APPLE PIE PROTEIN CUPCAKES!

Get your protein fix, satisfy your sweet tooth, and dig into the flavors of a piping hot apple pie without the unwanted calories!

I love the warming flavors of apple pie never go out of season. That sweet, nutty scent of a lattice-enclosed pastry filled with apples coated in a cinnamon sugar glaze—delicious! 

But taste and health don't always go hand-in-hand. 

Luckily, my apple pie protein cupcakes are the exception. They're moist, delicious, and pack a protein punch!

These cupcakes lack the fattening ingredients you'd find in traditional baked goods such as butter, table sugar, and refined flour. Instead, these sweet treats contain healthier alternatives that don't compromise the flavor and texture we all know and love.

What's my secret ingredient, you ask? Coconut!

GO COCO CRAZY

Who knew you could do so much with the humble coconut tree? It has been used to produce a range of healthy baking ingredients including coconut oil and coconut sugar, both of which are featured in this recipe.

Coconut sugar is a sweetener made from the sap of coconut palm tree blossoms. It has a delicious rich caramel flavor and contains micronutrients like zinc, calcium, and magnesium. 

It also has a low glycemic index, which helps reduce large fluctuations in blood sugar and the resulting release of insulin.

Coconut oil has been hailed as a superfood due to its ability to improve brain function, increase immunity, and fight disease. It is a great source of fast-releasing energy and it fills you up longer. Plus, coconut oil tastes absolutely delicious. 

Trust me, I can eat it straight out of the jar!

APPLE PIE PROTEIN CUPCAKES

These cupcakes each boast 16 grams of high-quality protein and are made using Optimum Nutrition's Gold Standard whey and casein. They make a perfect post-workout treat, quick breakfast option, or an easy on-the-go snack.

So get out that mixing bowl, put on your apron, and get cooking. With these treats, you can have your cupcakes and eat them, too!

Ingredients (For Muffins)

• 1 cup oats
• 1 cup almond flour
• 2 scoops Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey French Vanilla Creme
• 1/2 cup unrefined coconut sugar
• 1/2 cup melted coconut oil
• 4 eggs
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1 small apple, chopped very finely or grated
• 2 tbsp apple pie spice (or a mixture of cinnamon and nutmeg)
• 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk

Directions (For Muffins)

1. Preheat your oven to 350 F (180 C).
2. Add all ingredients into a mixing bowl and, using a spoon, combine into a smooth cake batter.
3. Equally divide the mixture between 10 muffin cases and bake for 15-20 minutes until cooked through. Simple and delicious!

Ingredients (For Frosting)

• 2/3 cup Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Casein Creamy Vanilla
• 2/3 cup unsweetened Greek yogurt
• 4 tbsp milk

Directions

1. In a small mixing bowl, combine the casein and the yogurt.
2. Slowly add in the milk until you reach your desired frosting consistency.
3. Once the cupcakes have completely cooled (be patient!), you can pop the frosting on with a spoon. If you're feeling fancy, you can use a piping bag and nozzle!

TIP

Go wild with your toppings—this is where you can get creative! I added chia seeds and chopped almonds for an extra crunch. You could use dark chocolate chips, coconut flakes, or even fresh fruit. Get creative and add your own twist!

NUTRITION FACTS
Serving Size: 1 muffin (with frosting)
Recipe Yields: 10 muffins

Amount per serving

Calories 298

Total Fat18.4g

Total Carbs21.1g

Protein16.4g