Discover the delightful combination of flavors in these strawberry matcha protein muffins, which are incredibly fluffy, bursting with taste, and loaded with protein. Each muffin delivers a satisfying 8 grams of protein while keeping calories at just 185, positioning them as an ideal choice for a nutritious snack or a boost to your morning meal. These treats are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire, just as they have in mine.
What sets these muffins apart is their impressive nutritional profile: they offer a substantial 8 grams of protein per serving with only 185 calories, transforming them into a perfect option for a quick bite between meals or as energy fuel before hitting the gym.
Elevate their appeal even further by preparing the optional strawberry glaze. This glaze provides just the right amount of sweetness, and its vibrant pink hue creates a stunning visual contrast against the vibrant green of the muffins, adding an extra touch of charm to your baked goods.
One of the most captivating features of these muffins is their striking green color, courtesy of the matcha powder. Baking with matcha not only imparts this beautiful hue but also infuses the muffins with a unique, earthy flavor that truly stands out and elevates the entire experience.
Key Ingredients for Success
To achieve the authentic look and taste, opt for ceremonial-grade matcha powder. This high-quality variety ensures the muffins develop that signature vivid green color and a smooth, robust matcha flavor profile without any bitterness.
When selecting whey protein powder, consider using Tera’s Whey in vanilla flavor for optimal results. Extensive testing revealed that this brand yields the best texture, while alternatives like Naked Whey vanilla led to an undesirable gummy consistency that detracts from the muffin’s fluffiness.
Incorporate fresh, diced strawberries directly into the batter for bursts of juicy sweetness throughout. For an added visual pop, sprinkle a few extra pieces on top before baking, allowing them to shine through once the muffins are perfectly golden.
Step-by-Step Guide to Baking Matcha Protein Muffins
Begin by gathering all dry components in a large mixing bowl. This includes the flour, protein powder, matcha, baking powder, and salt. Use a whisk to thoroughly blend them together, ensuring an even distribution of all powders and eliminating any potential lumps for a smooth batter later on.
In another bowl, combine the wet ingredients: pour in the maple syrup, crack the eggs, add the Greek yogurt, almond extract, and almond milk. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is fully emulsified and uniform in consistency, creating a creamy base for the muffin batter.
Gently incorporate the dry mixture into the wet one, stirring slowly to avoid overmixing. Once everything is just combined, carefully fold in the melted coconut oil followed by the diced strawberries, preserving their structure for tender, flavorful bites.
Prepare your muffin tin by lining it with paper liners. Fill each cup generously, right up to the brim, to promote that desirable domed top and maximum muffin height during baking.
Transfer the tin to a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should emerge with a few moist crumbs attached, signaling perfect tenderness without dryness.
While the muffins bake, prepare the glaze by sifting powdered sugar into a small bowl, then adding almond extract and starting with 2 teaspoons of almond milk. Whisk until smooth and drizzle-ready; adjust thickness by adding milk incrementally if needed.
Once cooled slightly, drizzle the glaze over the muffins, sprinkle with sliced almonds for crunch, and optionally dust with extra powdered sugar for a professional, bakery-style finish that enhances both flavor and presentation.
Storage Tips and Freezer Guidelines
For short-term enjoyment, these muffins stay fresh for 2 to 3 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. To prolong their shelf life up to 5 days, refrigerate them in a sealed container, maintaining their moist texture and flavor.
Complete Ingredient Breakdown
Dry Ingredients
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup vanilla whey protein powder (Tera’s Whey Vanilla recommended)
- 1 tablespoon ceremonial-grade matcha powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup maple syrup
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup Greek yogurt (full-fat preferred)
- ½ cup plain almond milk
- 1.5 teaspoons almond extract
- 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil
- 1 cup diced strawberries
Glaze Ingredients
- ⅓ cup powdered sugar
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract
- 2 tablespoons almond milk
Topping
- ⅓ cup sliced almonds
Detailed Instructions
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lining a standard 12-cup muffin tin with parchment or paper liners to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
In a spacious bowl, measure and add all the dry ingredients, then whisk them meticulously to create a homogeneous mixture that will integrate seamlessly with the liquids.
Prepare the wet mixture separately by combining maple syrup, eggs, Greek yogurt, almond extract, and almond milk in another bowl. Beat with a whisk until creamy and well-blended, incorporating air for lighter muffins.
Gradually introduce the dry ingredients into the wet bowl, stirring gently with a spatula until no dry streaks remain. Then, fold in the coconut oil and strawberries carefully to maintain batter lightness and fruit integrity.
Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each liner nearly to the top for tall, fluffy results that rise beautifully in the oven.
Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes. Test with a toothpick for moist crumbs. Allow muffins to cool briefly in the tin before transferring to a wire rack for complete cooling.
Prepare the glaze during cooling: whisk powdered sugar, almond extract, and almond milk. Thin with additional milk if necessary for a pourable consistency.
Drizzle glaze over cooled muffins, sprinkle sliced almonds, and add powdered sugar dust if desired for extra elegance.
Note that protein powder brands affect batter consistency; Tera’s Whey is ideal for baking to avoid gumminess observed with others like Naked Whey. Adjust with milk or flour as needed, one tablespoon at a time.
Nutritional profile per muffin: 185 calories, 27g carbohydrates, 8g protein, 5g fat, 1g fiber, 13g sugar. Values are estimates.
