Oatmeal Muffins with Plum and Walnut Chunks: A Wholesome and Delicious Treat

There’s something comforting about enjoying a freshly baked muffin, especially one that’s packed with wholesome ingredients like oats, juicy plums, and crunchy walnuts. Oatmeal muffins with plum and walnut chunks are the perfect blend of texture and flavor—soft, moist, and full of natural sweetness. This recipe is ideal for breakfast, a mid-morning snack, or even as a light dessert.

The combination of oatmeal, plums, and walnuts offers a nutritious start to your day, while still being indulgent enough to satisfy your sweet tooth. Oats provide fiber and a heart-healthy dose of whole grains, while the plums add a burst of juiciness and tang, perfectly complemented by the rich, nutty crunch of walnuts.

In this article, we will take you through the process of creating these delicious oatmeal muffins with plum and walnut chunks, offering tips for the perfect texture, variations, and serving suggestions. Whether you are baking for a family breakfast or preparing a batch of snacks for the week, these muffins will quickly become a favorite in your household.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For these oatmeal muffins, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Muffins:

• 1 1/2 cups of rolled oats (preferably old-fashioned)
• 1 cup of all-purpose flour (you can substitute half with whole wheat flour for added fiber)
• 1/2 cup of brown sugar (or a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup)
• 1/2 cup of milk (dairy or non-dairy like almond or oat milk)
• 1/4 cup of vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon of baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1 cup of ripe plums, pitted and diced
• 1/2 cup of walnuts, chopped (optional, but highly recommended)
• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice (optional, to help preserve the color of the plums)

These simple ingredients come together to make a muffin batter that is both moist and light. The oats give the muffins structure and a hearty texture, while the plums provide natural sweetness and a little tang, and the walnuts add a satisfying crunch. The rest of the ingredients help to bring everything together into a balanced and delicious batter.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Muffin Tin

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it with butter or non-stick spray to ensure the muffins don't stick. The parchment paper liners help make the muffins easy to remove and serve, while also giving them a polished look.

2. Prepare the Plums

Wash and pit the plums, then dice them into small chunks. If you prefer, you can peel the plums, but leaving the skin on provides additional nutrients and gives the muffins a bit more texture. Place the diced plums in a small bowl and toss them with a tablespoon of lemon juice. This helps preserve their color and prevents browning during baking.

3. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Stir these ingredients together until they are well combined, ensuring that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed throughout.

4. Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, brown sugar (or your preferred sweetener), milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and well-combined. If you're using honey or maple syrup, add them in place of the brown sugar and adjust the amount to your sweetness preference.

5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in dense muffins. The batter should be slightly lumpy, which is perfectly fine.

6. Add the Plums and Walnuts

Gently fold the diced plums and chopped walnuts into the batter. If you want a more pronounced plum flavor, you can add a bit more fruit. For extra crunch, feel free to add an additional handful of walnuts or even substitute them with another type of nut, like almonds or pecans.

7. Fill the Muffin Cups

Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 full. This will give the muffins enough room to rise and bake evenly. If you have extra batter, simply distribute it evenly among the muffin cups.

8. Bake the Muffins

Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the tops of the muffins are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The exact baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on the muffins as they bake.

9. Cool the Muffins

Once the muffins are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the tin for about 5 minutes. After that, transfer the muffins to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps prevent them from becoming soggy from excess steam.

10. Serve and Enjoy

Once the muffins have cooled, they are ready to be enjoyed! Serve them warm with a pat of butter or on their own as a quick breakfast or snack. These muffins also store well in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, making them an excellent make-ahead option.

Tips for Perfecting Your Oatmeal Muffins with Plum and Walnuts

• Use Overripe Plums: Slightly overripe plums are actually perfect for baking because they are sweeter and softer. They will also release more juice during baking, making the muffins even more moist.
• Substitute Whole Wheat Flour: For added fiber and nutrition, try substituting half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. This will give the muffins a denser texture but still keep them soft and flavorful.
• Add a Streusel Topping: If you love a bit of crunch, consider adding a streusel topping made of oats, flour, butter, and sugar. Sprinkle it on top before baking for an extra sweet, crunchy layer.
• Vary the Nuts: If you don't have walnuts on hand, try using pecans, almonds, or even hazelnuts for a different flavor profile.
• Make Them Vegan: To make these muffins vegan, substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg) and use a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk.
• Sweetener Variations: You can experiment with different sweeteners, such as maple syrup or coconut sugar, depending on your preferences. Just adjust the wet ingredients accordingly if you choose liquid sweeteners.

Health Benefits of Oatmeal Muffins with Plum and Walnuts

These oatmeal muffins offer several health benefits thanks to their wholesome ingredients. Let’s take a look at how this recipe can contribute to a healthy diet:

1. High in Fiber: Oats and plums are both excellent sources of dietary fiber, which helps promote healthy digestion and keep you feeling full longer.
2. Rich in Antioxidants: Plums are high in antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins, which help reduce inflammation and support overall health.
3. Healthy Fats from Walnuts: Walnuts are a good source of healthy fats, particularly omega-3 fatty acids, which promote heart health and reduce inflammation.
4. Low Glycemic Index: The oats and plums in these muffins have a relatively low glycemic index, making them a good choice for stable blood sugar levels.
5. Vitamins and Minerals: Plums are a great source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium, while walnuts provide vitamin E, magnesium, and zinc.

Conclusion

These oatmeal muffins with plum and walnut chunks are the perfect combination of nutrition and indulgence. The heartiness of the oats, the sweetness and juiciness of the plums, and the crunchiness of the walnuts create a balanced, flavorful muffin that’s perfect for breakfast or as a snack. Whether you’re looking for a healthy way to start your day or simply want a tasty treat to enjoy with your afternoon coffee, these muffins are a great choice.

With just a few simple ingredients and some easy steps, you can make a batch of these delicious muffins and enjoy them all week long. They’re an ideal recipe for meal prep and a great way to use seasonal plums, but you can also make them year-round with fresh fruit. Happy baking!