One of the most common challenges during pregnancy is finding snacks that are both healthy and filling enough to satisfy cravings and keep you energized. Snacking smartly is crucial for tackling symptoms and ensuring your baby gets the right nutrients at the right time. For instance, folic acid (folate) is vital during the first trimester to help prevent neural tube defects. During the second trimester, calcium and iron become essential to support your baby’s growing bones and your body’s increased blood supply. By the third trimester, omega-3 fatty acids are key for optimal brain and eye development.
These Healthy Apple Cinnamon Muffins are an ideal on-the-go snack designed to be suitable for all three trimesters. Made with a wholesome base of oats and naturally sweetened with dates and fresh apples, they provide lasting energy. The addition of hemp seeds gives you an extra protein boost and provides brain-boosting Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids for your baby. Bake a batch the night before, and you will have a perfect, nutritious snack ready for your busiest days!
Also Read : Pregnancy-Friendly Frozen Yogurt
Healthy Apple Cinnamon Muffins
Course: Pregnancy Diet u0026amp; NutritionCuisine: Breakfast / SnackDifficulty: American12
servings10
minutes30
minutes150
kcalIngredients
2.5 cups oats
2 TBSP hemp seeds
3/4 cups dates, pitted and chopped
1/2 cup boiling water
1 large apple, cored and diced
1 cup blueberries, washed
3/4 cup milk
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
Directions
- Prep the Oven and Tin: Preheat the oven to 170˚C / 350˚F and line a muffin tin with muffin papers.
- Soak the Dates: In a small bowl, pour the boiling water over the pitted, chopped dates and allow them to sit for 5 minutes to soften.
- Grind Dry Base: Put the oats and hemp seeds into a blender and blend until smooth. Remove the mixture and set it aside.
- Blend Wet Ingredients: Pour the soaked dates and their water into the blender and blend until smooth. Add the diced apples and milk to the blender, blitzing until smooth.
- Combine Batter: Add all remaining ingredients (including the ground oats and hemp seeds, eggs, vanilla, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt) to the blender and mix together. Do not add the blueberries yet.
- Add Berries: Chop the blueberries into halves or quarters. Remove the blender jar from the base for safety and gently stir in the blueberries by hand.
- Portion: Pour the batter into the prepared muffin papers, filling them about 2/3 full.
- Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes until the apple cinnamon muffins are fully cooked (a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin should come out clean).
Notes
- Pregnancy Benefits: These muffins provide great fiber to help with digestion, while the hemp seeds act as excellent brain food for your baby due to their essential fatty acids.
- Meal Pairing: Enjoy these muffins warm or cold. If you are having them for breakfast, pair them with a small pot of yogurt for a well-rounded, balanced start to your day.
- Make Ahead: To save time in the mornings, bake these the night before so you have a week’s worth of healthy grab-and-go snacks.