Simple Spinach Oatmeal Muffins (no added sugar, protein packed)

These simple spinach oatmeal muffins are the kind of win parents dream about: packed with greens + nutrients in a muffin form toddlers actually want to eat (at least we hope right?!). They're soft, nourishing, and made with oats, yogurt, and spinach. Whether you're easing into green foods or looking for a freezer stash winner, this one-bowl blender recipe has your back!

Why You & Your Toddler Will Love These Spinach Oatmeal Muffins

• freezer-friendly and perfect for batch prep
• veggie-loaded and picky-eater friendly
• no refined sugar and can actually be made without any added sugar for babies
• blender muffins means a super fast clean-up (aka more mom play time)
• great way to introduce green foods without pressure

If you enjoy these, you'll also like my other version spinach protein muffins that use cottage cheese instead of yogurt. Since you may have leftover spinach, these spinach waffles would be a great breakfast to prep alongside the muffins!

Jump to:

• Why You & Your Toddler Will Love These Spinach Oatmeal Muffins
• Ingredients You'll Need
• How To Make Your Simple Spinach Oatmeal Muffins
• Hint
• Substitutions
• Variations
• How To Serve These Spinach Oatmeal Muffins
• Equipment
• Storing Your Spinach Oatmeal Muffins
• Tiff's Dietitian Tip
• FAQ
• Related
• Pairing
• Simple Spinach Oatmeal Muffins

Ingredients You'll Need

Here's what you'll need to make these simple spinach oatmeal muffins for toddlers:

Here's what you'll need to make these Simple Spinach Oatmeal Muffins:

• rolled oats – acts as the flour substitute and adds fiber to keep little bellies full
• Greek yogurt (or banana)– adds a boost of protein and makes the muffins soft and moist
• spinach – a gentle way to add greens; the flavor blends right in!
• eggs – helps bind the muffins and adds healthy fats and protein
• maple syrup or honey (optional) – optional for toddlers over 2 for sweetness
• vanilla extract – enhances the overall flavor and gives a comforting, familiar taste
• cinnamon – adds cozy flavor that complements the greens and banana
• baking powder & baking soda – helps the muffins rise and stay fluffy
• salt (optional) – balances the flavors and enhances the natural sweetness
• olive or avocado oil – helps with softness and adds satiation
• chia seeds or Tiny Sprouts Organic Brain Booster (optional) – adds healthy fats, fiber, and a nutrition boost

See recipe card for quantities.

How To Make Your Simple Spinach Oatmeal Muffins

Substitutions

These simple spinach oatmeal muffins are naturally gluten-free (if using GF oats) and nut-free, here are some other substitutions you can use:

• rolled oats → sub with quick oats or store-bought oat flour; if using wheat flour, reduce to 1½ cups
• Greek yogurt → sub with plain cottage cheese, unsweetened applesauce, mashed banana, or dairy-free yogurt
  • you can even do half and half! 1 ripe banana + ½ cup of yogurt
• spinach → sub with shredded zucchini or finely grated carrots for a different veggie
• eggs → sub with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flax + 3 tablespoon water per egg), or use mashed banana or extra yogurt for added moisture (results may vary)
• maple syrup or honey → omit entirely for under age 2, or replace with mashed banana or a splash of date syrup
• cinnamon → swap with pumpkin pie spice or leave out for a milder taste
• olive or avocado oil → sub with melted butter, ghee, or neutral coconut oil

Variations

Want to switch things up or add a little fun? Here are some fun ways to customize these simple spinach oatmeal muffins:

• banana version: use banana instead of yogurt for a sweeter, fruitier flavor
• add mix-ins: stir in mini chocolate chips, raisins, or hemp seeds before baking
• dairy-free: use coconut or almond-based yogurt in place of Greek yogurt
• zucchini muffins: sub the spinach with finely shredded zucchini
• savory style: skip the sweetener and cinnamon, and add shredded cheese and chives for a savory toddler muffin
• apple cinnamon: swap spinach for applesauce and increase cinnamon for a cozy fall version

Equipment

You will need a high speed blender (here's a stainless steel blending container if you've been searching for one), measuring cups, and a muffin pan to make these simple spinach oatmeal muffins.

Storing Your Spinach Oatmeal Muffins

Fridge: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. They’re great cold or slightly warmed!

Freezer: Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag or container. Store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat straight from frozen.

To reheat: Microwave for 10–20 seconds or warm in a toaster oven for a few minutes until heated through.

FAQ

Related

Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:

Pairing

These are my favorite dishes to serve with these simple spinach oatmeal muffins: