Elevate your morning oatmeal with these toasted coconut baked oatmeal muffins! Perfect for on-the-go, whole grain goodness!
I was on an overnight oats kick for years! A few minutes of prep in the evening and you wake to a healthy breakfast ready to go! Then, I started making baked oatmeal…and I haven’t looked back. I can’t even remember the last time I made overnight oats!
According to a poll in 2019, the most popular breakfast food was…eggs. This was followed by coffee, cereal, breakfast sandwiches, and bacon. Guess what?!? Bacon and eggs were also some of the most popular breakfast items in the 1950s. Some things never change! I was expecting oatmeal to top the list as well, but it did not even receive an honorable mention.
The 2019 survey also found that 13% of Americans skip breakfast and the majority only eats breakfast about 3 times per week. I’ve never understood this. Aren’t they hungry?!? I hear from my stomach if I don’t eat within an hour of waking.
The best practice is to begin the day with a balance of carbs, protein, and fat. Toast or a small bowl of oatmeal with eggs and bacon actually makes for a balanced breakfast! If you’re going to enjoy overnight or baked oatmeal, either serve with a protein or add some protein powder to the oatmeal. This balance helps to control your blood sugar and will allow you to feel full for longer. Carbs alone may seem satiating; however, your blood sugar will quickly rise and crash- leaving you feeling hungry an hour later. So, keep enjoying your oatmeal, but make sure to add some protein to the mix!
These baked oatmeal muffins also make a great snack!
Ingredients in Toasted Coconut Baked Oatmeal Muffins
Coconut Flakes
Old-Fashioned or Rolled Oats
Butter or Coconut Oil
Applesauce
Brown Sugar
Maple Syrup
Vanilla
Coconut Extract
Eggs
Baking Powder
Milk (Can use dairy free)
Protein Powder
Optional: Mini Chocolate Chips
Coconut Drizzle- Butter, powdered sugar, coconut extract, milk/cream
Why You Should Always Toast Your Coconut
Coconut flakes alone are pretty t-rific! I have heard some people have issues with the texture, but toasting the flakes gives them a nutty, golden flavor and crunch that is unbeatable! The best methods involve the oven or a skillet on the stove.
How to Toast Coconut
- Spread flakes onto a baking sheet in an even layer. Bake at 350 degrees for 8-12 minutes, until they become a golden brown. Stir every few minutes to ensure even toasting.
- Add flakes to a large skillet and spread into an even layer. Place on medium-low and stir frequently until flakes turn golden.
- I’ve never tried it, but you can also toast coconut in the microwave. This is the fastest, but not the most favored method.
50 minutes
Toasted Coconut Baked Oatmeal Muffins
Ingredients
- 3/4 c. coconut flakes
- 2 Tbsp. butter or coconut oil, melted
- 1/2 c. applesauce
- 1/4 c. brown sugar
- 2 Tbsp. maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp. vanilla
- 1/2 tsp. coconut extract
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 tsp. baking powder
- 2 scoops of protein powder (I use vanilla)
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- 1 c. milk (can use dairy free)
- 2 c. old-fashioned or rolled oats
- Optional: 1/3 c. mini chocolate chips
Coconut Drizzle
- 1 Tbsp. butter, melted
- 1/2 c. powdered sugar
- 1/4 tsp. coconut extract
- 1 Tbsp. milk or cream
Instructions
- In a small skillet, heat the coconut flakes over low heat for 5-6 minutes. Stir occasionally until golden brown. Set aside to cool. If desired, chop or place flakes in a food processor.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. In a large mixing bowl, whisk the butter, applesauce, brown sugar, maple syrup, vanilla, coconut extract, and eggs, Next, whisk in the baking powder, protein powder, and salt. Carefully whisk in the milk. Then, stir in the oats, 1/2 cup of toasted coconut flakes, and the chocolate chips.
- Next, pour into a greased 9x13 baking dish or 12 lined-muffin cups. Bake for 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool.
- In a small bowl, whisk the butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Add the milk/cream slowly until a thick glaze forms. Quickly drizzle or pipe over the muffins. (Mixture will thicken/harden quickly.) Garnish with toasted coconut flakes.