Apple Pecan Muffins

Apple Pecan Muffins

by | Oct 18, 2021 | BREAKFAST AND BRUNCH, QUICK BREADS, SNACKS | 0 comments

Apple Pecan Muffins

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Apple Pecan Muffins set in a row on a wooden serving dish with a background of green apples.

There is definitely a chill settling in, making it the best time to bake up warm Apple Pecan Muffins. These lovely, tender muffins are packed with apple and warm fall spices, making them perfect with your morning tea or coffee.

Apple Pecan Muffins scooped in tins and ready for baking.

It’s the grated apple in this recipe that makes them tender and delicious. Shredding the apple allows for even distribution throughout the batter better than chunks and creates a moist and tender muffin. These muffins are also nicely plumped and studded with pecans. There is enough batter to fill the muffin tins very full, so don’t be skimpy. You’ll want to add about a third of a cup of batter to each muffin tin. You can use paper liners or scoop the batter into a generously buttered pan. But know that if using paper liners, you must let the muffins cool completely before removing the liner or the muffin will stick to it. Buttered tins work just as well, and you’ll be able to eat them slightly warm out of the pan.

A close up of Apple Pecan Muffins served on a striped napkin with a background of green apples.

You’ll want to try these muffins with my Pumpkin Spice Honey Butter for a real treat. It’s a great combination and a blast of fall spice to help keep the chill away. Enjoy!

Want more muffins?

Whole Wheat Peach Streusel Muffins

Pumpkin Seed and Nut Muffins

Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins

 

Author:  Compelled to Cook

A close up of Apple Pecan Muffins served on a striped napkin with a background of green apples.
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Apple Pecan Muffins

Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 12 muffins

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp allspice
  • 4 ounces unsalted butter
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 3/4 cup milk
  • 2 medium granny smith apples, peeled and grated about 2 cups
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans Optional

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400°F and set oven rack to the middle position.
  • Generously butter 12 non-stick muffin tins or line with paper liners.
  • In a small bowl combine flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, nutmeg and allspice. Set aside.
  • Melt butter and cream together with both sugars. Whisk in eggs one at a time until incorporated and light in texture. Stir in vanilla.
  • Add 1/3 of the milk and then 1/3 of the flour mixture whisking to combine. Repeat, alternating the milk and flour. Stir in grated apples and chopped pecans.
  • Scoop the batter evenly between the prepared muffin tins using approximately 1/3 cup of batter for each. The tins will be quite full.
  • Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes at 400°F and then reduce the temperature to 350°F for an additional 8-10 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Remove from oven and allow to cool for at least 10 minutes before removing to a cooling rack.

Notes

-muffins baked with paper liners need to cool completely before trying to peel off the paper and prevent them from sticking to the paper.
-the chopped pecans are optional.

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I may receive compensation for purchases made through this site, at no cost to the purchaser. Compelled to Cook is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com
Cheddar Jalapeño Muffins

Cheddar Jalapeño Muffins

by | Feb 22, 2021 | QUICK BREADS, SIDE DISH | 0 comments

Cheddar Jalapeño Muffins

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A shallow wooden serving bowl stacked with freshly baked Cheddar Jalapeño Muffins.

Cheesy and spicy with crispy, golden edges make these tender Cheddar Jalapeño Muffins one of my favourites. I have made them more times than I can remember because I like them that much. They are the perfect accompaniment to chili, stew, tomato soup or green salad and so good about ten minutes out of the oven. Just long enough for them to cool down enough to handle but are still warm on the inside and crispy on the outside.

Baking ingredients being prepared for Cheddar Jalapeño Muffins with a muffin tin in the background.

This lovely recipe originates with one of my favourite food bloggers, Joy the Baker. Joy notes that you can bake these muffins with liners in the muffin tins. You certainly can, but trust me, you do not want to! I find it is best to generously butter non-stick muffin tins to achieve a wonderfully golden muffin bottom that is crispy and chewy when eaten while still slightly warm. They will pop right out of the muffin tins too. When using liners, the muffins need to cool completely before peeling away the liner, otherwise, they will stick and you’ll miss out on the best part. In a nutshell, it’s lots of butter, no liners!!

