Hidden Apple Butter Muffins

Hidden Apple Butter Muffins Recipe - Delicious and Easy to Make

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

Hidden Apple Butter Muffins are a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of apple butter with a tender, crumbly muffin base. These muffins are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack any time of day.

History

The concept of hiding a sweet surprise in the center of a muffin is not a new one, but the combination of apple butter and streusel topping in this recipe gives these muffins a unique twist. Apple butter has been a popular spread in American kitchens for centuries, and its rich, caramelized flavor adds a delicious depth to these muffins.

Ingredients

1.5 cups of all purpose flour
1 cup of light brown sugar
0.5 cup of butter
1 tsp of ground cinnamon
2 tsp of baking powder
2 separated eggs
1 tbsp of apple cider vinegar
1 tsp of baking soda
0.33 cup of milk
0.67 cup of apple butter

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C).
Grease a muffin tin or tins.
In a large bowl, mix together flour, sugar, butter, and cinnamon until it resembles a coarse meal or streusel-like crumb.
Measure out 1 cup of the crumbs and set it aside for the topping.
Stir the baking powder into the remaining mixture.
Beat the egg whites until they form stiff peaks, but still have a glossy texture.
Combine the vinegar and baking soda.
Once the bubbles settle down, stir in the egg yolks and milk.
Pour this liquid mixture and the beaten egg whites over the dry ingredients, and immediately combine the batter with a 15-second stirring and folding.
Do not expect a smooth, thoroughly moistened dough; there will be lumps of flour and slicks of egg white showing.
Quickly spoon the mixture into the muffin tins.
Place a tablespoon of apple butter in the center of each muffin, then divide and sprinkle the reserved streusel crumbs over the top.
Bake for 20 minutes.
Allow the muffins to cool for 5 minutes before turning them out of the tins.

Variations

Try using different flavors of fruit butter, such as pear or pumpkin, for a unique twist on this recipe.
Add chopped nuts or dried fruit to the streusel topping for extra texture and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to beat the egg whites until they form stiff peaks to ensure a light and fluffy texture in the muffins.

- Folding the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients quickly and gently will help prevent overmixing, resulting in a tender crumb.

- Spooning the batter into the muffin tins quickly will help ensure that the apple butter stays hidden in the center of each muffin.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy these muffins warm with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast or snack. They also make a delicious dessert when served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to preheat the oven to the correct temperature before baking the muffins to ensure even cooking.

- Use a light hand when folding the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients to avoid overmixing.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have apple butter, you can use any fruit preserves or jam as a filling for these muffins.

- For a dairy-free option, you can substitute coconut oil for the butter in this recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

These muffins can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for up to 1 month.

Presentation Ideas

Serve these muffins on a decorative platter or cake stand for a beautiful presentation. Dust them with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple glaze for an extra touch of sweetness.

Pairing Recommendations

These Hidden Apple Butter Muffins pair well with a variety of beverages, such as coffee, tea, or apple cider. They also go well with a side of fresh fruit or yogurt for a balanced breakfast.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave for 20-30 seconds or warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-10 minutes.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each Hidden Apple Butter Muffin contains approximately 250 calories, making them a satisfying and indulgent treat.

Carbohydrates

Each muffin contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates, making them a satisfying and energy-boosting snack or breakfast option.

Fats

With about 10 grams of fat per muffin, these Hidden Apple Butter Muffins provide a moderate amount of healthy fats to help keep you feeling full and satisfied.

Proteins

Each muffin contains around 4 grams of protein, making them a balanced snack or breakfast option to help keep you fueled throughout the day.

Vitamins and minerals

These muffins are a good source of iron, providing about 10% of the recommended daily intake per serving. They also contain small amounts of calcium and vitamin C.

Alergens

These muffins contain dairy (butter) and eggs, so they are not suitable for those with dairy or egg allergies.

Summary

Overall, these Hidden Apple Butter Muffins are a delicious and satisfying treat that provides a balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins to keep you energized throughout the day.

Summary

Hidden Apple Butter Muffins are a delicious and unique twist on traditional muffins, with a sweet surprise hidden inside each one. These muffins are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack any time of day, and are sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one that will always be special to me. It was a crisp fall day, the air filled with the scent of apples and cinnamon. I was visiting my dear friend Martha, who lived in a charming little cottage surrounded by apple orchards.

As soon as I stepped inside, I was greeted by the warm aroma of something delicious baking in the oven. Martha smiled and beckoned me into the kitchen, where she was busy preparing a batch of Hidden Apple Butter Muffins. As she worked, she shared with me the story behind this special recipe.

Martha told me that she had learned to make Hidden Apple Butter Muffins from her own grandmother, who had passed down the recipe through generations. The muffins were a family favorite, enjoyed during the fall months when the apples were ripe for picking.

I watched as Martha expertly mixed the ingredients together, her hands moving with a practiced ease. She explained that the secret to these muffins was the hidden pocket of apple butter tucked inside each one, giving them a sweet and tangy surprise with every bite.

As the muffins baked in the oven, Martha and I sat down at her kitchen table and shared stories of our own grandmothers and the recipes they had passed down to us. It was a special moment of connection, a reminder of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories.

When the muffins were finally ready, Martha carefully removed them from the oven and plated them up for us to enjoy. The warm, golden-brown muffins were studded with chunks of tender apple and swirled with rich, spiced apple butter. With the first bite, I knew that I had to learn how to make these muffins for myself.

Martha graciously shared the recipe with me, walking me through each step and offering tips and tricks along the way. I soaked up every detail, eager to recreate the magic of Hidden Apple Butter Muffins in my own kitchen.

The next day, I gathered the necessary ingredients and set to work. I followed Martha's instructions carefully, measuring and mixing with the same precision she had demonstrated. As the muffins baked, the scent of apples and cinnamon filled my kitchen, transporting me back to that special day with Martha.

When the muffins were finally done, I pulled them from the oven and marveled at their golden perfection. I couldn't wait to taste the hidden apple butter filling, the sweet surprise waiting inside each muffin.

I took a bite and closed my eyes, savoring the familiar flavors of apples and cinnamon, the comforting warmth of a well-loved recipe. With each bite, I felt a connection to my own grandmother, to Martha, and to all the women who had come before me, passing down their culinary traditions with love and care.

As I enjoyed the last crumb of my Hidden Apple Butter Muffin, I knew that this recipe would become a treasured part of my own family's culinary heritage. And I was grateful for the special moment that had led me to discover it, a reminder of the power of food to bring us together and create lasting memories.