Muffins with apples and plum jam
Apple and Plum Jam Muffins – A Fall Delight
Who doesn’t love fragrant, fluffy, and delicious muffins? These apple and plum jam muffins are perfect for celebrating the rich flavors of autumn. Combining the natural sweetness of apples with the unmistakable aroma of plum jam, our recipe is not only simple but also incredibly comforting. Ideal for a special breakfast or a dessert that brings smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Let’s embark on this culinary journey together!
Total preparation time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 12 muffins
Ingredients
For the filling:
- 4 large apples (about 600 g)
- 2 tablespoons of sugar (plus 2 tablespoons for the apples)
- 1 teaspoon of mixed aromatic spices (cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, saffron)
- 2 tablespoons of plum jam (preferably with nuts, but you can also use fresh plums)
For the batter:
- 2 large eggs
- 10 tablespoons of sugar
- 5 tablespoons of olive oil (not extra virgin)
- 2 vanilla yogurts (125 g each)
- 15 heaping tablespoons of flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder dissolved in sparkling water
- Vanilla extract or vanilla essence
Preparing the filling
1. Start by peeling the apples. Wash them well, then remove the cores and cut them in half. Grate them using a grater. Make sure to drain off the excess juice, but not completely; a little juice will add moisture and flavor.
2. In a small pan, add the grated apples, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and the mixed aromatic spices. Place the pan over medium heat and stir constantly.
3. Cook the apples until they become soft, but not completely mushy. This step is essential, as we want a pleasant and slightly crunchy texture.
4. Once the apples are softened, add the plum jam, stirring well to integrate the flavors. Let the filling cool to room temperature.
Preparing the batter
1. In a large bowl, beat the eggs together with the 10 tablespoons of sugar using a mixer. Mix until you achieve a creamy consistency with a deep yellow color.
2. Gradually add the olive oil while continuing to mix. The olive oil not only provides moisture but also a subtle flavor that will enrich the muffins.
3. Remove the mixer and add the vanilla yogurt. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to incorporate the yogurt into the mixture, adding a sweet flavor and a smooth texture.
4. In another bowl, mix the flour with the baking powder dissolved in sparkling water. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, one tablespoon at a time, stirring gently after each addition. This will prevent lumps and ensure a smooth batter.
Assembling the muffins
1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Prepare a muffin tray by greasing each cup with a little melted butter or oil to prevent sticking.
2. In each muffin cup, pour 2 tablespoons of the batter. Then, add a tablespoon of the apple and plum jam filling on top. This layer of filling will add a delightful surprise to each bite.
3. Bake the muffins for 30 minutes or until they turn golden and pass the toothpick test (clean, without sticky batter).
Finishing up
1. After the muffins are baked, let them cool in the tray for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Before serving, you can dust them with powdered sugar for an elegant look and an extra touch of sweetness.
Serving suggestions
These muffins are delicious served warm but also at room temperature. You can pair them with a cup of herbal tea or flavored coffee for a comforting breakfast. Additionally, vanilla ice cream or caramelized figs can be added to transform the dessert into an unforgettable culinary experience.
Possible variations
If you want to personalize your muffins, you can add chopped nuts or raisins to the apple mixture for extra texture. Substitute the plum jam with another favorite jam or even fresh fruit puree for a lighter version.
Nutritional benefits
Apples are rich in fiber and vitamins, helping to maintain digestive health. Yogurt adds protein and probiotics, while olive oil contributes healthy fats. These muffins can be a healthier breakfast or snack option, as long as they are consumed in moderation.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use other fruits instead of apples?
Absolutely! You can try pears, peaches, or even berries. Just be sure to adjust the sugar amount based on the sweetness of the chosen fruits.
2. Can the muffins be frozen?
Yes, the muffins can be frozen! Make sure they are completely cooled before placing them in freezer bags. You can reheat them in the oven to restore their fluffy texture.
3. How can I make the muffins less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe, considering that the apples and plum jam also add sweetness.
These apple and plum jam muffins are truly a delight for the senses and a wonderful way to bring a touch of autumn into every day. So, put on your cooking gloves and enjoy every step of making this delicious dessert!
Ingredients: 2 eggs, 4 apples, 2 large tablespoons of plum jam (mine had mixed nuts), 2 vanilla yogurts, each 125 g, 10 tablespoons of sugar + 2 tablespoons for the apple, 15 heaping tablespoons of flour, 5 tablespoons of regular olive oil (not extra virgin), vanilla or vanilla essence, a mix of aromatic spices: cloves, cinnamon, saffron, nutmeg, a pinch of baking powder dissolved in sparkling water.
