Gluten Free & Dairy Free Lemon Blackberry Protein Muffins
Now that the dogs have been on their walks, and I have freshly brewed coffee in my cup, I can share my lemon blackberry protein muffin recipe with you! It was beautiful out this morning, but it’s the South, so the breeze will quickly turn into humidity in about an hour. When it’s too hot to spend time outside, I usually get a lot of things done around the house. On Monday, I spent several hours power cleaning and then decided to bake delicious muffins to use up the blackberries I picked at the Farmer’s Market last week. I love baking after cleaning because it tops off the job with an amazing aroma in the house. Who needs a sweet candle when you can bake the real deal?
I don’t take advantage of the farmer’s market nearly enough. I’ve been thinking about signing up for a local farm share program. Have any of you had experience with this? I’d love to support a local farm and receive fresh seasonal produce each week. It could be a fun way to incorporate seasonal produce into my recipes. And it’s a great excuse to visit the farm each week 👩🌾
I’ve been enjoying farm fresh strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries this past month. And since I’m on a muffin kick, it made sense to incorporate the fresh blackberries into one of my batches. I also froze a bunch for smoothies, too!
Blackberries are rich in manganese, vitamin k, vitamin c, fiber, and up there with the blueberries when it comes to antioxidants. If you’re ever feeling sluggish, a handful of blackberries can help!
I also love a muffin that has protein. When I wake up, I always grab a small snack before going out to walk. I’m one of those people that wakes up so hungry! Keeping muffins filled with protein, or homemade protein bars (recipe coming soon) in the house helps me make quick nutritious decisions before running out the door. My boyfriend also appreciates a good protein snack after the gym in the evenings. He says keeping healthier baked goods around prevents him from diving into the ice cream, chips, or peanut butter jar. Oh, and that kid can eat peanut butter!
I usually use bananas and oats in my recipes, but I decided to switch it up! I thought these lemon blackberry muffins deserved a fluffy cake texture instead of being brought down by the oats. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good oat muffin! Actually, I probably like them too much. I got lucky when I found a lemon in the fridge. I am usually out of lemons, or they go bad before I remember buying them. Blackberry lemon sounded like the perfect combo! It’s a fresh and airy match to make these perfect for the summer months!
Whenever a recipe turns out perfect, I get so excited, especially when it’s an unplanned bake. As soon as the toothpick came out clean, I knew we had a winner. I wish you could have smelled the house while these were baking! It was the first thing Kyle commented on when he got home from work. “mmmm what’s that smell?!” Of course, my excitement kicked in when I ignored his hug, went straight for his hand, and guided him into the kitchen to make him try one.
Kyle is the ultimate taste-tester. He’ll never tell me when he doesn’t like something, but he has signature keywords and actions to help me decide what he’s really thinking. I’m pretty good at reading him, and I got the three signs that these were a success. The first sign was when he let out a “Wow, these are so good!” His eyes usually grow big when he really likes something, which was the second sign. And lastly? He didn’t put the rest of the muffin on the plate to “finish later.” He demolished this muffin in two bites!
Lemon Blackberry Protein Muffins (Gluten Free & Dairy Free)
Ingredients
- 1/2 Cup Vanilla Protein Powder (I used Orgain)
- 1 Cup Almond Flour
- 1/4 Cup Coconut Flour
- 1/2 Tsp Sea salt
- 1 Tsp Ground Cinnamon
- 1 Tsp. Baking Soda
- 1 1/2 Tsp Baking Powder
- 1/4 Cup Honey (or your choice of sweetener)
- 3 Tbsps Sunflower Oil (or your choice of oil)
- 1/4 Cup Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice (or 1 tsp lemon extract)
- 3 Large Eggs
- 1 Tsp Almond Extract
- 1 Tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1 Cup Fresh Blackberries
- 1/4 Cup Unsweetened Cashew Milk (or your choice of milk)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.Grease a muffin pan, and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, sift together the almond flour, protein powder, coconut flour, sea salt, cinnamon, baking soda, and baking powder together.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and mix in the lemon juice, sunflower oil, almond extract, vanilla extract, and cashew milk.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the sifted flour mixture. Combine well, and mix in the honey. **All protein powders are different, so if the batter seems a bit "thick", just add in more cashew milk by the tablespoon until you get a "cake-batter" consistency. **And if your batter is too "watery", add in more coconut flour by the tablespoon.
- Fold in the blackberries.
- Add about 1/2 cup of the muffin batter into the muffin pan.
- Bake for twenty minutes, and use the toothpick method to determine when they're finished.
