Protein Fiber Super Minis

Last week's warm beach weather prompted me to experiment and make some protein packed tasty mini muffins. But it wasn't until I was told how good they are by my love and to add them to my blog that I thought about sharing the recipe. I just love positive praise and I am always thrilled when my baking is enjoyed by others. These mini muffins are super duper hearty in a good way. I didn't add any sugar but instead used liquid stevia which I bought in my local health food store. Stevia is a natural, super sweet, 0 calorie way to sweeten anything from oatmeal to baked goods to coffee. I have unflavored stevia, cinnamon and english toffee flavored stevia. Experiment with your baked goods to decrease your sugar intake for a lower calorie, healthier life.

Protein Fiber Super Mini Recipe:

1 Cup oatmeal

1 Cup Almond milk Coconut Milk Blend (found in healthy section of my local Stop and Shop grocery store)
1 Small container Plain Non-fat Greek Yogurt (6 oz.)

1/2 C Wheat Chex cereal

1 dropper full of liquid stevia (I used unflavored for this recipe)

1 Tbsp. cinnamon

2 Tbsp. ground flaxseed

1 Cup coconut flour

1 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. baking soda

4 eggs

2 scoops protein powder (I use Aria Vanilla flavored)

1 Cup Pure Pumpkin (found in baking aisle of grocery store. I used Libby's 100% pure pumpkin)
1/2 C Natural Applesauce (means NO sugar added. Ingredients should say "apples, water")
Add Ins:
3/4 Cup sweetened coconut (optional)

1 Cup raisins (or craisins or any cut up dried fruit)

1 Cup toasted nuts (toasted walnuts are my favorite! Microwave nuts in single layer for 21/2-3 min on high power to get a very flavorful nut!)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350*. Spray mini muffin tin with cooking spray. Mix oatmeal, almond milk, Greek yogurt, wheat Chex, stevia and cinnamon in a medium sized bowl. Let sit for a few minutes to soften the cereal completely, usually about 10 min. Meanwhile mix coconut flour, protein powder, baking soda, baking powder, flaxseed and eggs in a large bowl. Then mix pumpkin and applesauce into coconut flour mixture. Fold cereal/pumpkin mixture into the coconut flour mixture and mix well. It will be stiff. Once everything is well mixed add your favorite add ins, coconut, raisins, nuts or even mini chocolate chips or frozen blueberries. Spoon into mini muffin tin and bake for 10-14 min or until set in the middle. Let cool in pan for 2 min and then ENJOY!!!! They make fabulous snacks, breakfast or side item to any meal. Pack them for snacks to eat in the car...just make sure to remember them before walking out the door ;-)

Protein Fiber Super Minis! (Toasted coconut makes cool spikes on the minis)

Stevia collection....great sugar substitute!