The Best Muffin Recipe Ever

I tested this recipe out a few weeks ago with every intention to share it – but then I totally forgot. Perhaps it slipped my memory because they disappeared as quickly as they were baked – these were [and I quote] “the best muffins ever” according to Neil. I didn’t try any because they contain both gluten and dairy [and sugar] but based on his reaction, the only downfall about these muffins is that a dozen in a batch isn’t nearly enough.

Cinnamon Apple Streusel Muffins

Recipe from: Fork Knife Swoon

Ingredients

Muffin Batter
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground cloves
8 tbs unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1-1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1-1/2 cups chopped apples (I used Macintosh)

Streusel Topping
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1 tbs all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tbs unsalted butter, cold

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375. Grease twelve muffin cups.

2. For the streusel: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, mix together the brown sugar, flour and cinnamon. Using a fork, cut in the butter, until combined, forming small pea-shaped pieces. Set aside.

3. In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves until evenly combined. Set aside.

4. Using a stand-up or hand-held electric mixer, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about two minutes. With the mixer on low-speed, slowly add the eggs, and then the vanilla until combined.

5. Stir the apples into the wet ingredients. Slowly add the apple-mixture to the dry ingredients and stir to combine. The batter will be very thick.

6. Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tins and top with a sprinkling of the streusel mix. Bake for 18-20 minutes until golden brown and a cake-tester comes out clean. Allow the muffins to cool for five minutes in the muffin tin before removing and cooling on a baking rack. Serve warm.

I would assume you can store these in an air tight container for at least a week and subsequently in the fridge, however, the batch I made didn’t even come close to lasting that long.

Happy Baking!

xo Lauren

 

Healthy Cinnamon Spice Muffins [and an announcement]

The holidays may be over but that is no reason to stop treating yourself to a batch of delicious muffins – especially ones that are guilt free. These grain and dairy free muffins are extremely nutritious, but the best part is that they don’t even taste like health food. With only one tablespoon of honey you can indulge without worry!

Cinnamon Spice Muffins

Inspired by The Detoxinista

Cinnamon Spice Muffins topped with Greek Yogurt Icing and Walnut Crumbs

Ingredients

1 cup natural smooth almond butter
2/3 cup puree carrots (I used baby food)
1/2 egg whites
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1.5 droppers full of liquid stevia
1 tbsp honey

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Combine all ingredients in the food processor [or use a hand mixer]. The batter will be quite runny – this is normal. Using a 1/4 cup scoop, divide the batter evenly into 10 lined muffin cups. Bake for approximately 15 minutes or until the center of the muffin is firm and the top is slightly golden.

If you want to really impress your guest, you can make icing by combining free greek yogurt mixed with liquid stevia. Top with walnut crumbs for decoration.

These muffins are quite dense but they are delicious and easy to make!

                                                                    

And now for the announcement! Today I registered for the Ottawa Race Weekend Half Marathon. This is an idea I have been toying with for years now [I talk about it here]. My father is an avid runner and has always inspired me. So 2013 is the year – if you see me training, give me a smile and expect a wave – yes I am one of those dorks that gives the runners salut.

You won’t grow unless you push yourself – get out of your comfort zone, you won’t regret it.

xo Lauren