Choco-Cherry Muffins Recipe
Cook Time: 30 minutes | Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes
Category: Quick Breads
Keywords: Breads, Cherries, Fruit, Kid-Friendly, Brunch, Under 60 Minutes
Description:
Indulge in these decadently rich Choco-Cherry Muffins, which perfectly blend the deep flavors of cocoa, the tanginess of buttermilk, and the sweet-tart punch of cherries. Each bite is a delight that will have you coming back for more. Whether you’re preparing a quick breakfast or a fun treat for the kids, these muffins are sure to become a new favorite. Developed for the RSC 2004 contest, these muffins are easy to make and absolutely irresistible.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Sour cherries | 1 1/2 cups |
| Honey | 3 tablespoons |
| Ground cinnamon | 2 teaspoons |
| All-purpose flour | 1 1/4 cups |
| Brown sugar | 1 3/4 cups |
| Baking powder | 3/4 teaspoon |
| Baking soda | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Ground cinnamon | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Sweet potato | 1 (large) |
| Butter | 1/2 cup |
| Buttermilk | 1 cup |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
Nutritional Information (per muffin):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 285.1 kcal |
| Total Fat | 12.6 g |
| Saturated Fat | 7.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 46.4 mg |
| Sodium | 370 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 39.9 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.9 g |
| Sugars | 21 g |
| Protein | 4 g |
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Cherries
Begin by making the cherry mixture. In a small non-stick skillet, combine the sour cherries, honey, balsamic vinegar, and ground cinnamon. Place the skillet over medium-low heat, allowing the mixture to bubble. Reduce the heat to low and cook for about 5-6 minutes, or until the cherries release some of their juices, and the honey-juice mixture thickens to a caramel-like consistency. Once the cherries are ready, remove them from the heat and set aside. To freeze, evenly distribute the cherry mixture into the sections of an ice cube tray. Freeze for at least two hours before using.
Step 2: Prepare the Sweet Potato Puree
While the cherries are freezing, prepare the sweet potato puree. Peel one large sweet potato and place it in a covered, microwavable container. Microwave the sweet potato on high for 6 minutes. Allow it to cool, then drain any excess water it may have released. Mash the sweet potato with a fork until smooth. Set aside.
Step 3: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line 12 muffin cups with paper liners. For best results, use non-stick muffin cups to ensure easy removal of the muffins once baked.
Step 4: Make the Muffin Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine all the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. In another bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: mashed sweet potato, butter, buttermilk, and vanilla extract. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring with a fork until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. The batter will be quite thick.
Step 5: Fill the Muffin Cups
Spoon the thick muffin batter into the prepared muffin cups. For my muffin pan, the batter came up to the top of each cup, so aim for a full, even distribution. After filling the muffin cups with batter, gently press one of the frozen cherry “ice-cubes” into the top of each muffin, embedding it slightly into the batter.
Step 6: Bake the Muffins
Bake the muffins in the preheated oven for 30-32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. Be sure to check on them toward the end of the baking time to avoid over-baking. The muffins should rise beautifully and have a golden-brown top.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the muffins from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your freshly baked Choco-Cherry Muffins with a hot cup of tea or coffee, or as a delightful treat for breakfast or brunch.
These muffins not only deliver a burst of flavor but also provide a nutritional boost from the sweet potato and cherries. The combination of cocoa, cinnamon, and vanilla creates a perfectly balanced taste that complements the rich texture of the buttermilk batter. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or simply as a treat for the family, these Choco-Cherry Muffins are sure to be a hit!
