There’s something utterly delightful about strawberry muffins. They’re fruity, lightly sweetened, and a perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you're whipping up a quick breakfast, a snack for a picnic, or a cozy companion to your afternoon coffee, these muffins are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Made with fresh strawberries and simple ingredients, they strike the perfect balance between comfort food and a touch of elegance.Are you ready to fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of baked goodness? Follow this step-by-step recipe to create the fluffiest, most flavorful strawberry muffins you've ever tasted.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make a dozen strawberry muffins:
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil (or melted butter for a richer flavor)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup (180ml) buttermilk (or regular milk with 1 teaspoon of lemon juice as a substitute)
Add-ins:
- 1 ½ cups (225g) fresh strawberries, diced
Topping (optional but recommended):
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar for sprinkling
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-count muffin tin with paper liners or grease it lightly to ensure easy removal.
2. Prep the Strawberries
Wash and hull your strawberries, then dice them into small, bite-sized pieces. Lightly coat the strawberry pieces with 1 tablespoon of flour to prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the muffins during baking.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this aside.
4. Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, whisk the sugar and egg together until smooth and slightly foamy. Slowly add the vegetable oil and continue whisking. Stir in the vanilla extract and buttermilk until all ingredients are well combined.
5. Form the Batter
Gradually pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently fold them together using a spatula, being careful not to overmix. A few lumps are okay! Overworking the batter can lead to dense muffins. Finally, fold in the diced strawberries.
6. Fill the Muffin Tin
Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups. Each cup should be about ¾ full. For a touch of extra sweetness and a glimmering finish, sprinkle the top of each muffin with a pinch of granulated sugar.
7. Bake to Perfection
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18–22 minutes. Keep an eye on them! The muffins are ready when the tops are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool Down
Once baked, allow the muffins to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This keeps the bottoms from getting soggy and ensures they set perfectly.
Baking Tips for the Best Muffins
- Use fresh strawberries: Frozen berries can release extra moisture and may affect the texture. If you’re using them, toss them in an extra tablespoon of flour.
- Don’t skip the buttermilk: It adds a subtle tanginess and makes the muffins super moist. If you don’t have buttermilk, add a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk and let it sit for 2 minutes.
- Avoid overmixing: Stirring too much develops gluten in the batter, which can make your muffins chewy instead of soft.
Serving Suggestions
Strawberry muffins taste amazing on their own, but here are a couple of ways to serve them up for an extra treat:
- Spread a dollop of cream cheese or whipped cream on top for a dessert-like experience.
- Pair them with a steaming cup of coffee or chilled iced tea.
- Warm them slightly and serve with a pat of butter for a simple yet satisfying snack.
If you’re planning to save some for later, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months and enjoy fresh-tasting muffins whenever you like!
Fresh-baked strawberry muffins bring together the sweetness of ripe berries and the comforting warmth of homemade treats. Once you bite into their soft, fluffy center, you'll know they were worth every minute of effort. Go ahead, give this recipe a try, and watch how quickly they disappear from the plate. Happy baking!
إرسال تعليق