Notes
These muffins are great for on the go! They have a whopping 10 grams of protein per treat, and a net carb count of 11 grams! If you were to swap the honey for a different sweetener, you could make them super low carb if that’s what you’re going for. If you’re in a breakfast run, try making these and enjoying them with a side of Greek or coconut milk yogurt 😋
160 Calories, 9g Fat, 15g Carbs, 4g Fiber, 6g Sugar, 10g Protein
I’m excited to visit the farm again soon to pick up some more inspiration for my next recipe! After hitting the publish button, I’m going to get started on writing the recipe post for my homemade protein bars, so stay tuned!
Questions for you!
- Have you ever done a Farm Share?
- Do you try to cook with seasonal produce?
- I’m looking to bake a pie! Do you have a favorite recipe that I should try out?
Cailee says
Holy Moly!
I love that you shopped local for these blackberries. I am a farmer and rely on my community to survive. I couldn’t stress enough about the importance of a farm share! You can email me for more details
Cailee
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you, Cailee!
It’s so cool you run a farm! I will 100% email you! Thanks!!
xo
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
These sound so fresh and yummy, Taralynn! I wish blackberries were cheaper in Hong Kong! 🙁 I’d probably get another type of berry instead for this! 🙂
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you, Charmaine!
Meghan says
These look awesome! I recently made your peanut butter/banana muffins, but i’m out now so these will be next on my list! I have some blueberries I need to use up, so I’ll probably swap those for the blackberries. I’ve never done or heard of a farm share, but it sounds like a great idea. Hope you have a good weekend!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Meghan!
Those peanut butter banana muffins are a staple around here, but it was fun to switch it up with these!
I’m new to learning about the farm share, but might try it out!
Have a great weekend!
Esther says
These look SO good!
http://thegirlswhobrunch.com
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks, Esther!!
Lyndsey says
I loved reading this post. I have been dreaming of fall, but your writing brought me back to appreciating the summer.
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Lyndsey!
So happy to hear that! I always find myself craving fall, and then not celebrating summer and appreciating all the happiness it can bring! 🙂 xo
Julia says
I’m very angry I made these.
Why? I ate four of them! The kiddos loved them too. We swapped honey for agave and used gluten-free flour instead of coconut flour and almond flour. We used 1 cup as the swap for anyone wondering.
Thanks for the great recipe! I look forward to trying many more.
Julia Brown
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Julia!
This comment made me smile! 🙂 Thanks for sharing your swaps, and I’m so so so so happy your kiddos enjoyed these! A great way to get them to eat some fruit and extra protein!
Taralynn
Rachel says
Yum!! Lemon and blackberry sounds like a delicious combo.
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks, Rachel!
Jordan says
These look amazing and I can just imagine how nice it left your place smelling!
I have never done a farm share but I sure do love hitting up the Farmer’s Market! I went yesterday actually and I’m already excited to go again this weekend!
I typically try to eat seasonally — it’s usually cheaper (especially if it’s something I can grow in my own garden!) But I feel like it’s also healthier! If you get it from somewhere local, you can be sure the food is fresher, grown without added hormones, and just tastes better.
I love a good pecan pie but it’s not really the “season” for that. Otherwise, I’m always up for a slice of peach or cherry pie! Looking forward to that recipe too!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Jordan!
Ahhhh the aroma! 💜
Have fun at the market this weekend! I may sneak a trip if it doesn’t rain!
You’re so right!! Seasonal eating is healthier and cheaper!
I’ve never attempted a pecan pie, and I need to add it to my list 🙂 MMM cherry would be good!!
Anonymous says
What protein do you use?
Taralynn McNitt says
Orgain!
Mary says
Your photos are on point!
Taralynn McNitt says
Well thank you, Mary!
BethAndrea says
Hey Taralynn!
We joined a CSA for the first time this year. (Friends of ours have a farm just outside of town). It was the best decisions ever! I live in Lexington VA so not super far from you, and although prices will vary, we pay $25 a week for all of our farm goodies! My family of 6 has a hard time getting through all of the food each week, it’s so much! It’s been so much fun eating with the season and trying new things. Even my kiddos get excited experimenting with new things. The other benefit to being a part of a CSA is you know it’s traveling a short distance from the farm to you and for me personally, my friend doesn’t spray or use chemicals which is really important to me. I would not hesitate if I were you!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you so much for sharing your experience! You have me convinced to try it out!! I just submitted my form 🙂
Anonymous says
What could i use instead of lemon?
Taralynn McNitt says
Maybe try orange!
Katie says
Yay! I cannot wait to bake these this weekend! I am going on my wedding/honeymoon trip next week and we are going to bring snacks and sandwich stuff along so we aren’t eating out EVERY meal. These will be perfect! Thanks!
