πππ° Apple Cranberry Walnut Muffins π§
What is it?
Apple Cranberry Walnut Muffins are a delightful baked treat that combines the flavors of sweet apples, tart cranberries, and crunchy walnuts in a moist and fluffy muffin. These muffins are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack.
History:
The exact origin of Apple Cranberry Walnut Muffins is not well-documented, but muffins, in general, have been enjoyed for centuries. Muffins are believed to have evolved from medieval bread recipes and gained popularity in the United States during the 19th century. The addition of fruits and nuts, such as apples, cranberries, and walnuts, reflects the creativity of modern bakers.
Components:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups diced apples (e.g., Granny Smith)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Steps to Prepare:
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Preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it well.
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In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon.
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In another bowl, beat the eggs, then add the melted butter, buttermilk, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
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Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture and stir until just combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are okay.
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Gently fold in the diced apples, dried cranberries, and chopped walnuts into the batter.
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Spoon the batter into the muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full.
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Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
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Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Preparation Time:
The total time needed to prepare Apple Cranberry Walnut Muffins is approximately 30-40 minutes, including prep and baking time. However, this may vary slightly depending on your experience in the kitchen and the efficiency of your equipment.
Enjoy your homemade Apple Cranberry Walnut Muffins! πππ°π
Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Apple Cranberry Walnut Muffins:
Nutrition Facts (per serving, assuming a standard recipe makes 12 muffins):
- Calories: Approximately 240 kcal
- Total Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 270mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 15g
- Protein: 4g
- Vitamin D: 0%
- Calcium: 6%
- Iron: 8%
- Potassium: 3%
Health Information:
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Moderate Calories: Apple Cranberry Walnut Muffins provide moderate calories, making them a suitable choice for breakfast or a snack when consumed in moderation.
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Healthy Fats: These muffins contain walnuts, which are a source of healthy fats, particularly omega-3 fatty acids, known for their heart-healthy benefits.
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Dietary Fiber: With 2 grams of dietary fiber per serving, these muffins offer a small amount of fiber, which can aid in digestion and help keep you feeling full.
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Protein: Each serving provides about 4 grams of protein, contributing to your daily protein intake.
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Vitamins and Minerals: These muffins contain a small amount of calcium and iron, which are essential minerals for bone health and oxygen transport in the body.
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Added Sugars: Be mindful of the sugar content. While some of the sugars come from natural sources like apples and cranberries, there’s also added sugar in the recipe. Limiting added sugar intake is important for overall health.
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Portion Control: Enjoying these muffins in moderation is key to maintaining a balanced diet. Consider pairing them with a source of protein or some fresh fruit for a more well-rounded meal or snack.
Remember that specific nutritional values may vary based on the exact ingredients and portion sizes used in your recipe. It’s always a good practice to check product labels and adjust portion sizes to meet your dietary needs and preferences.