Freshly baked Cheddar Jalapeño Muffins on a wire rack..

Do not be skimpy on the cheese!! It will seem like a lot, and the batter will be thick with an abundance of cheese, but the result is a gloriously cheesy muffin. It is also important not to over mix the batter. This is a quick bread and does not require gluten development, so only mix the wet and dry ingredients until they are combined. The batter won’t be completely smooth and that’s okay. The cheese needs to be folded in last so it doesn’t clog up the whisk and make everything gummy. It’s a quick and easy recipe that freezes well too. Simply store cooled muffins in an airtight container or bag for up to a month. Allow to thaw and warm gently in the oven or microwave. They don’t retain their crisp exterior, but they’re still delicious. Enjoy!

Freshly baked Cheddar Jalapeño Muffins on a wooden serving board garnished with a pickled jalapeño.

Author:  Compelled to Cook

Freshly baked Cheddar Jalapeño Muffins on a wooden serving board garnished with a pickled jalapeño.
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Cheddar Jalapeño Muffins

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings 12 muffins

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted plus more for pan
  • 3 cups grated cheddar cheese about 8 ounces
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped drained pickled jalapeños plus more for garnishing

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F and generously butter a 12 cup non-stick muffin tin.
  • Whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar and salt. Set aside.
  • Whisk the egg, add the milk and melted butter and continue to whisk to fully combine. Stir in jalapeños.
  • Add the dry ingredients to the wet stirring until just combined. Fold in cheese until evenly distributed in the batter.
  • Scoop batter evenly between the prepared muffin cups and bake for 20-25 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Remove from oven and allow to cool for 10-15 minutes in the pan. Gently loosen the muffin tops if any have slightly stuck and pluck out the muffins placing them on a wire rack to cool further.

Notes

-these muffins are best served slightly warm out of the oven.
-use a non-stick muffin tin for this recipe and be sure to butter generously. The butter not only helps the muffins not to stick but ensures a crisp and golden bottom. 
-you can use muffin liners but the muffins will need to cool completely before trying to peel off the liner.
 

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Affiliate Disclosure

I may receive compensation for purchases made through this site, at no cost to the purchaser. Compelled to Cook is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com
Whole Wheat Peach Streusel Muffins

Whole Wheat Peach Streusel Muffins

by | Aug 28, 2019 | BREAKFAST AND BRUNCH, QUICK BREADS, SNACKS | 0 comments

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Whole Wheat Peach Streusel Muffins stacked on a metal stand with a split muffin on a plate in the foreground.

These naughty but nice Whole Wheat Peach Streusel Muffins are perfect for back to school.  They have minimal added sugar, are made with whole wheat flour and pureed peaches for a healthy-ish muffin.  The streusel topping and juicy peach chunks keep it being the muffin you want to eat or send in your child’s lunch, without the guilt. 

Muffins are not only a great item to add to breakfast or brunch, but also great as a snack.  They come together easily, freeze well and are a must to have on hand whether you pack lunches or not.

Fresh peaches stacked on a metal tray in preparation for Whole Wheat Peach Streusel Muffins.

Tips for great muffins:

*DO NOT OVERMIX!  I really can’t stress this enough.  Once the flour is added to the wet ingredients in any quick bread recipe, the batter only needs to be mixed enough to incorporate the ingredients.  Any more mixing than that will start to develop the gluten in the flour.  The result will be tough muffins or loaves.

*Divide batter evenly into the muffin tins to ensure the muffins bake uniformly and evenly.

*Don’t overbake!  Bake just long enough that they spring back when lightly touched or a toothpick inserted comes out clean.  Overbaked muffins will be dry and dense.

* Bake muffins on the middle oven rack for even baking without scorched bottoms or tops that are too dark.

*Use muffins liners or a well-greased muffin tin to prevent the muffins from sticking.  Nobody wants to fight with trying to unstick a dozen muffins only to have bits of muffin stuck to the pan anyway.  It’s just a waste of perfectly good muffin bits.

