Delicious & Healthy Whole Wheat Blueberry Scones: Your New Favorite Breakfast Treat
Whole Wheat Blueberry Scones – delicious scones made healthier and bursting with fresh blueberries!
There’s something truly special about a Friday, especially when it ushers in an extra day off, promising a delightful three-day weekend. The mere thought of an extended break often fills us with anticipation for relaxation, adventure, or simply catching up on life’s little pleasures. However, life, as it often does, throws delightful curveballs. For me, this particular long weekend was dedicated to the thrilling, albeit exhausting, process of moving! While moving can certainly be a pain, the excitement of settling into a larger, more charming home in a wonderful neighborhood with excellent schools made every box packed and every piece of furniture moved worth it. It’s moments like these, amidst the chaos and anticipation, that call for simple, comforting, and utterly delicious treats to fuel the journey.
And what better way to find comfort and joy during such a busy time than with a batch of freshly baked scones? Especially when they are these incredible Whole Wheat Blueberry Scones! Unlike the arduous task of packing up an entire house, whipping up a batch of these takes only a few short minutes and requires just one mixing bowl. They are a true testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something extraordinary. Beyond their ease of preparation, what makes these scones truly stand out is their healthier profile. We’ve taken a classic favorite and given it a nourishing twist without sacrificing any of the amazing flavor you crave. Each bite is a delightful fusion of wholesome goodness and juicy, sweet blueberries.
A Culinary Challenge: The Mystery Dish
This recipe came to life as part of an exciting culinary adventure known as the “Mystery Dish” challenge. This month’s edition was expertly hosted by my dear friend, Andi from The Weary Chef. Andi is not only an incredible cook but also a fantastic friend; we often text daily, sharing ideas and encouragement. If you haven’t had the pleasure of exploring her blog, I highly recommend you head over there as soon as you can. For the Mystery Dish, Andi curated a diverse list of ingredients, challenging us to get creative and craft something unique. The chosen ingredients for this round were:
pistachios
wine
mint
gluten-free flour (coconut, rice, almond, etc.)
red pepper flakes
fish
agave nectar
applesauce
blueberries
parmesan cheese
milk
corn
The Inspiration: From Cake to Scones
Among the tempting list, three ingredients immediately caught my eye and sparked inspiration: blueberries, applesauce, and milk. My initial thought was to bake a comforting blueberry breakfast cake, but as often happens in the kitchen, a last-minute creative spark led me in a different direction. Scones! This decision was heavily influenced by childhood memories of a beloved bread shop near my hometown, renowned for its absolutely divine scones. Those scones were always a special treat, offering a perfect balance of tenderness and flavor.
In my mind, scones always felt like a more wholesome choice compared to, say, a donut, yet they deliver just as much delicious satisfaction. Especially when crowned with a sweet, delicate icing drizzle, much like these blueberry beauties. The allure of a warm, tender scone, fresh from the oven, is simply irresistible. This recipe aims to capture that classic scone charm while elevating it with ingredients that boost its nutritional value, making it a guilt-free pleasure for any time of day, particularly breakfast or brunch.
Crafting Healthier Indulgence: Key Substitutions
To achieve that “healthier” distinction, I made some mindful substitutions that truly make a difference. Instead of traditional all-purpose flour, I opted for white whole wheat flour. This choice maintains a light texture while adding the nutritional benefits of whole grains, including more fiber and essential nutrients. White whole wheat flour is a fantastic option for baking as it behaves similarly to all-purpose flour but offers a heartier profile without being overly dense.
Next, I reduced the amount of butter, a common ingredient in many scone recipes, and ingeniously replaced a portion of it with unsweetened applesauce. Applesauce not only adds moisture but also a subtle natural sweetness, allowing us to cut back on added sugars. For the sweetener itself, I turned to Truvia Baking Blend. Truvia has become my go-to in almost all my baking endeavors, providing a natural, calorie-free sweetness that performs beautifully in recipes. These clever swaps resulted in scones that are wonderfully moist, flavorful, and received a resounding two thumbs up from my family, proving that healthy can indeed be incredibly tasty!
These Whole Wheat Blueberry Scones are not just a treat for your taste buds but also a smart choice for your well-being. They provide a delightful way to incorporate more whole grains and fruit into your diet, all while enjoying a classic pastry. Whether you’re making them for a special breakfast, a weekend brunch, or simply to brighten a busy weekday, they are sure to become a cherished recipe in your kitchen.
Tips for Scone Perfection
Achieving the perfect scone is easier than you might think with a few simple techniques:
- Keep Ingredients Cold: Cold butter is crucial for flaky scones. It creates pockets of steam in the oven, leading to a tender, airy texture.
- Don’t Overmix: Overworking the dough develops the gluten, resulting in tough scones. Mix just until combined, even if there are a few lumps.
