Vanilla Blueberry Muffins

Vanilla Blueberry Muffins

If you’re about to become a ‘lunch box mum’ (with your little one starting school next year..), or you just need to add a few more recipes to the lunch box rotation, Ash from @ashleigh.cooks has new recipes for you to try! These ones are a MUST if you have children who love blueberries (opt for frozen organic for a cheaper alternative).

This recipe is freezer-friendly, easy to make, and makes use of lots of pantry staples (and a little Kids Immune Protein, of course).

Blueberry Muffin Ingredients - Unrefined Nutrients

Blueberry Muffins - Unrefined Nutrients

Recipe: Blueberry Muffins
Makes: 12 muffins   |   Prep time: 10 min   |   Bake time: 18–20 min

Nutrient Boost: These muffins include our Vanilla Vanguard Immune Protein for extra protein, zinc, vitamin C, and prebiotics to support immunity, fullness, and gut health — all from whole food ingredients.

Ingredients
• 1 ¾ cups (220g) plain flour
• 2 tbsp Vanilla Vanguard Immune Protein
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp baking soda
• ¼ cup maple syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
• 1 large egg (or flax “egg”)
• 1 cup frozen blueberries, plus extra to pop on top (if frozen, do not thaw)


Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 180 °C and line a muffin tin with 12 liners (I used silicone liners, but paper is fine).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the plain flour, protein powder, baking powder, and baking soda.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk the melted butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, milk and egg until smooth.
4. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined.
5. Fold through the blueberries, reserving a few to press on top of each muffin if you like.
6. Divide the batter into the 12 muffin wells. Top with extra blueberries. Bang your muffin tray on the bench (not too hard!) to ensure your muffins are level.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the muffins are golden and a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
8. Remove from oven, let cool in the tin for about 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Once cooled, you can freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. To pack for lunch, thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature in the morning.

Tip: If your little one prefers sweeter muffins, you can add an extra teaspoon of maple syrup or serve with a swipe of butter or yoghurt. Frozen blueberries work best as they don’t bleed into the batter.


Why We Love This Recipe

These blueberry muffins are soft, fluffy, and perfectly sweet thanks to real maple syrup — no refined sugar needed. With the addition of our Vanilla Vanguard Immune Protein, each muffin gets a boost of whole-food protein, zinc, and prebiotics to help support immunity and keep kids fuller for longer. They freeze beautifully, taste amazing warmed slightly, and make a reliable lunchbox or after-school snack.

Explore our full Kids Immune Protein range for more simple, nutrient-boosted recipe ideas.

 

Our Ingredients

  • Pasture-raised Collagen

    Collagen is a natural structural protein that makes up approximately 30% of the total protein in the human body. Collagen can support your child’s joint health, help maintain muscle mass and aid in bone health. Sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised cattle, with the highest standards of care, our collagen has been produced using a hydrolyzed process that breaks it down into smaller, more easily digestible peptides ensuring superior bioavailability and easy absorption. Our Immune Protein contains a complete essential amino acid profile, due to the addition of L-Tryptophan, the only essential amino acid missing in natural bovine collagen.

  • B Vitamins derived from Organic Quinoa Sprouts

    The B Vitamins in Immune Protein are a proprietary blend of ACTIVE B vitamins obtained from Organic Quinoa Sprouts. Unlike synthetic B vitamins which can be poorly absorbed (and sometimes upset little tummies), PANMOL® B-Complex is derived from a whole food source and contains Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9 and B12 in their biologically active (natural) form for maximum absorption. Nutrients derived from a whole food source are said to be more readily recognised by the body than synthetic nutrients, making them more bioavailable for better absorption. We chose this form to also ensure the B vitamins are gentle on little tummies!

  • Vitamin D derived from Organic Shiitake Mushrooms

    Vitamin D is essential for several important functions in children, including bone growth and development (it helps the body to absorb calcium) and immune system support. The Vitamin D in our Kid’s Immune Protein is a plant-based source of Vitamin D extracted from Organic Shiitake Mushrooms. After harvesting, shiitake mushrooms are exposed to UV-B light (similar to sunlight) for a certain period of time. This exposure triggers a natural process in the mushrooms where ergosterol, a compound found in the cell membranes of fungi, is converted into vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol). This is the same process that occurs in human skin when exposed to sunlight, converting cholesterol into vitamin D3.

  • Camu Camu

    Camu camu is a small, tart fruit native to the Amazon rainforest, renowned for its exceptional potency as a source of vitamin C. In fact, camu camu contains up to 60 times more vitamin C than an orange, making it one of the most concentrated natural sources of this vital nutrient. Vitamin C plays a key role in supporting a healthy immune system, helping the body fight off infections, reduce inflammation, and promote overall wellness. For growing children, this powerful antioxidant is especially important in boosting immune defense and promoting healthy skin, tissues, and gums. Camu camu provides a natural, highly bioavailable form of vitamin C, helping ensure your child receives optimal support for their immune system in a gentle and effective way.

  • Zinc Gluconate

    Zinc is an essential mineral and particularly important for children as adequate zinc intake is crucial for proper growth, immune function, and development, especially in cases where picky eating may limit the variety of foods consumed. Since zinc is not stored in the body, it must be replenished regularly through diet or supplements. Some studies have also shown a correlation between zinc deficiency and reduced appetite, often contributing to picky eating behaviours. For example, a 2021 study found that 37.4% of picky eaters had lower zinc levels than non-picky eaters! Many multivitamins combine zinc and iron, but because these two minerals compete for absorption, we’ve chosen to exclude iron from our blends to ensure your child gets the full benefit of the zinc included!

  • Pre & Probiotics

    Prebiotics and probiotics play a key role in supporting a child's gut health, which is closely linked to digestion, immunity, and overall development. Our Immune Protein contains Queensland grown green banana resistant starch, which is a natural prebiotic that feeds good gut bacteria and promotes regular bowel movements. We've also included the specific probiotic, Bacillus coagulans as it can survive stomach acid, is heat resistant and can help to balance gut flora while reducing digestive discomfort. When used together, these two ingredients create a synbiotic effect, enhancing each other's benefits and supporting long-term gut flora balance, a resilient immune system and better nutrient absorption for thriving children.