Delicious Jelly Muffins Recipe for Sweet Breakfast

Introduction

Jelly Muffins stand as a testament to the delightful simplicity of baking combined with the burst of fruity sweetness that only jelly can provide. These muffins are a perfect choice for a quick breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a sweet addition to any brunch spread. Their soft, fluffy texture pairs beautifully with the luscious, flavorful jelly nestled inside, creating a harmonious blend of moist crumb and fruity surprise with every bite. At Love With Recipes, we are passionate about sharing recipes that elevate everyday ingredients into memorable culinary experiences. This Jelly Muffins recipe, inspired by the rich, homemade raspberry jelly from Smoke Alarm Jr., exemplifies that ethos by turning humble ingredients into a delightful treat that can be customized with your favorite jelly varieties.

Time

• Preparation Time: 5 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Needed Equipment

• Mixing bowls (small and medium)
• Sifter or fine mesh sieve
• Whisk
• Muffin pan (standard size)
• Paper muffin liners or non-stick spray for greasing
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cooling rack
• Toothpick or cake tester

Tags

Quick Breads, Muffins, Breakfast, Snack, Dessert, Fruit, Homemade, Easy, Baked Goods, Kid-Friendly

Serving Size

Yield: approximately 12 muffins

Difficulty Level

Easy

Allergen Information

• Contains gluten (wheat) from all-purpose flour
• Contains eggs
• Contains dairy (milk and butter)

Dietary Preference

Vegetarian; can be adapted for vegan diets by substituting plant-based milk, vegan butter, and jelly.

Course

Breakfast, Snack, Dessert

Cuisine

American

Ingredients

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing Dry Ingredients

Begin by gathering a small sifter or fine mesh sieve and a medium mixing bowl. Place the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, and ground cinnamon into the sifter. Gently sift these dry ingredients together to ensure they are evenly combined and aerated. Sifting not only blends the dry components but also introduces air into the mixture, which contributes to the muffins’ fluffy texture. Once sifted, set the mixture aside for a moment to prepare the wet ingredients.

Step 2: Preparing Wet Ingredients

In a separate medium-sized bowl, crack the large egg. Use a whisk to beat the egg until it becomes uniform in color and slightly frothy—this helps incorporate air, which will assist in leavening the muffins. Next, measure out one cup of milk and pour it into the bowl with the egg. Add the quarter cup of melted butter, ensuring that it has cooled slightly after melting to prevent curdling the egg. Whisk all three ingredients together until the mixture is smooth, homogenous, and slightly frothy; this blending process ensures the wet ingredients are fully integrated, creating a uniform batter later on.

Step 3: Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients

Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients mixture. Pour the wet ingredients into this well all at once. Using a gentle folding motion with a spatula or a wooden spoon, stir the mixture just until the dry ingredients are moistened. Be cautious not to overmix; overworking the batter can develop gluten in the flour, resulting in dense muffins. The batter will be slightly lumpy, which is ideal for fluffy baked goods. The key is to combine just enough to integrate everything without creating a smooth, overly processed mixture.

Step 4: Preparing the Muffin Pan

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) at this stage to ensure it reaches the optimal temperature for baking. While the oven preheats, prepare the muffin pan. Use paper muffin liners for easy removal and cleanup, or lightly grease the pan with non-stick spray or butter. This step is crucial to prevent sticking and to maintain the muffins’ shape. Fill each muffin cup approximately halfway with the batter, which allows room for expansion during baking.

Step 5: Filling Muffins with Jelly

This is the core of the recipe and what makes Jelly Muffins uniquely delightful. Take a small spoon or a piping bag fitted with a small round tip and create a small well or indentation in the center of each muffin’s batter. Carefully place about 1 teaspoon of your chosen jelly into this well. It is essential to distribute the jelly evenly to ensure each muffin has a generous burst of flavor. Once the jelly is added, gently spoon more batter over the jelly, covering it completely. This sealing step ensures the jelly remains inside during baking and surprises the eater with its fruity burst.

