Before we get to these divine dried fig oatmeal muffins… You know how it’s impossible to go into Target and only buy one thing? Well, same goes for Costco. Please tell me I’m not the only one?!
One fine day a couple weeks ago, I went into Costco to get dog food and only dog food… came out with dog food (go me!), dried figs, dried bananas, and the biggest bag of Boom Chicka Pop ever. Fail? Nah. Because that day I discovered dried figs!!
Guys, they taste just like FIG NEWTONS. I know that seems obvious but they are gooey, creamy, sweet, delicious, and indulgent but also great for your health!! They are even better for you than dates, and y’all know how much I love my dates.
Compared to dates, dried figs are lower in sugar, richer in fiber, a higher source of minerals (iron, calcium, magnesium, zinc), lower in calories, and a helpful source for removing harmful estrogen (which can cause weight gain, mood swings, menopause problems, headaches, and even breast or uterine cancer). These dried figs are an awesome snack by themselves, but they are also super versatile and add tons of texture and flavor to other recipes like MUFFINS.
Brief story time… because I know y’all love my stories. But let me walk you through my typical day in relation to food:
- Wake up, drink coffee.
- Go to work, eat a healthy lunch.
- Leave work, run or go to the gym.
- Arrive home, put away work/lunch shit, walk dog etc…
- Shove as many snacks in my mouth as possible because I’m starving but cooking dinner and waiting for Tom to get home from work.
- Eat dinner.
- Have a late night snack/dessert (usually dates dipped in sunflower butter).
Can you see the problem here? Ahh yes, number five… clearly, I need a healthy snack solution for between the gym and dinner. Can I say muffins again? MUFFINS. These delish dried fig oatmeal muffins.
I know what you’re thinking… “she doesn’t eat breakfast and muffins are a morning thing?” So I’ve tried eating breakfast before work but honestly, I’m not hungry that early in the morning, and sometimes eating food then kind of makes me nauseous BUT I love breakfast food so say hello to afternoon muffins.
“Hello afternoon muffins!”
Really y’all can eat these dried fig oatmeal muffins whenever you want but I made them to be a healthy, slightly sweet snack to hold me over between the gym and dinner. And they do JUST THAT. Win.
Now I know I’ve talked a lot about dried figs but these muffins also have old-fashioned oats in them! Oats are not only super yummy but also crazy healthy for you:
- They are a good source of fiber and carbs.
- Contain high levels of many vitamins and minerals.
- Higher in protein and fat than most other grains.
- Rich in antioxidants.
- High in the soluble fiber beta-glucan, which promotes healthy gut bacteria, increases feelings of fullness, and helps reduce blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
So we have super awesome healthy dried figs and oats smashed into one delicious and moist muffin that basically tastes like warm hearty oatmeal plus gooey figs melting in your mouth. Sound good to you?
I thought so.
dried fig oatmeal muffins
Ingredients
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 cup almond milk
- 1/3 cup brown sugar packed
- 1/4 cup agave
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 3 cups old-fashioned oats
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 8 oz dried figs minced (in a food processor)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F. Coat a standard 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray, set aside.
- To a large bowl, add the first nine ingredients (egg through sea salt), then whisk to combine. Add in the oats and baking powder, then stir until well combined. Mix in the minced dried figs then stir to combine.
- Using a large spoon or cookie scoop, evenly distribute the batter into all 12 of the cavities (each one should be nearly full since muffins don’t rise much).
- Bake for 23-25 minutes, or until muffin tops are set. Allow muffins to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before placing on a rack to cool completely. Don’t rush the cooling process and attempt to remove muffins from pan too soon because the muffins are slightly fragile and may crumble.
Recipe Notes
Specialty diets: dairy free, gluten free, vegetarian
If you try these dried fig oatmeal muffins, let me know! Leave a comment or tag a photo #appetitesanonymous on instagram!! I’d love to see your muffins in action. Peace, friends!
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