*Allow the muffins to cool for at least 5-10 minutes before trying to remove from the pan.  This will prevent any “squishing” mishaps that are likely to happen when trying to pull them out while they are hot and soft.

Now is the time that fresh peaches are abundant, so enjoying these delicious Whole Wheat Peach Streusel Muffins is a must.

Author: Compelled to Cook

Peach Streusel Muffins
Whole Wheat Peach Streusel Muffins
Print Recipe
    Servings Prep Time
    12 muffins 30 minutes
    Cook Time
    18-22 minutes
    Servings Prep Time
    12 muffins 30 minutes
    Cook Time
    18-22 minutes
    Peach Streusel Muffins
    Whole Wheat Peach Streusel Muffins
    Print Recipe
      Servings Prep Time
      12 muffins 30 minutes
      Cook Time
      18-22 minutes
      Servings Prep Time
      12 muffins 30 minutes
      Cook Time
      18-22 minutes
      Ingredients
      Streusel Topping
      Muffins
      Servings: muffins
      Instructions
      Streusel Topping
      1. Combine all ingredients in a food processor and pulse until combined and crumbly. Set aside.
      Muffins
      1. Set oven rack to the centre and preheat oven to 350°F. Grease or line a 12 cup muffin tin.
      2. Peel peaches and remove stone. Chop two of the peaches into 1/2" chunks and set aside. Puree the remaining two peaches using a blender or food processor until smooth. Set aside.
      3. In a small bowl whisk together flours, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and salt. Set aside.
      4. In a large bowl whisk together oil and sugar. Add eggs, one at a time, whisking after each until incorporated.
      5. Stir in sour cream, pureed peaches and vanilla. Whisk in dry ingredients until just combined (do not overmix). Fold in chopped peaches.
      6. Divide batter evenly into prepared muffin tin. Sprinkle each muffin with a generous tbsp of streusel topping.
      7. Bake for 18-22 minutes or a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out clean.
      8. Allow to cool at least 5-10 minutes prior to removing from muffin tin. Remove to a cooling rack to cool completely or eat while warm.

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      Affiliate Disclosure

      I may receive compensation for purchases made through this site, at no cost to the purchaser. Compelled to Cook is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com
      Toasted Bran Muffins

      Toasted Bran Muffins

      by | Jan 12, 2019 | BREAKFAST AND BRUNCH, QUICK BREADS, SNACKS | 1 comment

      Nancy Silverton’s bran muffins from La Brea Bakery are hailed to be one of the best, and for good reason.  The crumb is tender and rather light for a bran muffin, yet they have that familiar fibrous chew. The flavour has a subtle toasted note and a hint of orange.  They have minimal refined sugar by using pureed raisins to add natural sweetness and moisture.  They are my personal favourite in the bran muffin arena with just a small smear of butter.

      I originally stumbled upon these muffins from Alexandra Cooks Nancy Silverton’s Bran Muffins, who slightly adapted the recipe by blending all the raisins, leaving the final texture without whole raisins.  It’s also my desired way to eat them even though my recipe reflects the original method. Both ways are delicious and it comes down to personal preference. 

      I’ve gone on to adapt the recipe slightly further by replacing a small amount of the water with orange juice and I’ve opted for a different mixing method with wonderful results. It’s recommended to use paper liners as they tend to bake up with a nicer domed top if using them. Without the liners, the tops tend to spread just a little more. I also recommend that you weigh your dry ingredients for better results.  I have done both, and have found that my weighted measures provide more than my standard scooping with a measuring cup. It does make a difference in this recipe.

      If you love muffins, Nacy Silverton’s are a must to make, whether it be the original recipe or my slightly altered version, you won’t be disappointed.  Enjoy!

