Delicious & Healthy Einkorn Cornbread Muffins: A Wholesome Ancient Grain Recipe
Discover the joy of freshly baked cornbread muffins made with wholesome einkorn flour, almond milk, and natural maple syrup. Say goodbye to processed box mixes and embrace this healthier, homemade alternative that doesn’t compromise on flavor or texture. These muffins are a delightful treat for any meal, offering a cleaner twist on a beloved classic.
My earliest culinary lessons were thanks to my Grandma Margaret. While she wasn’t exactly a gourmet chef, her enthusiasm for having me in the kitchen at just five years old sparked a lifelong love for cooking. From simple ABC soup on the stovetop to baking frozen chicken nuggets, she was the first to let me experiment with ingredients and appliances. It was also Grandma Margaret who introduced me to the convenience of boxed cornbread mix, a staple that holds a special place in my childhood memories, as it likely does for many of you.
For years, this boxed mix was my go-to, especially for holiday stuffing – or “dressing,” depending on where you’re from! My absolute favorite stuffing recipe calls for day-old cornbread, and while the bagged cornbread stuffing mix is often too finely ground for my preference, I’d always opt for the box mix, adding oil, egg, and milk, then cubing the freshly baked cornbread. This method created the perfect texture for a hearty, flavorful stuffing. Do you prefer cornbread, white bread, or another base for your holiday stuffing?
As I continue my journey towards a cleaner, more wholesome diet, I decided this year to create my own cornbread recipe, leveraging the unique qualities of einkorn flour. Despite not considering myself an expert baker, I promise you, this homemade cornbread recipe is incredibly straightforward and foolproof. Anyone, regardless of their baking experience, can master these delicious muffins!
Why Choose Einkorn Flour for Your Cornbread?
Just like spelt flour, einkorn is an ancient grain, tracing its origins back thousands of years. It’s truly a relic from the past, often referred to as the purest form of wheat available today. Unlike modern, commercially processed wheat (both white and whole wheat), which has undergone significant hybridization and processing over centuries, einkorn remains largely unchanged. Its genetic structure is simpler, and it hasn’t been stripped of its valuable nutrients, making it a potentially more digestible option for many.
For individuals who experience sensitivities to modern whole wheat or certain components of gluten, einkorn might be a game-changer. While it does contain gluten, its molecular structure is different from that of modern wheat, which some find easier to digest. It’s important to note that einkorn is not gluten-free and should not be consumed by those with celiac disease. However, if you have a non-celiac gluten sensitivity, you might find einkorn more agreeable. As always, I am not a medical professional, so please conduct your own research and consult with a healthcare provider before making significant dietary changes.
Beyond its potential digestibility benefits, einkorn is also packed with nutrients. It boasts higher levels of protein, phosphorus, zinc, iron, and B vitamins compared to modern wheat. It also contains significant amounts of beneficial carotenoids like beta-carotene and lutein, which are powerful antioxidants. Incorporating einkorn into your baking not only offers a unique flavor profile but also enhances the nutritional value of your meals.
Finding einkorn flour used to be a challenge, but its popularity is growing. Jovial is a prominent brand that offers high-quality einkorn flour. Historically, I could only find it at specialty health food stores like Whole Foods or Earth Fare. Thankfully, it’s becoming more widely available, and I can now source it at my local Publix. Keep an eye out for it in the organic or specialty baking aisles of your grocery store.
Embracing a “Clean” Approach to Cornbread Baking
After completing my last Whole30 program, I’ve made a conscious effort to prioritize whole and clean eating most of the time. However, I believe that the holiday season, or any time for celebration, shouldn’t be a source of stress or guilt over food. The goal isn’t perfection, but mindful enjoyment. Creating a cleaner version of beloved classics like cornbread using einkorn flour allows me – and you! – to indulge in delicious treats without any adverse feelings. It’s about making smarter choices that nourish both body and soul, ensuring that special occasions remain truly enjoyable.
Here are some simple yet impactful ways to “clean up” your homemade cornbread recipe:
- Milk Alternatives: Most traditional cornbread recipes call for cow’s milk. If dairy is part of your diet and preference, feel free to use it. However, the recipe I’ve developed and tested multiple times uses almond milk, and I can confidently say it does not alter the classic cornbread taste. Almond milk provides a subtle richness and ensures the muffins remain moist and tender. For those looking for other dairy-free options, cashew milk or even oat milk would also work beautifully, offering a slightly different nuance in flavor. These swaps are fantastic if you or your holiday guests have dairy sensitivities or allergies.
- Natural Sweeteners: Instead of refined sugar, I opted for two tablespoons of pure maple syrup, and it delivered the perfect touch of sweetness. Maple syrup not only aligns with a cleaner eating philosophy but also imparts a wonderful, nuanced flavor that complements the cornmeal beautifully. It adds moisture and a lovely golden hue to the muffins.
- Healthy Fats: I chose melted ghee over traditional butter for this recipe. Ghee, which is clarified butter, is essentially dairy-free as the milk solids have been removed. It offers a rich, nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste of the cornbread. If you’re not dairy-sensitive, butter works just as well. But for those avoiding dairy, ghee is an excellent, flavorful alternative that doesn’t compromise on texture or taste.
These thoughtful ingredient swaps were initially intended to align with my clean eating goals, but they came with an unexpected, welcome bonus: they make the cornbread dairy-free! This means these wholesome muffins are a fantastic option for guests with dietary restrictions during the holidays, ensuring everyone can enjoy a delicious homemade treat without feeling left out. The best part? There’s absolutely no compromise on taste – just pure, comforting goodness.
I specifically crafted this recipe into cornbread muffins because, in my husband’s family, they serve as the “rolls” at all holiday dinners. Their individual portions make them convenient and perfect for serving. However, if you prefer a classic cornbread loaf, this recipe easily adapts to an 8×8 baking dish, with the cook time remaining essentially the same. These homemade einkorn cornbread muffins are incredibly versatile. They are ideal for preparing savory stuffing, make a wonderful addition to brunch with a drizzle of extra maple syrup, or serve as the perfect wholesome side dish to any meal. Enjoy!
Einkorn Cornbread Muffins (Healthy & Delicious)
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Ingredients
- 1 cup einkorn flour
- 1 cup cornmeal [I used Bob’s Red Mill]
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 egg
- 1 cup almond milk – or cashew milk, cow’s milk, etc
- ⅓ cup melted ghee – or butter
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 425F (220C). Line a muffin pan with paper or silicone muffin liners, or grease an 8×8 inch baking pan for cornbread.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine all dry ingredients: einkorn flour, cornmeal, sea salt, and baking powder. Whisk well to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
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In a separate medium bowl, combine all wet ingredients: maple syrup, egg, almond milk, and melted ghee. Whisk until thoroughly blended.
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Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough muffins. A few lumps are perfectly fine.
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Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups (filling each about two-thirds full) or pour into the prepared 8×8 baking pan. Bake for 17-20 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
In conclusion, these homemade einkorn cornbread muffins are more than just a delicious treat; they’re a testament to how easy and rewarding it can be to bake with wholesome ingredients. By choosing ancient grains like einkorn and making thoughtful swaps for dairy and refined sugars, you can enjoy a classic comfort food that aligns with your healthy lifestyle. Whether you serve them as a side with chili, as part of a festive holiday spread, or simply as a comforting snack with a smear of jam, these muffins are sure to become a new favorite. Happy baking!
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