Up-and-go breakfast muffins! Recipe
If you are someone who needs a deliciously satisfying start to your day without spending ages in the kitchen, these Up-and-go breakfast muffins! are exactly what you’ve been waiting for. Bursting with wholesome goodness from wheat germ and wholemeal flour, sweetened naturally with honey or maple syrup and complemented by your choice of fresh or dried fruits, these muffins are a perfect combination of nourishment and flavor. Whether you’re rushing out the door or enjoying a lazy morning, these muffins deliver a warm, home-baked feeling anytime, with minimal fuss and maximum yum.

Ingredients You’ll Need
To whip up these Up-and-go breakfast muffins!, you don’t need a long list of fancy ingredients — just simple staples that work together beautifully to create a moist, tasty treat. Each ingredient plays a role, whether it’s creating a tender crumb, adding natural sweetness, or packing in nutrition.
- 1/3 cup coconut oil: Use virgin or unrefined for a subtle coconut flavor and a moist texture; melted to mix smoothly.
- 1 large egg: Adds structure and richness, best at room temperature for even mixing.
- 2/3 cup milk: Full-fat gives a creamier crumb, but low-fat or non-dairy alternatives work great too.
- 1/3 cup plain yogurt: Provides tanginess and softness, balancing the sweetness perfectly.
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup: Natural sweeteners that keep these muffins wholesome and flavorful.
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to every bite.
- 1 1/4 cups wheat germ or wheat bran: Adds nutty flavor and health benefits; wheat germ is milder and sweeter.
- 1 1/2 cups wholemeal flour: Offers a heartier texture and richer flavor than plain flour.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweet notes.
- 1 tsp cinnamon powder: Adds warmth and a hint of spice that’s irresistible in breakfast baking.
- 1 tsp baking powder: Helps the muffins rise beautifully with a tender crumb.
- 1 tsp baking soda: Works alongside baking powder for the perfect texture; sift if lumpy.
- Add-ins (choose one): 8 oz raspberries (with some halved to decorate), 2 cups diced fresh fruit like apples or pears, or 1 1/4 cups dried fruit, nuts, or chocolate chips for personalized flavor and texture.
How to Make Up-and-go breakfast muffins!
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 190°C (375°F) or 170°C if you have a fan oven. Line a 12-hole muffin tin with paper cases or generously spray it with oil to prevent sticking. Getting your baking equipment ready early helps everything go smoothly once your batter is mixed.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Wet Ingredients
Place the coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl and heat it for about 45 seconds until melted. Then, whisk in the egg, milk, yogurt, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract until the mixture looks smooth and inviting. This combination is going to keep the muffins moist and add layers of flavor that make each bite delightful.
Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients
Sprinkle the wheat germ or bran, wholemeal flour, salt, cinnamon, baking powder, and baking soda evenly over the wet mixture. Stir gently but just enough to combine—you want the batter to be mixed but still a little lumpy for a tender crumb. Overmixing can make your muffins tough, and that’s the last thing we want!
Step 4: Fold in Your Chosen Add-ins
Carefully fold in the raspberries or whatever fruit or nuts you prefer. For raspberries, be gentle so they don’t break up too much and turn the batter purple. Reserve a few berry halves to place on top of each muffin for a pretty finishing touch that looks as good as it tastes.
Step 5: Bake Your Muffins to Perfection
Divide the batter evenly between the 12 muffin holes using an ice cream scoop or spoon. Place the halved raspberries on top if you like a fresh, eye-catching garnish. Bake in the oven for about 25 minutes. Your kitchen will start to smell amazing as these golden beauties rise and set. After baking, let them cool for 5 minutes in the tin, then transfer to a wire rack so they don’t get soggy underneath.
How to Serve Up-and-go breakfast muffins!

Garnishes
These muffins shine with their own texture and flavor but topping them with a little extra something elevates the experience. Fresh fruit like a smear of sliced bananas, a few extra berries, or even a dollop of Greek yogurt on the side works wonders. A light dusting of cinnamon or a drizzle of honey can add a lovely finishing touch if you like.
Side Dishes
Pair your Up-and-go breakfast muffins! with some protein-rich yogurt or cottage cheese, a handful of nuts for crunch, or a hot cup of your favorite morning beverage. A simple green smoothie or a piece of cheesy omelette can create a wonderfully balanced, quick breakfast that keeps your energy up till lunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests or add a little fun to your family breakfast? Serve these muffins alongside a colorful fruit salad in glass jars layered with yogurt and granola. Or create a ‘build-your-own’ muffin bars with a variety of toppings like nut butters, sliced almonds, or mini chocolate chips. The Up-and-go breakfast muffins! are versatile and pair beautifully with many creative presentations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, store your muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. They stay delightfully soft but are best enjoyed fresh within that window for maximum taste and texture. If your kitchen is warm, keeping them in the fridge is fine but bring them to room temperature before eating for the best flavor.
Freezing
These muffins freeze exceptionally well, making life easier for busy mornings. Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to three months without losing any of their charm. When you want one, just thaw overnight in the fridge or use the microwave for a quick warm-up.