Taralynn McNitt says
That is so smart!!! You must be so excited 🙂 I hope you come back and tell me all about it!! xo xo xo
Linda @ the Fitty says
Bake an apple pie because I know that fall will come soon!
Taralynn McNitt says
Only a few more months 😀
Beth says
These look amazing!! Can’t wait to try the recipe! I’m also wondering – how many grams of protein do you usually have a day?
Have a great weekend!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Beth!
I always shoot for 100 grams!
Kelly says
I can’t wait to try these!!!
I love the peanut butter banana muffins. So yummy!
Could you use just almond flour? I don’t have coconut flour on hand.
Taralynn McNitt says
You could! You will probably have to add more protein powder, and less milk to get it “thicker”! 🙂
Susie | Mile High Dreamers says
Haha I was laughing at Kyle’s giveaway clues because Ben is the same way. He’s too nice to say he doesn’t actually like something, but after 10 years I’ve figured out what “hmmmm, what’s the ____ taste coming from?” means (not good!). And when he really loves something, he high fives me and says we need to put it on our future restaurant menu (fyi there are no actual restaurant plans haha).
I am in love with these flavors and can’t wait to make these! Especially because we’re about to travel and we need some good plan snacks/meals.
Farm shares are AMAZING. I love supporting local businesses and I truly believe that food tastes better when it’s local!
We’re all about seasonal produce, which means our summers are FULL of berries, plums, melons, peaches, etc. In CO, all of those things disappear for the winter and it’s so sad.
PIE! Give me ALL the pie. Cherry is a classic favorite for me but Ben says he votes peach!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hahaha that is funny. I guess it’s a “nice” way to put their honest truth.
Your trip is coming up!! I bet you’re so excited!:)
Luckily, we get produce all year hear because it’s a bit warmer and we’re closer to the warmer states! Maybe theirs a “seasonal” shipment you can get from another state in the winter lol
WELL…CHERRY PEACH?!?!? Could be a good combo!
Anonymous says
What camera are you using
Taralynn McNitt says
Cannon Mark IV
Lins says
Why honey? It’s just sugar
Taralynn McNitt says
It’s nature’s sugar so I’m OK with it 🙂
Kathy says
Definitely do a farm share! We just got our share this afternoon and plan to make salsa and some baked goods!
Taralynn McNitt says
Sounds like I need to do this!!
Nikki says
As soon as I saw the photo for the post I had to click it. Girl, those muffins looked delicious! Now I have to head to the farmers market so I can try out your recipe this weekend! As for your questions:
I have never done a farm share but living here in the garden state I have thought about it many times. Can’t wait to see if you go through with it and what your experience is. Have you ever done a Farm Share?
I don’t cook with seasonal produce NEARLY as much as I should. I’m trying to be better at it.
Yum! Pie sounds delicious. I usually stick with the go to apple pie. I feel like you can’t go wrong! Unfortunately I don’t have a recipe to share!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Nikki!
I hope you get to visit this weekend! I’m sad because my weekend is going to be filled with rain 🙁 boooooo!
I’m excited to try it out. I think I’m leaning towards yes! I’ve heard great things.
I think we can ALL relate to that.
You can NEVER go wrong with apple pie 😀
Val says
Would this work with strawberries?
Taralynn McNitt says
Yes! Lemon & Strawberry muffins would be great!
Frida says
These look sooooo good! Do you know how many calories are in them?
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you!!
160 Calories, 9g Fat, 15g Carbs, 4g Fiber, 6g Sugar, 10g Protein
Rebecca Forney says
Hi! These look great! I was wondering if I could substitute the protein powder with just flour? I’ve tried a few different protein powders but I’m just not a fan of the taste.
Thanks!
Becky
Taralynn McNitt says
I don’t know about the swap! It really depends on which flour you use! Have you ever used Orgain protein? It’s a gamechanger, plant-based, and tastes amazing when baked!
Rebecca Forney says
I’ve never tried Orgain… I guess I could try it I just have such a sensitive taste for protein powders. I can always taste it and I feel like it throws the texture off. I guess I could give it a try.
Taralynn McNitt says
I find that the dairy proteins are like that, and some plant are chalky, but Orgain is the one protein I stand behind the most!
Raya says
We loved these!
Taralynn McNitt says
Yay!!
Catherine Dean says
Hey Taralynn! I’m so excited to make these but I’m wondering if it can just be 1 1/4 cup of all purpose flour instead of having to go buy the two different kinds of flour? I tried the lemon chia muffins and they were delicious so I have super high hopes for these!
Kimmi says
Great recipe! I subbed powdered ginger instead of cinnamon, avocado oil for less of a coconut flavor and almond milk. Orgain is my fav protein powder and ill def make these again!