Are you craving a warm, comforting treat that's both easy to make and incredibly delicious? Look no further! These apple and walnut muffins are the perfect answer. Packed with the sweetness of apples and the crunch of walnuts, these muffins are ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful afternoon snack. This recipe is perfect for homemade cooking enthusiasts of all levels, offering a quick dinner alternative or simply a satisfying sweet treat. Get ready to bake up a batch of these irresistible delights!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup milk
- 1 ½ cups peeled and chopped apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease it well. This simple step ensures your muffins bake evenly and release easily.
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Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents for perfectly fluffy muffins.
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Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. A stand mixer or hand mixer will make this step quicker and easier.
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Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; don't overmix. Overmixing can lead to tough muffins.
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Fold in Apples and Walnuts: Gently fold in the chopped apples and walnuts. Be careful not to overmix at this stage to preserve the texture of the fruit and nuts.
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Fill Muffin Cups: Fill each muffin cup about ¾ full.
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Bake: Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking; oven temperatures can vary.
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Cool: Let the muffins cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for the Best Apple and Walnut Muffins:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature butter and eggs ensures a smoother batter and better incorporation of ingredients.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in tough muffins. Mix until just combined.
- Apple Variety: Granny Smith apples provide a nice tartness, while Honeycrisp adds sweetness. Feel free to experiment with your favorite apple variety!
- Add-ins: Get creative! Try adding cinnamon, raisins, cranberries, or other nuts for variations.
Nutritional Information (per muffin, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 4g
Variations:
- Cinnamon Swirl: Mix ½ teaspoon of cinnamon with 1 tablespoon of sugar and swirl it into the batter before adding the apples and walnuts.
- Spiced Muffins: Add a pinch of nutmeg, cloves, or allspice to the dry ingredients for a warm spiced flavor.
- Streusel Topping: Create a simple streusel topping by combining ½ cup flour, ¼ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup chopped walnuts, and 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Sprinkle over the muffins before baking.
These apple and walnut muffins are a delightful addition to any meal or snack time. Their easy preparation and delicious taste make them a perfect recipe for busy weeknights or weekend baking sessions. Enjoy!