Vanilla Cardamom Walnut Muffins

Soft & fluffy vanilla cardamom walnut muffins! They’re simple to make, filled with whole grains and naturally sweetened. Warm, cozy & healthy, they’re fantastic enjoyed with a cup of hot coffee or tea. Dairy free.

Six Vanilla Cardamom Walnut Muffins in a muffin tin with a cup of coffee to the side.

When you bite into a soft & fluffy muffin and it feels like a big giant cozy hug?

Yup, that’s exactly what we have here today with these vanilla cardamom walnut muffins.

Because gosh darn it cardamom is just so so cozy! Which means that it is most excellent for winter weather baking!

They’re made with my go-to whole grain base that is packed with better-for-you ingredients, like white whole wheat flour, oat bran and plenty of raw walnuts.

They’re naturally sweetened with honey and maple syrup, and are light, fluffy and oh-so-moist. And of course filled with plenty of sweet vanilla and spicy warm cardamom.

These muffins were inspired by a vanilla cardamom donut that I tried at a local bakery. Except here’s the thing – I kinda sorta don’t really like donuts. I know, I know. But they’re just not my thing.

However … quick and easy 30 minute muffins? Absolutely my thing. And hopefully yours too.

A side angle view of Vanilla Cardamom Walnut Muffins in a muffin tin with a cup of coffee in the background.

Tips & Tricks For These Vanilla Cardamom Walnut Muffins

  1. Yes, there are a lot of raw walnuts packed into these muffins (2 cups to be exact!). But it is SO good this way. Plenty of crunch in each bite. You could probably cut back the amount to 1 cup if you really wanted to, but please don’t. You’ll miss out on so much goodness!
  2. Let’s talk about the cardamom. As written, the flavor is definitely there but not in an overwhelming sort of way. However, if you want it even more in the background, you could certainly decrease the amount. Please note that I would NOT suggest adding extra cardamom, as it is a strong spice and can quickly overpower.
  3. Be sure to scoop your flours into the measuring cup with a spoon and then level off. Don’t dunk the cup directly into the bag as you’ll likely use too much.

How To Store

Counter: After the muffins have cooled completely, place a layer of paper towels in the bottom of a container. Layer in the muffins, then cover and keep at room temp for about two to three days.

Freezer: Alternatively, these muffins freeze beautifully. Once completely cool, place in a single layer in a freezer-safe plastic baggie or container and pop in the freezer. Then just thaw and warm up before enjoying.

A Vanilla Cardamom Walnut Muffin with a bite taken out and coffee plus additional muffins in the background.

Additional Muffin Recipes You Might Enjoy!

Did you make this recipe? Rate and review it down below! I’d love to hear from you.

Soft & fluffy vanilla cardamom walnut muffins! Crazy simple to make, made with whole grains and naturally sweetened!

Vanilla Cardamom Walnut Muffins

Yield: about 14 muffins
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Soft & fluffy vanilla cardamom walnut muffins! They’re simple to make, filled with whole grains and naturally sweetened. Warm, cozy & healthy, they’re fantastic enjoyed with a cup of hot coffee or tea. Dairy free.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup white whole wheat flour
  • ¼ cup oat bran
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
  • 1 large egg
  • ⅓ cup melted coconut oil, cooled slightly*
  • ⅔ cup unsweetened plain almond milk (or milk of choice)
  • ¼ cup honey
  • ¼ cup pure maple syrup
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 cups chopped raw walnuts, plus extra for sprinkling on top

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375ºF. Line a muffin pan with liners and set aside.
  2. Whisk together the white whole wheat flour, oat bran, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt and cardamom in a large bowl. In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg, coconut oil, milk, honey, maple syrup and vanilla extract.
  3. Add to the bowl with the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Gently fold in the walnuts.
  4. Divide the batter evenly in the prepared muffin tins, filling each about ⅔ to ¾ of the way full. Sprinkle the tops with additional chopped walnuts, if desired.
  5. Bake for about 14 to 17 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean. 
  6. Let cool for about 5 minutes, then remove the muffins to a wire rack. Let cool completely or enjoy warm!

Notes

*Be sure to melt the coconut oil first and then measure out the correct amount.

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 14 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 237Total Fat: 16gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 14mgSodium: 175mgCarbohydrates: 22gFiber: 2gSugar: 9gProtein: 5g

Nutrition data shown is an estimate provided by an online calculator and is for informational purposes only. It should not be considered a substitute for a medical professional’s advice.