On December 19 we celebrate National Oatmeal Muffin Day a day to celebrate, a warm, nutty flavour with a hint of sweetness with the extra loaded flavoured of cinnamon, raisins, blueberries, or nuts. However, Oatmeal muffins are also considered as the healthiest muffins and can be eaten without worrying about calories but it depends upon how many you eat whether you like them plain, with fruit, nuts, or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
History of National Oatmeal Muffin Day
Did you know that oatmeal muffins are a staple in American households and are welcome on any holiday where we can just eat a muffin and have fun? However, the best part is that oatmeal is known to be ‘heart-healthy’ has a lot of nutritious value and can be eaten without worrying about calorie count.
Talking in-depth, Muffins have been eaten for several centuries, beginning with English-style muffins. Back in the 10th century in Wales, this type of muffin used yeast for rising and was cooked on a griddle. Later on in the 18th century, Americans improved on the recipe for muffins and made it into what we know today as quick bread muffins, prepared in personal moulds. However, this style of muffin was possible when pearlash was discovered where Pearlash, or potash, as it is commonly known, was eventually replaced when baking soda became mainstream.
Did you know that American-style muffins need moulds for baking because the batter is used to create them instead of dough? However, the shape and size are similar to a cupcake, and recipes for oatmeal muffins have been published in American cookbooks from the mid-1800s onwards.
Do you know Amelia Simmons, she is the author of the first-ever American cookbook called “American Cookery”, and she used pearlash in her recipes. Where pearlash’s rise to popularity was that over eight thousand tons were exported to Europe in 1792. It wasn’t until 1857 that baking powder became commercially available as it still exists as baking powder or baking soda.
However, the oatmeal muffin is loved by many people as it is packed with rich flavour and has a lot of health benefits. Where they have become even more delightful with fruits like blueberries, raisins, and bananas.
| 1602 (Oats are Introduced) | Oats and other grains are first brought to North America. |
| 1800s (The American Way) | Americans alter the recipe for muffins and create quick bread muffins. |
| 1896 (History in the Baking) | One of the earliest recipes for oatmeal muffins appears in the “Boston Cooking School Cookbook”. |
| 1901 (The Quaker Oats Company is Founded) | American businessman Henry Parsons Crowell establishes the Quaker Oats Company. |
Classic Oatmeal Muffins Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or whole wheat flour for a healthier option)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup milk (any type, including plant-based)
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter for a richer flavour)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: 1/2 cup add-ins like raisins, nuts, or chocolate chips
How to make:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it.
- In a large bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Mix well.
- In another bowl, whisk together the milk, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined. If you’re using add-ins like raisins or nuts, fold them in gently.
- Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre of a muffin comes out clean.
- Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