      Recipe for Toasted Bran Muffins adapted from Alexandra Cooks Nancy Silverton’s Bran Muffins 

       

      Toasted Bran Muffins
      Print Recipe
        Servings Prep Time
        12 muffins 20 minutes
        Cook Time
        30 minutes
        Servings Prep Time
        12 muffins 20 minutes
        Cook Time
        30 minutes
        Toasted Bran Muffins
        Print Recipe
          Servings Prep Time
          12 muffins 20 minutes
          Cook Time
          30 minutes
          Servings Prep Time
          12 muffins 20 minutes
          Cook Time
          30 minutes
          Ingredients
          Servings: muffins
          Instructions
          1. Preheat oven to 350℉ and line 12 muffin cups with paper liners. Spread wheat bran out on a large baking sheet and toast in oven for 6-8 minutes turning once.
          2. While wheat bran is toasting and cooling, cook 1 cup of raisins and 1/2 cup of water in a small saucepan over medium heat until soft and the water has been absorbed, about 10 minutes. Puree raisins until smooth.
          3. In a medium bowl, whisk together wheat bran, flours, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Set aside.
          4. In a large bowl whisk together oil and brown sugar. Add egg and egg white and whisk to combine. Stir in pureed raisins, remaining 3/4 cup water, buttermilk, orange juice and orange zest.
          5. Add dry ingredients and stir just to combine. Stir in 1/2 cup of raisins. Scoop evenly into muffin cups, mounding the batter.
          6. Bake for approximately 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Remove and allow to cool for 5-7 minutes before removing muffins from tin to cooling rack.
          Recipe Notes

          -it is highly recommended to weigh dry ingredients.

          -when scooping the batter, the muffin cups will be very full.

          -if you don't want whole raisins in the final muffin, cook all the raisins with 3/4 cup of water and blend, continue with recipe adding only 1/2 cup additional water (for 1 1/4 cup total) and omit raisins at the end.

          Affiliate Disclosure

          I may receive compensation for purchases made through this site, at no cost to the purchaser. Compelled to Cook is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com
          Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins

          Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins

          by | Aug 20, 2018 | BREAKFAST AND BRUNCH, QUICK BREADS, SNACKS | 2 comments

          Okay, I’ll say it….BACK TO SCHOOL is upon us!  For some, this will be a welcome event, as everyone falls back into a structured routine.  For others, it marks the end of summer, saying goodbye to camping and late night fires.  As for me, it’s a reason to bake up wonderfully moist Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins.  Perfect to grab and go in the morning on your way out the door, lunch boxes or a mid day snack to get you through the day. 

          The recipe for Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins makes 14 rather plump muffins.  I know, I know, 14 is not the norm as everyone expects to get 12.  I’ve considered mucking around with the amounts to bring the volume down, but I ask myself why?  They’re perfect the way they are, and frankly, the more muffins the merrier.  I know my husband would agree, and you won’t regret having a couple extra tender, chocolaty muffins either.  Enjoy!   

          Recipe source for Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins:  Compelled To Cook

          Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins
          Print Recipe
            Servings Prep Time
            14 Muffins 25 minutes
            Cook Time
            18-20 minutes
            Servings Prep Time
            14 Muffins 25 minutes
            Cook Time
            18-20 minutes
            Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins
            Print Recipe
              Servings Prep Time
              14 Muffins 25 minutes
              Cook Time
              18-20 minutes
              Servings Prep Time
              14 Muffins 25 minutes
              Cook Time
              18-20 minutes
              Ingredients
              Servings: Muffins
              Instructions
              1. Preheat oven to 350℉ and line 14-18 muffin tins with paper cups.
              2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
              3. In a large bowl, whisk together sugar and oil. Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each. Peel and mash bananas, add to bowl along with yogurt, orange juice and vanilla. Whisk to combine well, then add flour mixture, whisking until just combined and starting to smooth out. Stir in chocolate chips.
              4. For large muffins, scoop a generous 1/3 cup of batter per muffin tin. For smaller muffins, use a 1/4 cup of batter per muffin tin.
              5. Bake in preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, depending on size. Remove from oven and allow to cool in pan slightly before moving to a cooling rack to cool completely.
              Recipe Notes

              Will keep for several days at room temperature wrapped individually or in a sealed container.  They freeze well wrapped individually and will keep for up to a month.

              Looking for more great muffins?  You’ll want to try Pumpkin Seed and Nut Muffins