These Blueberry Fig Applesauce Muffins are amazing. Why? Because of the ingredients. We made this recipe with a blend of fresh fruits, hearty grains, autumn spices, and organic Lifeway Kefir. Our probiotic kefir’s tangy flavor compliments the sweet fruits just perfect, plus it keeps these muffins soft and tender.
Cultured Dairy: The Nutrition Benefits You Need to Know
With increasing research linking the correlation between probiotics, gut health, and immunity, it’s no secret that the integrity of our gut is vital to our health. Although additional factors such as stress, antibiotic usage, and individual health conditions can contribute to the condition of our gut, a focus on healthy food choices is one of the easiest ways to support the microbiome.
Several studies have shown a strong association between the gut-brain-microbiota. Probiotics introduced to the gut have been found to support immunity, improve allergies, and improve digestion.
Studies have shown that reduced diversity of healthy gut bacteria during early years is associated with an increase in food allergies during school-age years. In addition, kefir made from whole milk helps absorb key nutrients such as Vitamins A, D, E, and K. Vitamin K is important because it helps your bones absorb calcium. It’s important to know that kefir contains a special trio: vitamin D, K, and calcium – all three crucial elements to support bone health.
Prep Time: 30 mins Servings: 12
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup dried figs soaked in 1 cup cold water (reserve the soaking water)
- 1 1/2 cups whole grain oat flour
- 1/2 cup whole grain rolled oats
- 2 tbsp. ground flax meal
- 1/2 tsp. sea salt
- 1/2 tsp. baking powder
- 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
- 1 1/2 cups Blueberry Lowfat Kefir
- 1 1/2 cups unsweetened applesauce
- 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
Directions
- *Prep: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees, Fahrenheit. Soak the dried figs in 1 cup of cold water on the countertop for at least 30 minutes (or the night before in the fridge) to soften them up. Do not drain off the water.
- In a large bowl, add the oat flour, rolled oats, flax meal, salt, baking powder, and cinnamon. Stir and sift together well with a fork or whisk. Set aside.
- Add the soaked dried figs and the soaking water to a food processor and puree until you get a thick paste.
- In another bowl, add Blueberry Lifeway Kefir, the applesauce, vanilla, and stir just enough to combine. Fold in the oat/flour mixture from step 1 and stir, or blend with a hand mixer.
- Fold in the fig mixture with a spatula, then stir again to combine everything together but the figs still have slight chunks. Then fold in the fresh blueberries and stir just until combined; do not over-mix.
- Spray a standard 12-cup muffin pan with no-stick spray, and add the muffin mixture into each cup 3/4 full. Fill all the cups and bake for 30-40 minutes until they are golden brown on top. Stick a fork inside to make sure they are done, then remove and cool on the counter 30 minutes before serving.
- Serve with unsweetened apple butter, applesauce, raw honey, or maple syrup. Enjoy!
