Barley Muffin Recipe Easy and Healthy Breakfast Idea

Updated On: October 12, 2025

Barley muffins are a delightful twist on the traditional muffin, combining wholesome barley flour with a touch of natural sweetness and hearty texture. These muffins are perfect for breakfast, a midday snack, or even a light dessert.

Barley is a nutritional powerhouse rich in fiber and essential minerals, making these muffins not only delicious but also a smart choice for anyone seeking a healthier baked treat. Plus, their nutty flavor and moist crumb make them incredibly satisfying and versatile.

Whether you’re new to baking with barley or a seasoned pro looking for a new favorite recipe, this barley muffin recipe is easy to follow and yields consistently scrumptious results. You can easily customize these muffins with your favorite add-ins like dried fruits, nuts, or spices to suit your taste.

So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to bake some tasty, wholesome barley muffins that your whole family will love!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This barley muffin recipe offers a perfect balance of nutrition and flavor. Barley flour brings a unique nutty taste that sets these muffins apart from typical wheat-based ones.

They are naturally higher in fiber, which supports digestion and keeps you feeling full longer.

Easy to prepare with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand, these muffins bake up moist and tender with a slightly chewy texture that’s simply irresistible. Plus, they freeze well, making them an excellent make-ahead snack or breakfast option.

Whether you prefer them plain or with sweet or savory additions, these muffins are incredibly adaptable to your culinary creativity.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup barley flour
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (or whole wheat flour for extra fiber)
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
  • 1/2 cup plain yogurt (or plant-based yogurt for vegan option)
  • 1/2 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
  • 2 large eggs (or flax eggs for vegan)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup chopped nuts or dried fruit (optional)

Equipment

  • Muffin tin (12-cup size)
  • Muffin liners or non-stick spray
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk or electric mixer
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Spatula
  • Cooling rack

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with muffin liners or lightly grease with non-stick spray.
  2. Combine dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the barley flour, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using) until well blended.
  3. Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the yogurt, milk, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
  4. Combine wet and dry mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; some lumps are okay.
  5. Add optional mix-ins: Fold in chopped nuts or dried fruit if desired, distributing evenly throughout the batter.
  6. Fill muffin cups: Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 full for perfectly domed muffins.
  7. Bake: Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
  8. Cool: Remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the tin for 5 minutes. Then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
  9. Serve and enjoy! These muffins are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.

Tips & Variations

For a vegan version, substitute flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg) and use plant-based yogurt and milk.

Try adding blueberries, chopped apples, or shredded carrots for extra flavor and nutrition.

If you prefer gluten-free, use a certified gluten-free barley flour blend and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

To add a savory twist, omit the sugar and cinnamon, and mix in herbs like rosemary or thyme along with grated cheese or olives.

For a richer texture, swap half of the oil with melted butter or use coconut oil for a subtle tropical flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount Per Muffin (1 of 12)
Calories 150 kcal
Carbohydrates 22 g
Protein 4 g
Fat 6 g
Fiber 3 g
Sugar 7 g
Sodium 180 mg

Serving Suggestions

Barley muffins are incredibly versatile and pair wonderfully with a variety of toppings and accompaniments. Spread some almond butter or your favorite nut butter on top for a protein-packed snack.

They also taste amazing with a smear of cream cheese or vegan cheese for a savory option.

For breakfast, serve these muffins alongside a fresh fruit salad and a hot beverage like coffee or tea. They also make a great addition to a picnic basket or lunchbox.

Warm them slightly before serving to enhance their soft texture and flavor.

Looking for more wholesome recipes? Check out Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious or explore Backpacking Dehydrated Vegan Meal Recipes for Easy Camping for easy meal prep ideas.

Conclusion

These barley muffins are a delicious and nutritious way to enjoy the benefits of barley in a convenient, tasty form. Their moist texture, subtle nutty flavor, and wholesome ingredients make them a fantastic choice for any time of day.

Whether you’re baking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or looking for a new favorite snack, these muffins will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.

By using barley flour, you’re adding extra fiber and nutrients that support health and wellness without sacrificing flavor. This recipe is incredibly adaptable, so feel free to experiment with different add-ins and flavors to make it your own.

For more unique and healthy recipes, be sure to explore our collection, including the Chinese Vegetarian Nasi Lemak Recipe Made Easy and Delicious for a delightful twist on classic flavors.

Enjoy baking and savor every bite of these wholesome barley muffins!

📖 Recipe Card: Barley Muffin Recipe

Description: A healthy and delicious muffin made with barley flour for a nutty flavor and hearty texture. Perfect for breakfast or a snack.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT25M
Total Time: PT40M

Servings: 8 muffins

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups barley flour
  • 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large bowl, mix barley flour, whole wheat flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract.
  4. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
  5. Fold in chopped walnuts if using.
  6. Spoon batter into a greased muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 full.
  7. Bake for 20-25 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
  8. Let muffins cool for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Nutrition: Calories: 180 kcal | Protein: 4 g | Fat: 7 g | Carbs: 27 g

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Marta K

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