Running out of lunchbox ideas?

When pressed for time and low on inspiration, it's tempting to go back to the same routine of smearing your kids' favourite jam between two slices of bread together for an instant meal. And honestly, we can't blame you! With so many days in a school year, it's a struggle to keep up with those cute bento boxes and other fun lunchbox recipes that you've wanted to make. 

But let's be honest here, who wants to send their little ones off to school with a lunch that's just "meh"?

You see, preparing a healthy and tasty lunchbox not only fuels them for the rest of the day but is also the key to building positive eating habits in the future. The more our kiddos become accustomed to eating healthy, the easier it will be for them to stick with a nutritious diet when they're older. Now that's something every busy mum can get behind!

The solution? Make an effort to switch things up and get creative with your presentation! And no, you do not need to spend a fortune trying to whip up 5-star meals every day or purchasing new containers! By simply playing around with the ingredients in your pantry, you can make the most basic of meals look and taste extra amazing!

You can start by throwing in some fun-shaped fruits and veggies, adding themes to their lunches, or even packing a fun surprise, like a mini toy or a personal note- all of which will go a long way in making your kids feel extra special! But aside from those creative touches, what you should be focusing on is the main component: the food itself!

Put your apron on, mums, and start preheating the oven because we'll be sharing with you an easy baking recipe that'll surely make your little ones squeal with joy! 

With our Jam Filled Oat Muffins recipe, you'll be able to add a little sweetness to lunchtime while making sure they get all the nutrients they need. The best part about these is that they are freezer-friendly and are perfect for snacking as well! 

Makes 12 muffins | Prep 35 minutes

Ingredients

• 3 eggs
• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• 125 ml (½ cup) apple sauce
• 80 ml (⅓ cup) maple syrup
• 125 ml (½ cup) rice milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 320 g (3 cups) oats
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 125 ml (½ cup) jam

Method

Preheat oven at 170 C and place We Might Be Tiny Muffin Cups in a muffin tray, brushing each cup with a small amount of oil.

Whisk the eggs in a mixing bowl before adding the banana, apple sauce, maple syrup, rice milk, and vanilla extract. Stir to combine.

Blitz the oats in a high-speed food processor until finely ground. In a separate bowl, combine the ground oats with all remaining ingredients except the jam.

Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix well. Fill prepared muffin cups half full with the mixture then add 1-2 tsp of jam to the batter. Cover with more batter until the cups are almost full.

Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow cooling slightly before enjoying.

Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

In terms of storing your beautiful batch for months, it is highly recommended to wrap them in foil and an additional zip-lock bag before placing them inside your preferred container. This way, you can reduce the chance of the dreaded freezer burn. In addition, make sure that the container is sealed tightly, as we do not want air to get in and make the muffins stale. 

Noticed that we used WMBT's silicone Muffin Cups in the recipe? Yep, silicone baking is a thing! With these little wonders, you’re not only adding a playful touch because they're also eco-friendly, reusable, and a breeze to clean. Plus, with their non-stick magic, your muffins will slide out with ease, keeping their shape and making them look as delicious as they taste!

Want to make the baking experience extra special? Get your kids involved and let them be responsible for sprinkling the toppings of their choice and decorating them once cooled! Just make sure to use Stickie Plates to make clean-up a breeze after this fun family activity!

Not a fan of jam?

With their sweet, tarty, and citrusy taste, jams are definitely one of the best ways to add a burst of flavour to your favourite muffins. However, there are plenty of alternatives that you can use to level up this recipe and make it even tastier, to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. 

Below are some alternatives perfect for kids and also parents (we bet you'll be sneaking some into your lunch for yourself!).

• Peanut Butter Bliss - Swap out the jam for luscious peanut butter
• Chippy Oat Muffins - Add in decadent chocolate chips to the batter
• Fruity Bliss - Swap in fruity purees or fresh fruit slices like strawberries, apples, and blueberries
• Tropical Delight - Mix in irresistible coconut and ricotta cheese for a creamy, tropical alternative
• Campfire Crush - Add in tempting marshmallows
• Try It Dried - Incorporate dried fruit such as raisins, cranberry, and apricot

Want to add texture?

Once the smell of freshly baked muffins fills the air, we bet your kids will be running up to you to try it out! Before serving, you can elevate the excitement by adding extra texture and visual interest to your Jam Filled Oat Muffins! 

Check out our recommendations below:

• Streusel crumb topping for a cinnamon-y crunch
• Chunky sugar crystals for an elegant shine
• Vanilla glaze for a creamy, floral zing
• Dark chocolate chunks for balancing the sweetness 
• Toasted coconut flakes for a slightly nutty taste
• Dried fruit for a healthier twist
• Fresh berries for a more sealed-in fruity goodness
• Cream cheese for an added tang
• Ricotta cheese for a light, slightly sweet flavour
• Nuts for a savoury and salty take
• Maple syrup for a caramel-like taste

And there we have our Jam Filled Oat Muffins recipe! 

Now that you discovered how fun it is to make and the variations you can do, it's time to ditch the old sandwich routine and introduce these today! With so much variety, you’ll turn to this recipe over and over. Trust us, your kids will thank you for the fun and tasty twist on their usual lunch, and you'll love the ease and convenience of these yummy muffins. Get ready to enjoy the ultimate win-win situation!

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