Berry Yogurt Parfait Muffins

I think muffins are the easiest breakfast to make for kids, especially since it reminds them of cupcakes and who doesn't want a cupcake for breakfast? These adorable Berry Yogurt Parfait Muffins look just like a decadent vanilla cupcake (especially when you take the extra step of piping the greek yogurt on) but they are packed with whole grains, wheat germ, flax meal, fruit and aren't packed with sugar! My son made these with me and was so happy with be able to help with the prep, he never second guessed the grains going in. So go on and give them a cupcake first thing in the morning! They'll be happy and you'll have piece of mind! 

I'm always in search of healthier alternatives for breakfasts on the go. When the whole family has to be out the door within an hour of waking up, breakfast needs to be fast, delicious and healthy (not necessarily in that order, but we try!) So if I can pack whole grains and fruit into one muffin, thats 2 out of the 4/5 food food groups I try to provide at every meal. All I need is a protein and a dairy and the greek yogurt helps with that. Whew! 4 out of 5 food groups in one muffin, I call that a mommy win. Plus all the mmm sounds as they chomp into these muffins is music to my ears!

My kids eat berries like candy. They will literally fight for the last berry in the bowl. I could be complaining about worse things, but berries can be expensive! Especially when you buy organic, not that I do all the time because in New York the mark up is so darn much I can't afford to. So I'm making the most of what I got and chopping up these berries to spread the wealth! I had a really good helper this morning, helping me chop up a couple of strawberries to add them to the rest of raspberries and blueberries. 

Muffin batters are the best, and the easiest recipes to remember. All you have to do is mix the dry ingredients together, then the wet. Bring them together and you have a super easy muffin batter. Then it's time for the layering. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of batter into the muffin tins, sprinkle on the chopped berries and then top with more batter. The berries keep the muffin moist and is a fruity surprise when you bite in!

Once these were baked I put plain greek yogurt into a piping bag and piped the yogurt on top of each muffin. Now they were a true parfait and look just like cupcakes! Drizzle with a bit of honey for sweetness and you have a healthy treat and the kids won't know they're eating their whole grains!

Berry Yogurt Parfait Whole Grain Muffins

*adapted from Dear Chrissy's "Very Berry Muffins"

Yields 12 muffins

Ingredients

• 1 Cup whole wheat white flour
• 1/2 Cup All-Purpose Flour
• 2 tbsp wheat germ
• 2 tbsp flax meal
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 Cup sugar
• 1/4 Cup canola oil
• 3/4 Cup buttermilk
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 1 Cup chopped berries (Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries)
• Plain greek yogurt and honey for topping

Method

1. Preheat the Oven to 350F. Line your muffin tin with paper liners. Set Aside.
2. In a large bowl whisk together the dry ingredients (Whole wheat white flour-salt) 
3. In a separate bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together the wet ingredients (sugar-eggs)
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and gently fold till it is just combined. 
5. Fill the muffin tins about half full. Sprinkle in a couple of berries, then top with another tablespoon of batter.
6. Bake the muffins for 15-17 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out dry.
7. Allow to cool on a wire rack. Once cooled top with plain greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey.