High-Protein Lemon-Blueberry Muffins

(12)

These lemon-blueberry muffins are so good, you’ll think they came straight from a bakery. A sprinkle of sugar creates a nice crunch on the outside, while strained yogurt ensures the muffins stay moist on the inside. The yogurt also provides a boost of satisfying protein, making these muffins perfect for breakfast or snack time. If using frozen blueberries, there’s no need to thaw them beforehand. They will add a purple hue to the batter, but it won’t affect the delicious end result.

Active Time:
20 mins
Total Time:
45 mins
Servings:
12
  • These muffins offer a delightful balance of sweet blueberries and tangy lemon zest.
  • Yogurt keeps the muffins moist and enhances the texture.
  • You'll appreciate the bakery-quality crunch from the sprinkle of sugar on top.
overhead view of all ingredients in various bowls/cups

Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle, Food Stylist: Julia Levy

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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 12 servings

  • cups whole-wheat flour

  • cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 tablespoon baking powder

  • 1 teaspoon baking soda

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • 1 cup unsweetened applesauce

  • 1 cup whole-milk plain strained (Greek-style) yogurt

  • 8 tablespoons granulated sugar, divided

  • 2 large eggs

  • ¼ cup whole milk

  • teaspoons grated lemon zest

  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or coat with cooking spray.

  2. Whisk whole-wheat flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a medium bowl until combined.

  3. Whisk applesauce, yogurt, milk, lemon zest, lemon juice, eggs, vanilla and 7 tablespoons sugar in another medium bowl until combined. Add the flour mixture; whisk until just combined. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold in blueberries until evenly distributed.

    Overhead view of bowl of muffin batter and whisk and a container of blueberries on the side

    Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle, Food Stylist: Julia Levy

  4. Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin cups, about a scant ½ cup each. Sprinkle the tops evenly with the remaining 1 tablespoon sugar.

    overhead view of bowl of batter and muffin tin with muffin liners, some filled with batter

    Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle, Food Stylist: Julia Levy

  5. Bake until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 22 to 26 minutes. Cool in the pan for 5 minutes; transfer to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.

    cooked blueberry muffins on a serving board and a muffin tin in the background

    Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle, Food Stylist: Julia Levy

To make ahead

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

Recipe Updates

Based on earlier review and comments of this recipe, we’ve retested and made the following adjustments

  • Used cooking spray to coat the liners and pan to prevent the muffins from sticking.

Updated March 2025

EatingWell.com, August 2023

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

207 Calories
3g Fat
40g Carbs
8g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 12
Serving Size 1 muffin
Calories 207
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 40g 15%
Dietary Fiber 4g 14%
Total Sugars 14g
Added Sugars 8g 16%
Protein 8g 16%
Total Fat 3g 4%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Cholesterol 34mg 11%
Vitamin A 76IU 2%
Vitamin C 4mg 4%
Vitamin D 9IU 2%
Folate 46mcg 12%
Vitamin K 5mcg 4%
Sodium 344mg 15%
Calcium 64mg 5%
Iron 2mg 11%
Magnesium 9mg 2%
Potassium 100mg 2%

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.