Apricot/Raisin Muffins With Cashew Top

🧁🍇🥜 Apricot/Raisin Muffins With Cashew Top 🧁🍇🥜

History:
Muffins have a long history dating back to ancient times, but the addition of apricots, raisins, and cashew toppings is a modern twist on this classic baked treat. The combination of dried fruits like apricots and raisins, along with the nutty crunch of cashews, creates a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. This specific recipe is a creative variation that’s perfect for a sweet snack or breakfast treat.

Components:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1/2 cup cashews, chopped

Steps to Prepare:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.

2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk the melted butter, eggs, yogurt, and vanilla extract until well combined.

4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.

5. Gently fold in the chopped apricots and raisins into the muffin batter.

6. Divide the batter equally among the muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.

7. Sprinkle the chopped cashews on top of each muffin, pressing them gently into the batter.

8. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.

9. Let the muffins cool in the tin for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

10. Once cooled, your Apricot/Raisin Muffins With Cashew Top are ready to enjoy!

Time Needed:

• Preparation: Approximately 20 minutes
• Baking: 18-20 minutes
• Cooling: Variable, depending on room temperature

Total time for preparing and baking these scrumptious muffins typically ranges from 40 to 45 minutes. Enjoy these delightful treats with a cup of coffee or tea, and don’t forget to share with friends and family! 🧁🍇🥜😊

Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Apricot/Raisin Muffins With Cashew Top:

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, assuming 12 servings):

• Calories: 272
• Total Fat: 11g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 53mg
• Sodium: 299mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 21g
• Protein: 5g

Health Information:

1. Moderate Calories: Each serving provides approximately 272 calories, making it a reasonable choice for a snack or part of a balanced breakfast.

2. Good Source of Healthy Fats: Cashews provide healthy fats, mainly monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which can be beneficial for heart health when consumed in moderation.

3. Protein Content: These muffins contain about 5g of protein per serving, which can help with satiety and muscle repair.

4. Moderate Sugar: While they have 21g of sugar per serving, much of it comes from natural sources like dried fruits. Nevertheless, it’s advisable to consume sugary treats in moderation.

5. Source of Carbohydrates: These muffins are a source of carbohydrates, which can provide energy. The inclusion of apricots and raisins adds natural sugars and fiber to the mix.

6. Dietary Fiber: With approximately 1g of dietary fiber per serving, these muffins contribute a small amount of fiber to your diet.

7. Sodium Content: The sodium content is 299mg per serving. It’s important to be mindful of sodium intake for those with high blood pressure.

8. Balance and Moderation: As with any treat, it’s essential to enjoy these muffins in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

9. Variety and Nutrients: While these muffins contain some nutritious ingredients like dried fruits and nuts, it’s always a good idea to complement your diet with a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains for a well-rounded intake of vitamins and minerals.

10. Homemade vs. Store-Bought: Homemade muffins allow you to control the ingredients and portion size, which can be a healthier choice compared to store-bought muffins, which may contain added preservatives and higher levels of sugar and unhealthy fats.

Remember that the specific nutritional values may vary depending on the ingredients and portion sizes used, so it’s advisable to calculate the precise nutrition facts based on your exact recipe.