- Handle Gently: When shaping the dough, use a light touch. The less you handle it, the more tender your scones will be.
- Even Thickness: Ensure your dough discs are of even thickness for uniform baking.
- Fresh or Frozen Blueberries: If using frozen blueberries, do not thaw them. Toss them directly into the mixture to prevent them from bleeding too much into the dough.
- Baking Powder & Soda: The combination of baking powder and baking soda, activated by the buttermilk, provides the perfect lift for these scones.
- Lemon Juice Zest: The drizzle of lemon juice before baking not only adds a touch of brightness but also helps the Truvia topping caramelize slightly for a lovely golden crust.
Serving Suggestions & Variations
These scones are fantastic on their own, especially with the powdered sugar drizzle, but here are some ideas to elevate your scone experience:
- Classic Tea Time: Serve warm with a cup of your favorite tea or coffee.
- With Jam or Cream: A dollop of clotted cream, lemon curd, or your favorite berry jam takes them to another level.
- Seasonal Berries: Feel free to swap blueberries for other berries like raspberries, blackberries, or a mix. Adjust sweetness if using tart berries.
- Citrus Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the dry ingredients for an extra layer of flavor.
- Nutty Addition: A handful of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts can add a delightful crunch.
Scroll down now for the full recipe for these awesome scones, and if you’re feeling lucky, there might even be a chance to win a couple of fantastic cookbooks from past Masterchef winners. Good luck and happy baking!
Whole Wheat Blueberry Scones
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Ingredients
- 3 1/4 c. white whole wheat flour
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 2 tsp. baking powder
- 1/2 tsp. baking soda
- 4 Tbsp. unsalted butter cold
- 1/2 c. unsweetened applesauce
- 3/4 c. buttermilk
- 1 Tbsp. Truvia Baking Blend
- 1 beaten egg
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1/2 – 1 tsp. fresh lemon juice
- 1 Tbsp. Truvia Baking Blend
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 Tbsp. milk
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 425º F. Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper, or spray with cooking spray.
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In a mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, baking powder and baking soda with butter, using your hands to break up the butter and lightly combine. Will be chunky.
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Make a well in the middle of the flour mixture and pour in applesauce, buttermilk, Truvia, and beaten egg. Lightly mix together. Before mixture is completely combined, add in blueberries and lightly fold. Dough should be fairly stiff and not sticky. If it’s sticky, add a bit more flour.
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Split dough in half and make into two round 6″ discs. Place on prepared pan and flatten a bit with your fingertips.
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Drizzle tops with lemon juice, then sprinkle with the other 1 Tbsp. Truvia.
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Cut into 8 slices each circle, for a total of 16 OR 4 slices each circle, for a total of 8 scones. Bake for 18-20 mins or until tops are golden brown.
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Let cool a bit and then mix together powdered sugar and milk and drizzle over the tops of each scone. Serve and enjoy!
Discover More Mystery Dish Creations!
The spirit of the Mystery Dish challenge is all about inspiring creativity and discovering new recipes. Beyond my Whole Wheat Blueberry Scones, my talented Mystery Dish friends whipped up some truly imaginative dishes this month:
- Tuna Tacos with Avocado Corn Salsa by The Weary Chef
- Blueberry Scones by Yummy Healthy Easy
- Parmesan Crusted Tilapia by Culinary Couture
- Minty Berry Fruit Roll Ups by I Want Crazy
- Baked Blueberry Donuts by Chez CateyLou
- Hearty Minestrone Soup by Joyful Healthy Eats
- Blueberry Lemon Pannacotta with Pistachio Tuilles by Flavor the Moments
- Minty Turkey Meatballs with Quinoa by The Pajama Chef
- Blueberry Crumb Coffee Cake by I Dig Pinterest
- Pistachio Drop Scones with Blueberry Compote by The Well Floured Kitchen
- Grilled Corn & Blueberry Flatbread with Whipped Goat Cheese, Pistachios, and Basil Vinaigrette by Baking a Moment
- Pistachio Crusted Tilapia and Peach Salad by Blahnik Baker
If You Loved These Scones, You’ll Adore These Recipes Too:
Looking for more delicious and wholesome breakfast or brunch ideas? These recipes are sure to delight:
Blueberry Pancakes with Fresh Blueberry Syrup
Indulge in fluffy, tender blueberry pancakes drenched in a homemade, vibrant blueberry syrup. A perfect weekend breakfast!
Baked Biscuit Donuts with Strawberry Glaze
Satisfy your donut cravings with these quick and easy baked biscuit donuts, elegantly finished with a luscious strawberry glaze.
Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake
A warm, inviting coffee cake featuring delightful cinnamon swirls throughout, perfect for a cozy morning or an afternoon treat. Made simple with baking mix!