Easy Whole Wheat Strawberry Muffins Recipe – Indian Baking

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Easy Whole Wheat Strawberry Muffins Recipe – Indian Baking

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a quick and easy treat that doesn’t compromise on flavor or health. These whole wheat strawberry muffins are exactly that! I first made these when my little one started asking for something “pink” for breakfast, and they’ve been a hit ever since. They’re soft, subtly sweet, and packed with the goodness of whole wheat and fresh strawberries. Let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These aren’t your average muffins. They strike the perfect balance between wholesome and delicious. Plus, they come together in under 30 minutes – perfect for busy mornings or when a sweet craving hits. They’re a fantastic way to sneak in some whole grains, and the strawberries add a lovely burst of freshness. Honestly, what’s not to love?

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these delightful muffins:

• 1.25 cup whole wheat flour (atta) – about 150g
• 0.75 teaspoon baking powder
• 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
• 0.125 teaspoon salt – a pinch!
• 0.33 cup plain yogurt – about 80ml
• 0.25 cup oil – about 60ml
• 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1.25 cup powdered sugar – about 150g
• 0.5 cup milk – about 120ml
• 150-180 grams strawberries, chopped

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little tips can make all the difference.

Whole Wheat Flour (Atta) – Benefits & Substitution Options

Using whole wheat flour (atta) adds a lovely nutty flavor and a boost of fiber. It’s a healthier alternative to all-purpose flour. If you don’t have whole wheat flour, you can substitute it with all-purpose flour, but the texture will be slightly different. You could also try a 50/50 blend of whole wheat and all-purpose for a good compromise.

Yogurt – The Role of Dahi in Indian Baking

Yogurt (dahi) is a secret weapon in Indian baking! It adds moisture, tenderness, and a subtle tang. Make sure to use plain, unsweetened yogurt. Greek yogurt works too, but you might need to add a tablespoon or two of extra milk to get the right consistency.

Oil – Choosing the Right Oil for Muffins

I usually use a neutral-flavored oil like sunflower or canola oil. You can also use melted coconut oil for a hint of coconut flavor, but it will be noticeable. Avoid strongly flavored oils like olive oil, as they can overpower the delicate strawberry flavor.

Strawberries – Seasonal Availability in India

Strawberries are best when they’re in season – usually from November to March in most parts of India. But don’t let that stop you! You can definitely use strawberries year-round, they might just be a little more expensive.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get baking!

1. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners and grease them lightly – nobody wants stuck muffins!
2. In a bowl, sift together the whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Sifting helps to ensure everything is evenly distributed and gives you a lighter muffin.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the yogurt, oil, and vanilla extract until everything is smooth and combined.
4. Now, gently mix the powdered sugar into the wet ingredients until it’s fully incorporated. No lumps allowed!
5. Time to combine the wet and dry ingredients. Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients in batches, alternating with the milk. Mix gently after each addition – don’t overmix! Overmixing develops the gluten and can result in tough muffins.
6. Once everything is just combined, gently fold in the chopped strawberries using a spatula. Be careful not to crush them!
7. Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling them about ¾ full. If you like, you can top each muffin with a few extra strawberry pieces for a pretty presentation.
8. Bake for 20-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the muffins cool completely in the tin before serving.

Expert Tips

• Don’t overmix the batter! This is the golden rule of muffin making.
• Use room temperature ingredients. This helps everything blend together more easily.
• For extra fluffy muffins, let the batter rest for 10-15 minutes before baking.
• Check for doneness with a toothpick – ovens vary!

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

Vegan Strawberry Muffins

To make these vegan, substitute the yogurt with a plant-based yogurt (like soy or almond yogurt) and ensure your vanilla extract is vegan-friendly.

Gluten-Free Strawberry Muffins (Using Alternative Flours)

For a gluten-free version, replace the whole wheat flour with a gluten-free flour blend. A blend designed for baking will give you the best results.

Spice Level – Adding a Hint of Cardamom or Nutmeg

My grandmother always added a pinch of cardamom to her baking. A ¼ teaspoon of ground cardamom or nutmeg would be lovely in these muffins!

Festival Adaptations – A Sweet Treat for Teej or Diwali

These muffins are perfect for festive occasions! During Teej, they’re a lovely light treat. For Diwali, you could add a sprinkle of chopped nuts on top for extra richness.

Serving Suggestions

These muffins are delicious on their own, but they’re even better with a cup of chai! They also make a great addition to a brunch spread or a packed lunch.

Storage Instructions

Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions!

Can I use frozen strawberries in this recipe?

Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before adding them to the batter. Frozen strawberries tend to release more liquid, so you might need to add a tablespoon or two of extra flour.

What is the best way to prevent the muffins from sticking to the liners?

Greasing the liners lightly with oil or cooking spray is the key!

Can I make these muffins ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake them a day or two in advance and store them in an airtight container.

How can I adjust the sweetness level of the muffins?

You can reduce the amount of powdered sugar slightly if you prefer less sweet muffins.

Is it possible to add other fruits to this muffin recipe?

Definitely! Blueberries, raspberries, or even chopped bananas would be delicious additions.

Enjoy baking (and eating!) these delicious whole wheat strawberry muffins. I hope they bring a little sweetness to your day!