It’s important to add more fiber into your diet, and this is a great and delicious way to do it. Fiber helps to scrape the arteries of bad cholesterol and oats have been clinically proven to lower cholesterol. I

These muffins are great for snacking, taste really good (especially out of the oven), and are loaded with fiber and whole oats.  I also tried to keep sugars low by using only 1/4 cup of brown sugar, adding dates as a natural sweetener, and using sugar free maple syrup. I have also made these without the sugar, and they are equally good, but more crumbly.

Have a few for breakfast with some Greek yogurt and blueberries for a healthy and nutritious start to your busy day!

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Soak dates in hot water for 15 minutes.

In the meantime, in a high-speed blender, combine cereal, 5 tablespoons whole oats, and flaxseed. Pulse until you achieve a fine powder-like consistency. Add to a bowl and add the baking soda and cinnamon, and whisk together the dry ingredients. Set aside.

Drain the dates and add to the bowl of the stand mixer and mix to break up the dates on medium-high speed. Add the applesauce, maple syrup, brown sugar, egg (premix), and olive oil and mix on medium-high speed until creamy and smooth. Use a spatula to scrape down the sides and bottom of bowl to fully combine ingredients. You may still see a few chunks of dates, which is fine. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix for 2 minutes on medium-high speed until well combined.

Spray the muffin tin with non-stick spray. Form a ball with the batter (which should hold together really well), about the size of a golf ball, and place inside muffin tin.

Bake for 21-22 minutes until firm to touch. Great with cream cheese or a drizzle of honey.