries, diced strawberries, chopped banana, shredded carrot, chocolate chips, and/or shredded apple)
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon OR fresh lemon zest (optional for additional flavor)
Save this recipe?
Enter your email to save this recipe in your inbox!
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Coat a 12-cup standard muffin pan with nonstick spray. (Or you can use a mini muffin pan.)
  • In a large bowl, stir together the yogurt, banana, maple syrup, eggs, butter, and vanilla.
  • Add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  • Gently stir the yogurt mixture into the flour mixture. Stir in any desired add-ins and the cinnamon OR lemon zest if using.
  • Pour batter into the prepared pan, using about ¼ cup batter in each standard-size muffin.
  • Bake for 14-16 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and a cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean.

Video

Notes

    • Once cooled, store in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature. Store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Warm slightly to serve from the fridge (the squares firm up a bit when they’re cold so warming slightly returns them to their softer texture).
      You can also freeze the muffins in a freezer bag with as much air removed as possible for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or in 15-second increments in the microwave.
      To make this dairy-free, use a nondairy yogurt or ¾ cup nondairy milk. Use a neutral oil like avocado oil or melted coconut oil in place of the butter.
      Gluten-free: Substitute cup-for-cup gluten-free flour in place of the wheat flour, adding an extra 2 tablespoons to ensure they bake properly in the middle
      Egg-free: Omit the eggs. Reduce the yogurt to ¼ cup. Add ¼ cup milk. Increase the baking soda to 1 teaspoon. Proceed with the recipe.
       
      Banana-free: Omit the banana and use 1 cup yogurt. Consider adding ¼ cup sugar to make up for the lost sweetness.
    • Stir 1 cup fruit into the batter to make a batch with all the same flavor, or add a few pieces of fruit on top of each muffin cup with batter.
      To make as mini muffins, use a 24-cup mini muffin pan and bake for 10-12 minutes.
      Add cinnamon or lemon zest to the batter for additional flavor.
      Use 1 ½ cups all purpose flour in place of the whole-wheat if desired.
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  

Nutrition

Serving: 1muffin, Calories: 129kcal, Carbohydrates: 18g, Protein: 3g, Fat: 5g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Trans Fat: 0.2g, Cholesterol: 39mg, Sodium: 146mg, Potassium: 132mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 7g, Vitamin A: 182IU, Vitamin C: 2mg, Calcium: 50mg, Iron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Rate in the comments and tag @yummytoddlerfood on IG!

Related Products

Share it with the world

Pin

Filed Under

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

How many stars would you give this recipe?




Comments

  1. 5 stars
    Made the batter with my toddler and three baked them while she napped. She hasn’t even woken up yet and I’ve already eaten two mini muffins. We used a mixture of fresh and frozen fruit and they turned out delicious.