Strawberry Jam-Filled Muffins: Quick and Easy to Make for a Delicious Treat

If you’re craving a delicious, sweet treat that fits into your Weight Watchers plan, these Quick Strawberry Jam-Filled Muffins are the perfect solution! They are light, fluffy, and bursting with the sweet, tangy flavor of strawberry jam, making them an ideal breakfast, snack, or even a dessert. This simple recipe ensures that you can enjoy a warm, homemade muffin without going off track on your weight loss journey.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (you can substitute with whole wheat flour for added fiber)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (or a sugar substitute like Stevia for fewer calories)
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce (for moisture and fewer calories)
• 2/3 cup fat-free milk
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup strawberry jam (use a low-sugar or sugar-free jam for a healthier option)
• Optional: Powdered sugar for dusting (optional for a sweet finish)

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Muffin Tin:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it with cooking spray.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients:

• In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This will ensure that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.

3. Combine Wet Ingredients:

• In another bowl, whisk together the applesauce, milk, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined. The applesauce adds moisture without the extra fat or calories, and the milk helps bind the ingredients together.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:

• Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter; it should be lumpy but without any dry flour spots. Overmixing can lead to dense muffins.

5. Fill Muffin Tin:

• Spoon a small amount of muffin batter into each muffin cup, filling it about halfway.
• Place 1 tsp of strawberry jam in the center of each muffin. Gently top with more batter to cover the jam, filling each cup about 3/4 full.

6. Bake the Muffins:

• Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the muffin (not touching the jam) comes out clean.
• Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

7. Optional: Finish with Powdered Sugar

• If desired, lightly dust the cooled muffins with a little powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.

Nutritional Information

(Per Muffin – based on 12 servings)

• Calories: 120
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 1.5g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 8g
• WW Points: 3 (depending on your plan)

Why This Recipe Works:

1. Lower-Calorie Option: By using applesauce instead of oil or butter, and fat-free milk, these muffins are a lighter alternative to traditional muffins without sacrificing flavor.
2. Simple Ingredients: These muffins use everyday ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry, making them quick and easy to prepare.
3. Jam-Filled Delight: The strawberry jam adds a burst of sweetness in every bite, making these muffins feel like a special treat, while still staying within your Weight Watchers points.
4. Customizable: You can swap the strawberry jam for other fruit jams like blueberry, raspberry, or apricot depending on your taste preferences. You can also make these muffins with whole wheat flour for added fiber.

Tips for Success:

1. Don’t Overmix: To keep the muffins light and fluffy, be sure to mix the wet and dry ingredients gently. Overmixing will result in dense muffins.
2. Jam Filling: For a neater jam filling, try freezing the jam in small spoonfuls before adding it to the muffin batter. This will help prevent the jam from mixing into the muffin too much during baking.
3. Storage: Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. For longer storage, freeze them and reheat in the microwave for a quick breakfast or snack.
4. Personalize: For an extra flavor boost, you can add a handful of chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, to the batter for a bit of crunch.

Serving Suggestions:

• Breakfast: Pair these muffins with a serving of Greek yogurt or a protein shake for a satisfying and balanced breakfast.
• Snack: Enjoy one of these muffins as a mid-afternoon snack alongside a cup of herbal tea or coffee.
• Dessert: These muffins make a light and sweet dessert when served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of low-fat vanilla ice cream.

These Quick Strawberry Jam-Filled Muffins are a delicious way to satisfy your sweet tooth while keeping your points in check. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert, they combine the sweetness of strawberry jam with the light, fluffy texture of homemade muffins. The best part? They’re quick to make, require simple ingredients, and can easily be customized to your liking. Whether you’re following the Weight Watchers program or simply want a healthier muffin option, these are a must-try recipe that everyone will love.