Introduction
Delve into the world of hearty muffins with a delightful recipe featuring a blend of wholesome ingredients. These muffins are perfect for breakfast or a snack, packed with nutrients and customizable to suit your taste. Whether you opt for fresh fruit, dried fruits, or even chocolate chips, the choice is yours. Let’s explore the ingredients that make this recipe a must-try.
Detailed Ingredients with Measures
Wet Ingredients:
1/3 cup virgin or unrefined coconut oil (or other oil)
1 large egg, at room temperature (~55g/2oz)
2/3 cup full-fat milk, at room temperature (low-fat and non-dairy alternatives are acceptable)
1/3 cup plain, unsweetened yogurt
1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients:
1 1/4 cups wheat germ (or 1 1/4 cups wheat bran)
1 1/2 cups wholemeal flour (or plain flour)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda, sifted if lumpy (or 3 teaspoons extra baking powder)
Add-ins (Choose One):
250g (8 oz) raspberries, with 18 set aside and halved for topping if desired
2 cups diced fresh fruit (avoid overly juicy fruits like oranges or peaches)
1 1/4 cups dried fruit, nuts, chocolate chips, etc.
Prep Time
Preparation time for this muffin recipe is approximately 15 minutes, allowing for a quick and easy start to your baking process.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cooking time is around 25 minutes, bringing the total time to about 40 minutes. This recipe yields 12 standard-sized muffins, perfect for sharing or enjoying throughout the week.
These muffins, with their inviting aroma and delicious taste, are perfect for starting your day off right or enjoying as a delightful treat anytime. Enjoy your baking journey and the delightful results!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Preheat Oven
Set your oven to 190°C (375°F) or 170°C (fan). Line a 12-hole standard muffin tin with paper cases or spray generously with oil.
Prepare Wet Ingredients
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the coconut oil for approximately 45 seconds on high. Once melted, add the room-temperature egg, milk, yogurt, honey, and vanilla extract. Whisk the mixture until it is smooth and well combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients
Sprinkle the wheat germ, wholemeal flour, salt, cinnamon, baking powder, and baking soda over the wet mixture. Gently mix just until the ingredients are combined, making sure to avoid overmixing, which can lead to tough muffins.
Add Mix-ins
Carefully fold in the raspberries or your selected add-ins with a spatula, ensuring even distribution without breaking up the fruit.
Fill Muffin Tin
Divide the batter equally among the 12 muffin holes in your prepared tin. If you reserved halved raspberries for decoration, place them on top of the batter in each muffin hole.
Bake
Bake the muffins in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes or until their tops are golden brown and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool
After baking, let the muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Coconut Oil
Using virgin or unrefined coconut oil will add a subtle coconut flavor to the muffins. If you prefer not to have this flavor, refined coconut oil can also be used. Other oils may be substituted, but they may alter the taste.
Wheat Germ vs. Wheat Bran
Wheat germ provides a pleasant nutty flavor, whereas wheat bran has a deeper earthy taste. Both options offer similar nutritional benefits.
Flour Options
Wholemeal flour enhances the muffins’ flavor and texture. If you opt for plain flour, consider increasing the amounts of vanilla and cinnamon for extra flavor.
Leavening Agents
Using both baking powder and baking soda together gives the best rise and texture to your muffins. If you need to substitute, use a total of 4 teaspoons of baking powder.
Storage
The muffins will stay fresh for 4 to 5 days when stored in an airtight container. In warmer climates, refrigeration is recommended. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.
Cook Techniques
Melting Coconut Oil
Melt coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl for about 45 seconds on high. This step makes it easier to combine with other wet ingredients.
Whisking Wet Ingredients
Combining the egg, milk, yogurt, honey, and vanilla extract with the melted oil ensures a smooth mixture, crucial for even muffin texture.
Mixing Dry Ingredients
Sprinkle the dry ingredients over the wet mixture and mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough muffins.
Folding in Add-ins
Gently fold in your chosen mix-ins like raspberries or nuts. This technique helps maintain the integrity of the fruits and prevents them from breaking apart.
Filling Muffin Tin
Divide the batter evenly among muffin holes for uniform baking. This ensures that all muffins rise and bake evenly.
Baking Tips
Bake muffins in a preheated oven to achieve a golden brown top and a well-risen texture. Checking with a skewer ensures they are baked through.
Cooling Procedure
Allow muffins to cool in the tin briefly before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set properly and prevents sogginess.
FAQ
Can I use other oils instead of coconut oil?
Yes, other oils can be used, but they may alter the flavor slightly compared to virgin or unrefined coconut oil.
What is the difference between wheat germ and wheat bran?
Wheat germ has a nutty flavor and contains more vitamins, while wheat bran has an earthier taste and a higher fiber content.
Can I substitute wholemeal flour with plain flour?
Yes, plain flour can be used, but consider enhancing the flavor by increasing vanilla and cinnamon.
What happens if I use only baking powder?
While you can use just baking powder, combining it with baking soda gives better rise and texture to the muffins.
How should I store the muffins?
Store muffins in an airtight container for 4 to 5 days. Refrigeration is advised in warm climates, and they can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
These muffins are a delightful blend of nutritious ingredients, creating a wholesome treat perfect for breakfast or snacks. With the combination of the moist wet ingredients and the hearty dry mix, they offer a satisfying texture and taste. The versatility of add-ins allows for personal customization, making these muffins suitable for any palate. Enjoy them fresh or store them for a quick bite on the go!
Fruit and Nut Medley Muffins
Combine dried fruits like cranberries, apricots, and a mix of nuts for a wholesome energy boost.
Chocolate Chip Raspberry Muffins
Mix in chocolate chips along with fresh raspberries for a deliciously sweet twist.
Banana Walnut Muffins
Substitute some of the yogurt for mashed bananas and add chopped walnuts for added flavor and crunch.
Spicy Apple Cinnamon Muffins
Incorporate diced apples and adjust the spices by adding nutmeg or allspice for a warm, cozy flavor.
Berry Bliss Muffins
Use a variety of berries like blueberries, blackberries, and strawberries for a colorful and fruity option.
Coconut Almond Muffins
Add shredded coconut and slivered almonds to enhance the tropical flavor profile.
Peanut Butter and Banana Muffins
Incorporate creamy peanut butter and banana for a rich, satisfying muffin that’s perfect for a quick breakfast.
