Sugarless Fruit Nut Muffins
Sugarless Fruit Nut Muffins Recipe - Guilt-Free Sweetness
Introduction
Sugarless Fruit Nut Muffins are a delicious and healthy treat that is perfect for those looking to cut back on their sugar intake. Packed with the natural sweetness of dates, raisins, and prunes, these muffins are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth without the added sugar. The addition of nuts adds a crunchy texture and extra flavor to these muffins, making them a perfect snack or breakfast option.
History
The recipe for Sugarless Fruit Nut Muffins has been around for many years, with variations of the recipe being passed down through generations. Originally created as a healthier alternative to traditional muffins that are loaded with sugar, this recipe has stood the test of time and continues to be a favorite among those looking for a guilt-free treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of chopped dates
- 0.5 cup of raisins
- 0.5 cup of chopped prunes
- 1 cup of water
- 0.5 cup of margarine, cut into pats
- 2 beaten eggs
- 1 tsp of vanilla extract
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp of baking soda
- 0.5 cup of chopped nuts
How to prepare
- In a saucepan, combine dates, raisins, prunes, and water.
- Bring to a boil and boil for 5 minutes.
- Stir in margarine and salt.
- Set aside to cool.
- Add remaining ingredients to the fruit; stir just until dry ingredients are moistened.
- Spoon into greased mini-muffin pans.
- Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 15 minutes (if desired, bake in an 11" x 7" x 2" baking pan for 30 minutes).
- Yield: 32 muffins.
- Diabetic exchanges: one mini-muffin equals 0.5 fruit, 1 fat, 0.5 starch; also 94 calories, 52 mg sodium, 14 mg cholesterol, 12 g carbohydrate, 2 g protein, 4 g fat.
Variations
- Try adding different types of nuts or dried fruits to the batter for a unique flavor combination.
- For a sweeter option, drizzle with honey or maple syrup before serving.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Be sure to chop the dates, raisins, and prunes into small pieces to ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the muffins.
- When boiling the fruit mixture, be sure to stir constantly to prevent burning.
- Allow the fruit mixture to cool before adding the remaining ingredients to prevent the eggs from cooking.
- Do not overmix the batter, as this can result in tough muffins.
- For a variation, try adding different types of nuts or dried fruits to the batter.
Serving Suggestions
These muffins are perfect for breakfast or as a midday snack. Serve with a cup of tea or coffee for a satisfying treat.
Cooking Techniques
Be sure to chop the dates, raisins, and prunes into small pieces for even distribution throughout the muffins.
- Stir the fruit mixture constantly while boiling to prevent burning.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can substitute butter for margarine if desired.
- Feel free to use any type of nuts or dried fruits in this recipe.
Make Ahead Tips
These muffins can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Presentation Ideas
Serve these muffins on a decorative platter with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
These muffins pair well with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a delicious snack.
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 10-15 seconds or until warm.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each mini-muffin contains approximately 94 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each mini-muffin contains approximately 12 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each mini-muffin contains approximately 4 grams of fat.
Proteins
Each mini-muffin contains approximately 2 grams of protein.
Vitamins and minerals
These muffins are a good source of fiber, potassium, and iron.
Alergens
These muffins contain nuts and eggs.
Summary
Overall, these Sugarless Fruit Nut Muffins are a nutritious and delicious treat that is perfect for those looking to cut back on sugar while still enjoying a sweet snack.
Summary
Sugarless Fruit Nut Muffins are a delicious and healthy treat that is perfect for those looking to cut back on sugar. Packed with the natural sweetness of dates, raisins, and prunes, these muffins are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth without the added sugar. Enjoy these muffins for breakfast or as a midday snack for a guilt-free treat.
How did I get this recipe?
The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a joyful one. It all began many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village nestled in the countryside. My curiosity and love for cooking led me to explore different recipes and techniques, and one day I stumbled upon a worn-out cookbook in the attic of our old farmhouse.
As I flipped through the pages, my eyes landed on a recipe for Sugarless Fruit Nut Muffins. The simplicity of the ingredients and the promise of a delicious treat without the guilt of added sugar intrigued me. I knew I had to try it out.
I gathered all the necessary ingredients - whole wheat flour, oats, applesauce, nuts, and dried fruits - and set to work in our cozy little kitchen. The sweet aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg filled the air as I mixed the ingredients together, following the instructions in the cookbook meticulously.
As the muffins baked in the oven, I couldn't contain my excitement. The anticipation of sinking my teeth into a warm, freshly baked muffin was almost unbearable. Finally, the timer dinged, and I carefully took the muffins out of the oven, their tops golden brown and tempting.
I let them cool for a few moments before taking a bite. The first taste was pure bliss - a burst of flavors from the dried fruits and nuts, with a hint of sweetness from the applesauce and spices. The texture was perfect, moist and tender, just the way a muffin should be.
I shared the muffins with my family, and they were delighted by the new recipe I had discovered. From that day on, Sugarless Fruit Nut Muffins became a staple in our household, enjoyed for breakfast, as a snack, or even as a dessert.
As the years went by, I continued to make these muffins, experimenting with different variations and additions. I added flaxseed and chia seeds for extra nutrition, swapped out the dried fruits for fresh ones in season, and sometimes even drizzled a little honey on top for a touch of sweetness.
Each time I made these muffins, the memories of that first discovery flooded back, filling me with a sense of nostalgia and happiness. The recipe had become more than just a list of ingredients and instructions - it was a reminder of my love for cooking, my passion for trying new things, and the joy of sharing delicious food with the ones I loved.
Now, as a grandmother myself, I pass on the recipe for Sugarless Fruit Nut Muffins to my own grandchildren, hoping that they will find the same joy and satisfaction in making and enjoying them as I have. And maybe, just maybe, one day they will stumble upon a worn-out cookbook in the attic and discover a new recipe that will become a cherished tradition in their own family.