Introduction
Indulge in the warm, sweet embrace of homemade peach muffins, perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack. Bursting with fresh peaches and topped with a delightful crumb crust, these muffins are not just easy to make, but they also bring the taste of summer into your kitchen year-round. With a tender texture and a sweet flavor that is balanced by the cinnamon topping, these muffins are sure to please everyone.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
For the Muffins:
– 1½ cups all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– ½ teaspoon salt
– ½ cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– ½ cup buttermilk
– ¼ cup vegetable oil or canola oil
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup fresh peaches, diced into bite-size pieces
For the Crumb Topping:
– ½ cup all-purpose flour
– ½ cup brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
Prep Time
Preparation of the muffins will take about 15 minutes. This includes gathering all your ingredients and preparing your muffin tin.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 18-22 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 40 minutes (including prep and bake)
Yield: Makes about 12 delicious muffins
Enjoy baking these delightful peach muffins, and savor each bite filled with the goodness of summer fruit!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease the cups to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Crumb Topping
In a medium bowl, combine ½ cup all-purpose flour, ½ cup brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Add 4 tablespoons softened butter and mix with a fork or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set this mixture aside.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients for Muffins
In a large bowl, whisk together 1½ cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ cup granulated sugar until well combined.
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat 1 large egg. To this, add ½ cup buttermilk, ¼ cup vegetable oil, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix the wet ingredients together until smoothly blended.
Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix the batter.
Step 6: Fold in Peaches
Gently fold in 1 cup of diced fresh peaches until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 7: Fill Muffin Cups
Divide the muffin batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each cup about ¾ full to allow room for rising.
Step 8: Add Crumb Topping
Sprinkle the prepared crumb topping evenly over each muffin, ensuring they are well covered.
Step 9: Bake Muffins
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes. The muffins are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 10: Cool the Muffins
Once baked, allow the muffins to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Note 1: Muffin Variations
You can substitute fresh peaches with other fruits like blueberries or raspberries for different flavors.
Note 2: Buttermilk Alternative
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by mixing ½ cup milk with 1 teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
Note 3: Storing Muffins
Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate them for longer freshness.
Note 4: Freezing Muffins
Muffins can be frozen; place them in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Cook Techniques
Prepping the Muffin Tin
Line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease the cups to prevent the muffins from sticking after baking.
Making the Crumb Topping
Combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Add softened butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, creating a crumby texture for topping.
Mixing Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and granulated sugar to ensure an even distribution of the leavening agent and flavoring.
Combining Wet Ingredients
Beat the egg, then mix in buttermilk, oil, and vanilla extract. This step adds moisture and flavor to the muffins.
Combining Wet and Dry Mixtures
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Avoid overmixing to ensure light and fluffy muffins.
Folding in Peaches
Gently fold the diced peaches into the batter to maintain their shape and texture, ensuring even distribution throughout the muffins.
Portioning the Batter
Divide the batter among the muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full for optimal rising and baking without overflow.
Adding the Crumb Topping
Sprinkle the prepared crumb topping evenly over the muffin batter for added texture and sweetness.
Baking the Muffins
Bake the muffins until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating they are fully cooked through.
Cooling the Muffins
Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack for complete cooling to prevent sogginess.
FAQ
Can I use frozen peaches instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen peaches, but make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the batter.
What can I substitute for buttermilk?
You can substitute buttermilk with a mixture of milk and vinegar or lemon juice (1 cup milk with 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice, let sit for 5 minutes).
How do I know when the muffins are done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the muffins are done.
Can I add other fruits or nuts to the muffins?
Absolutely! You can substitute or add other fruits like blueberries or raspberries, or toss in nuts for added crunch.
How should I store leftover muffins?
Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze them for longer storage.
Can I make these muffins gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend, but be sure to also use a gluten-free baking powder to ensure the muffins rise properly.
Conclusion
The peach muffins with crumb topping are a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of fresh peaches with a crunchy, sugary topping. They make for a wonderful breakfast or snack option, bringing a burst of flavor with every bite. The use of buttermilk adds moisture and richness, ensuring a tender crumb, while the cinnamon in the topping enhances the overall flavor profile. Enjoy these muffins warm, fresh out of the oven, for a comforting experience.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Blueberry Muffins
Substitute diced peaches with fresh blueberries for a classic blueberry muffin experience. Add lemon zest for extra brightness.
Banana Nut Muffins
Mash ripe bananas and fold them into the batter instead of using peaches. Add chopped walnuts for added crunch and flavor.
Apple Cinnamon Muffins
Replace peaches with diced apples and increase the cinnamon in the crumb topping for a cozy apple cinnamon flavor.
Pineapple Coconut Muffins
Add crushed pineapple and shredded coconut in place of the peaches for a tropical twist.
Chocolate Chip Muffins
Mix in semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips along with the peaches for a sweet and decadent muffin option.
Raspberry Almond Muffins
Substitute peaches with fresh raspberries and add a touch of almond extract to the batter for a nutty flavor.
Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins
Add lemon juice and poppy seeds to the batter, leaving out the peaches, for a refreshing and zesty muffin.
