ππ Apple-Icious Autumn Muffins π§
What is it?
Apple-Icious Autumn Muffins are delightful, seasonal treats that capture the essence of fall with a burst of apple flavor and warm spices. These moist and flavorful muffins make for a perfect breakfast or snack during the autumn months.
History:
Muffins, in general, have a long history dating back to ancient times. However, the combination of apples and spices in muffins is a more recent culinary development that gained popularity in the United States during the 19th century. Apples are in abundance during the fall, and this led to the creation of many apple-based recipes, including these delicious muffins.
Components:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups apples, peeled, cored, and chopped (about 2 medium apples)
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
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 to prevent sticking.
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In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Set this dry mixture aside.
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In another large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
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Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
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Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry mixture, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as it can make the muffins tough.
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Gently fold in the chopped apples until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
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Spoon the muffin batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about two-thirds 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 about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Time Needed:
- Preparation Time: Approximately 20 minutes
- Baking Time: 18-20 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 40-45 minutes
Enjoy your delightful ππ Apple-Icious Autumn Muffins, perfect for celebrating the flavors of fall! π§π
Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and health information for Apple-Icious Autumn Muffins (per muffin, assuming a batch makes 12 muffins):
- Calories: Approximately 220 calories
- Total Fat: About 9 grams
- Saturated Fat: Approximately 5 grams
- Trans Fat: Minimal
- Cholesterol: Around 45 milligrams
- Sodium: Roughly 270 milligrams
- Total Carbohydrates: About 33 grams
- Dietary Fiber: Approximately 1.5 grams
- Sugars: About 17 grams
- Protein: Approximately 3 grams
Health Information:
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Moderate Calories: These muffins are moderately calorie-dense, making them a suitable breakfast or snack option when consumed in moderation.
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Healthy Fats: The fat content mainly comes from butter, but it’s not excessively high. You can reduce saturated fat by using a substitute like unsweetened applesauce for some of the butter.
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Moderate Sugar: While these muffins contain sugars from both granulated and brown sugars, it’s at a moderate level for a sweet treat. Reducing sugar slightly is an option for those looking to cut back.
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Fiber: The muffins provide some dietary fiber, thanks to the apples and whole wheat flour if used. Fiber aids in digestion and helps keep you feeling full.
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Protein: While not a significant source of protein, these muffins still provide a small amount, which can be beneficial for energy.
Note: Actual nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes. To make these muffins healthier, consider using whole wheat flour, reducing sugar, or incorporating oats for added fiber.