Step 6: Baking the Muffins

Place the muffin pan into the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 25 minutes, or until the muffins turn a golden brown on top. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center of a muffin; if it comes out clean, the muffins are ready. The baking process activates the leavening agents, causing the muffins to rise and develop their characteristic fluffy crumb. The heat also melts the jelly inside, creating a gooey, flavorful center that complements the soft muffin exterior beautifully.

Step 7: Cooling and Serving

Once baked, remove the muffin pan from the oven and set it on a cooling rack. Allow the muffins to cool for about 5 minutes; this brief cooling period helps the muffins set and makes handling easier. Carefully remove the muffins from the pan, either by lifting them out with a spoon or using a butter knife to loosen the edges. Serve these Jelly Muffins warm for the best flavor and texture, although they are also delicious at room temperature. For an extra touch, dust with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or serve with a dollop of whipped cream.

Preparation Tips

• Use room temperature ingredients: Eggs, milk, and butter should ideally be at room temperature to ensure even mixing and better batter consistency.
• Choose your jelly wisely: Homemade or high-quality store-bought jelly enhances flavor. Raspberry, strawberry, apricot, or blueberry jelly are excellent choices, but feel free to experiment with your favorites.
• Do not overmix: Overworking the batter can result in dense muffins. Mix just until ingredients are combined.
• Fill muffin cups properly: Filling only halfway allows room for rising and prevents overflowing.
• Jelly placement: Placing jelly in the center creates a surprise element; however, for a more uniform flavor, you can swirl the jelly into the batter before baking.

Nutritional Information

Tips and Tricks

• Make your jelly ahead of time: Preparing homemade jelly in advance ensures it is at the right consistency and flavor for filling the muffins.
• Use a piping bag: For precise jelly placement, a piping bag makes it easier to insert the jelly into the muffin centers without disturbing the batter.
• Add a crumb topping: For added texture, sprinkle a mixture of sugar, cinnamon, and butter on top of the muffins before baking.
• Experiment with flavors: Try different jelly flavors or even mix multiple types for a colorful, flavor-rich muffin.

Add-ons

• Powdered sugar dusting
• Fresh berries or fruit slices for garnish
• A dollop of whipped cream or Greek yogurt
• Chocolate chips mixed into the batter for a chocolate-jelly combo

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad
• Yogurt parfaits
• Scrambled eggs or omelets
• Herb-infused butter or honey for drizzling

Improvements

• Replace all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
• Use coconut oil or vegan butter to make vegan-friendly muffins.
• Add chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans) for added crunch.
• Incorporate spices such as nutmeg or cardamom for extra aroma and flavor.

Save and Store

Allow muffins to cool completely before storing. Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. To reheat, warm in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes. For longer storage, freeze individually wrapped muffins and reheat as needed.

FAQ

Can I use other types of jelly?

Absolutely. Feel free to experiment with different flavors like apricot, blueberry, or blackberry jelly. Adjust the quantity based on your preference for filling and flavor intensity.

Can I make these muffins vegan?

Yes. Substitute plant-based milk (such as almond or soy), vegan butter or coconut oil, and use a vegan jelly option. Be sure to check labels to ensure all ingredients are vegan-friendly.

Is it possible to prepare the batter ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and refrigerate the batter for up to 24 hours. Stir gently before filling the muffin cups and proceeding with the jelly filling.

What is the best jelly to use for these muffins?

The best jelly depends on personal preference. Homemade raspberry jelly from Smoke Alarm Jr. is highly recommended for its rich flavor and smooth texture, but strawberry, blueberry, or apricot jellies also work beautifully.

Conclusion

This Jelly Muffins recipe offers a delightful twist on traditional muffins, combining fluffy, tender crumb with the sweet surprise of jelly inside. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or a sweet finish to any meal, these muffins are versatile, quick to prepare, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re baking for kids or craving a special treat yourself, these muffins are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Remember, at Love With Recipes, we believe that the best dishes are the ones that bring joy and comfort, and these Jelly Muffins certainly do just that. Experiment with flavors, fillings, and toppings to make them uniquely yours, and enjoy every delicious bite!

References

• Homemade Jelly Recipe from Smoke Alarm Jr.: https://www.smokealarmjr.com/homemade-jelly
• Basic Muffin Baking Techniques from The Joy of Baking: https://joyofbaking.com