Oatmeal Muffins with Dried Plums and Coconut – A Hearty and Flavorful Treat

There’s something incredibly comforting about homemade muffins—and when you combine the goodness of oats, dried plums, and shredded coconut, the result is a muffin that’s not only delicious but also packed with nutrition. These oatmeal muffins with dried plums and coconut make for a perfect breakfast treat, a wholesome snack, or even a delightful addition to your brunch spread.

The earthy taste of oats, paired with the rich sweetness of plums and the tropical flavor of coconut, creates a delightful harmony in every bite. Plus, the added bonus of fiber and nutrients from the oats and dried fruit makes these muffins a healthier option that will satisfy your sweet tooth while keeping you full and energized.

In this recipe, we’ll guide you through the steps to make these delightful oatmeal muffins, share some helpful tips for perfect results, and provide suggestions for storing and serving them.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make oatmeal muffins with dried plums and coconut:

For the Muffin Batter:

• 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup shredded coconut (unsweetened)
• 1/2 cup dried plums (prunes), chopped
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup milk (or almond milk for a dairy-free option)
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Optional:

• 1/4 cup chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans) for extra crunch
• 1 tbsp honey for added sweetness (optional)

Equipment Needed

• Muffin tin (12-cup capacity)
• Mixing bowls (for dry and wet ingredients)
• Whisk (or electric mixer)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula or spoon for mixing
• Cupcake liners or muffin tin spray

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Tin

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon (if using). Stir everything together to ensure the dry ingredients are evenly mixed.

2. Add the coconut: Stir the shredded coconut into the dry ingredients, allowing it to disperse evenly throughout the mixture.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

1. In a separate large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.

2. Add the brown sugar to the wet ingredients and stir until the sugar is dissolved.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

1. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—just combine everything until you no longer see flour streaks.

Step 5: Add the Dried Plums and Optional Ingredients

1. Add dried plums: Fold the chopped dried plums into the muffin batter gently. You can also add nuts at this point for some added texture and crunch.

2. Sweeten if necessary: If you prefer your muffins a little sweeter, you can stir in some honey at this stage.

Step 6: Fill the Muffin Tin

1. Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 full. This recipe should yield around 10-12 muffins, depending on the size of your muffin tin.

Step 7: Bake the Muffins

1. Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.

2. Check for doneness: If the tops of the muffins start to brown too quickly, cover them loosely with aluminum foil and continue baking.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

1. Once baked, allow the muffins to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for the Perfect Oatmeal Muffins

1. Use ripe fruit: If you don’t have dried plums, you can substitute them with raisins, dried cranberries, or even fresh berries (though you may need to adjust the baking time).
2. Substitute coconut: If you don’t like shredded coconut, you can replace it with extra oats or other dried fruits to customize your muffins.
3. Make ahead: These muffins freeze well! After cooling completely, wrap them in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. Store them in the freezer for up to a month, and simply thaw when needed.
4. Try a glaze: For a little extra sweetness, drizzle some honey or maple syrup on top of the muffins after they’re done baking.

Serving Suggestions

• Perfect for breakfast: Enjoy these oatmeal muffins as a healthy breakfast option paired with a cup of coffee or tea.
• Snack or dessert: These muffins are great as a mid-afternoon snack or even as a light dessert, especially when paired with a dollop of whipped cream or yogurt.
• Serve at gatherings: These muffins are a great addition to any brunch spread or bake sale. Their hearty texture and sweet flavor make them crowd-pleasers.

Conclusion

Oatmeal muffins with dried plums and coconut are a delightful and healthy treat that combines the best of both worlds: rich, hearty oats and sweet dried fruit with a crunchy coconut twist. Whether you're enjoying them at breakfast or as an afternoon snack, these muffins will surely become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. With their texture, taste, and simplicity, they make a perfect, wholesome choice for any occasion.

Enjoy these muffins fresh out of the oven, or save some for later – they’re perfect for busy mornings or a mid-day snack to fuel your day!