Dr. Seuss’ Purple Popcorn Muffins
Celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday with these delightful Dr. Seuss’ Purple Popcorn Muffins, created by Room A5A in honor of Read Across America. This recipe is a fantastic way to bring a touch of whimsy to your kitchen while enjoying a simple, kid-friendly treat that combines the sweetness of grape jam with the fun crunch of popcorn. Perfect for a school event or a family treat, these muffins are both delicious and visually appealing, making them a great addition to any occasion.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 cups milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 cup popped corn (plain or lightly salted)
- ½ cup grape jam
Instructions:
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Prepare the Dry Ingredients: Begin by sifting the flour into a large mixing bowl. Measure and sift the flour along with the baking powder, salt, and sugar. This ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed and helps prevent clumps in your batter.
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Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, eggs, and lemon juice until well combined. The lemon juice adds a subtle tanginess and helps activate the baking powder for a better rise.
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Mix the Batter: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense muffins. Fold in the popped corn, making sure it is evenly distributed throughout the batter.
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Prepare the Muffin Tins: Grease 12 muffin cups or line them with paper liners. Spoon half of the batter into each of the prepared muffin cups, filling them about two-thirds full.
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Add the Jam: Carefully drop a teaspoon of grape jam into the center of each muffin cup. The jam adds a sweet and fruity surprise to each muffin.
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Top with Remaining Batter: Spoon the remaining batter over the jam, covering it completely. This will create a delicious swirl of grape flavor inside each muffin.
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Swirl the Jam: Using a toothpick or a small knife, gently swirl the jam through the top of each muffin to create a marbled effect.
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Bake: Place the muffin tin in a preheated oven set to 435°F (225°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cool and Serve: Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your muffins warm or at room temperature.
Tips:
- Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of jam or add chocolate chips to the batter for extra indulgence.
- Storage: Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 1 month.
These muffins are not just a treat for the taste buds but also a fun way to celebrate a beloved literary figure. With their sweet and fruity jam center and a delightful crunch from the popcorn, they are sure to be a hit at any event!