Reheating
To enjoy your Up-and-go breakfast muffins! warm and fresh-tasting, pop them in the microwave for about 20 to 30 seconds or heat them in a toaster oven at low temperature for a few minutes. This will bring back that soft, cozy texture and amplify all those lovely flavors that make these muffins so perfect for any morning.
FAQs
Can I use regular all-purpose flour instead of wholemeal flour?
Absolutely! While wholemeal flour adds more flavor and nutrition, all-purpose flour can be used and will produce a slightly lighter muffin. You might want to enhance the flavor a bit by adding a touch more vanilla or cinnamon to keep that cozy warmth.
Is there a dairy-free way to make these muffins?
Yes, you can substitute the milk and yogurt with plant-based alternatives like almond or oat milk and coconut yogurt. The coconut oil adds richness, so the muffins still turn out moist and delicious without dairy.
What’s the best fruit to use as add-ins?
Raspberries are fantastic because of their tartness, but diced apples or pears also work beautifully. For a sweeter touch, try dried fruits like raisins or apricots. Just make sure fresh fruits aren’t too watery to avoid a soggy batter.
Can I make these muffins gluten-free?
Since wheat germ and wholemeal flour contain gluten, you’d need to find gluten-free substitutes that mimic their texture and flavor, which can be tricky. Experimenting with oat flour and gluten-free bran may work, but the texture might be different from the original recipe.
How do baking powder and baking soda work together in this recipe?
Using both gives the muffins a better rise and texture. Baking soda reacts with the acidic yogurt, helping lift and tenderize the muffins, while baking powder ensures consistent leavening. You can use just baking powder if you prefer, but the combination gives a fluffier result.
Final Thoughts
Making these Up-and-go breakfast muffins! has been one of my favorite discoveries for busy mornings that don’t compromise on taste or nutrition. They’re scrumptious, easy to personalize, and perfect for sharing or grabbing at a moment’s notice. Trust me, once you make a batch, you’ll find them becoming a staple in your kitchen just like they are in mine. Go on, give them a try and start your day the muffin way!
PrintUp-and-go breakfast muffins! Recipe
These Up-and-Go Breakfast Muffins are a wholesome and flavorful start to your day, combining the nutty goodness of wheat germ or bran with wholemeal flour and natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup. Enhanced with your choice of fresh fruits, dried fruits, nuts, or chocolate chips, they bake up moist and tender with a subtle coconut oil richness. Perfect for a quick breakfast or snack, these muffins are easy to prepare and adaptable to your favorite mix-ins.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1/3 cup virgin or unrefined coconut oil (melted)
- 1 large egg (room temperature, ~55g/2oz)
- 2/3 cup full-fat milk (room temperature; low fat or non-dairy okay)
- 1/3 cup plain unsweetened yogurt
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups wheat germ (or 1 1/4 cups / 80g wheat bran)
- 1 1/2 cups wholemeal flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda (sifted if lumpy) or 3 tsp extra baking powder as substitute
Add-ins (Choose One)
- 250g (8 oz) raspberries (reserve 18 whole halved for decoration)
- 2 cups diced fresh firm fruit (such as apples or pears)
- 1 1/4 cups dried fruit, nuts, chocolate chips, or combination
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 190°C (375°F) or 170°C (fan). Line a 12-hole standard muffin tin with paper cases or spray generously with oil to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients: Melt the coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl for about 45 seconds or until liquid. Add the egg, milk, plain yogurt, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract. Whisk together vigorously until the mixture is completely smooth and combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Evenly sprinkle the wheat germ (or bran), wholemeal flour, salt, cinnamon, baking powder, and baking soda over the wet ingredients. Gently fold them in, mixing just until all ingredients are combined; avoid overmixing to keep muffins tender.
- Add Mix-ins: Gently fold in your choice of mix-ins, such as whole raspberries or selected dried fruits, nuts, or chocolate chips, being careful not to crush the berries if using.
- Fill Muffin Tin: Divide the batter evenly across the 12 muffin cases using an ice cream scoop for consistent size. Decorate the tops with halved raspberries if using them to create a beautiful presentation.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the tops are golden brown.
- Cool: Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents sogginess from residual heat and moisture.
Notes
- Coconut Oil: Virgin or unrefined coconut oil adds a subtle coconut flavor and is healthier than regular oil or butter. It solidifies at room temperature, so melting before mixing is recommended. Refined coconut oil can also be used but lacks the coconut flavor. Butter or other oils can be substituted but may affect moisture and flavor.
- Wheat Germ vs. Wheat Bran: Wheat germ has a nutty flavor and is preferred for taste. Wheat bran has an earthier flavor and pairs better with sweeter add-ins like dried fruits. Both offer excellent dietary benefits.
- Flour Substitution: Wholemeal flour yields softer, more flavorful muffins than plain/all-purpose flour. If using plain flour, consider increasing vanilla and cinnamon for added flavor.
- Leavening Agents: The combination of baking powder and baking soda creates the best muffin rise and texture. If you prefer, use 4 teaspoons of baking powder alone as a substitute.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
Keywords: breakfast muffins, healthy muffins, wholemeal muffins, wheat germ muffins, coconut oil muffins, fruit muffins

