These muffins are a “sweet” way to start out any day! I absolutely love incorporating fruit and vegetable purees into my baked goods. Not only do Light Sweet Potato Muffins lend an incredible new flavor and texture, but they also supply a hint of natural sweetness and loads of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. You don’t need to add tons of fats, oils, and sugar to your baked goods in order for them to be incredibly delicious and moist. Try different purees like prune, pumpkin, carrot, squash, applesauce, even peas for some new unbelievable flavor combinations.
Light Sweet Potato Muffins
Equipment
- oven
- 6 cup jumbo muffin tin (or 12 cup standard)
- 2 large bowl
- 1 toothpick
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole wheat pastry flour
- ½ cup all purpose flour
- 1 cup sweet potatoes (cooked and well mashed)
- ¼ cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 whole egg
- 1 egg white
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup low-fat buttermilk (or 1/2 cup skim milk wilk 1/2 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice stirred in)
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ¼ cup raisins
- 2 tablespoons cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and generously spray a 6 cup jumbo (or 12 cup standard) muffin tin with nonstick spray.
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, sugar and cinnamon and mix well. In another bowl, combine the sweet potatoes, egg, egg whites, vanilla, buttermilk and applesauce.
- Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add the wet ingredients to the well, mixing until just moistened. Fold in the raisins and nuts.
- Divide batter evenly between the muffin cups and bake for 22-25 minutes (or until a toothpick inserted in the center of a muffin comes out clean). Cool for 5 to 10 minutes before removing from the pan.
Video
Notes
Cooking Tips
To ensure that your Light Sweet Potato Muffins turn out absolutely perfect every time, here are some valuable cooking tips and insights to guide you through the process. From achieving the ideal texture to avoiding common pitfalls, these tips and tricks will help you become a muffin-making maestro!
Offer Tips and Tricks to Ensure the Best Results:
- Measure Ingredients Precisely: Use measuring cups and spoons to accurately measure the ingredients. Baking is a science, and precise measurements are crucial for consistent results.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix the wet and dry ingredients until they are just combined. Overmixing can result in dense muffins, so a few lumps in the batter are perfectly fine.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow the eggs, milk, and any other refrigerated ingredients to come to room temperature before incorporating them into the batter. This helps create a uniform texture and ensures proper leavening.
- Preheat the Oven: Always preheat your oven to the specified temperature before baking the muffins. This ensures even baking and helps the muffins rise properly.
- Test for Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs clinging to it, the muffins are done. Avoid overbaking, as it can lead to dryness.
Share Insights on Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Overfilling the Muffin Cups: Fill the muffin cups only about two-thirds full to allow room for the muffins to rise. Overfilling can cause them to spill over and lose their shape.
- Opening the Oven Door Too Early: Resist the temptation to open the oven door during the first few minutes of baking. Sudden temperature changes can cause the muffins to collapse.
- Skipping the Cooling Time: Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set and prevents them from breaking apart.
Serving Suggestions
Now that you have mastered the art of making Light Sweet Potato Muffins, it’s time to explore the wonderful world of serving suggestions. Let your creativity shine as you discover various ways to present and enhance the flavors of these delightful treats. From accompanying sides to garnishes and beverages, there are endless possibilities to elevate your muffin experience. Let’s dive in and find the perfect accompaniments for your Light Sweet Potato Muffins!
Recommend Sides, Garnishes, or Beverages that Complement the Flavors:
- Cream Cheese Frosting: Spread a generous layer of tangy cream cheese frosting on top of your muffins for a luscious and indulgent twist.
- Honey Butter: Whip up a batch of homemade honey butter and slather it on warm muffins for a sweet and buttery combination.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: Serve a refreshing side of seasonal fruits alongside your muffins to add a burst of freshness and balance the sweetness.
- Greek Yogurt: Dollop a spoonful of creamy Greek yogurt on top of your muffins for a protein-rich and tangy addition.
- Nut Butter: Whether it’s almond butter, peanut butter, or cashew butter, spreading a layer of your favorite nut butter on the muffins adds richness and a delightful nuttiness.
Suggest Different Ways to Serve the Dish:
- Brunch Delight: Arrange the muffins on a platter alongside a selection of other brunch favorites like scrambled eggs, avocado toast, and crispy bacon for a complete and satisfying meal.
- Afternoon Tea Treat: Serve the muffins on a tiered cake stand with a side of clotted cream, jam, and a pot of freshly brewed tea for an elegant and indulgent afternoon tea experience.
- Dessert Extravaganza: Turn your muffins into a dessert by pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, drizzling them with chocolate sauce, and topping them with crushed nuts or sprinkles.
- Picnic Pleasure: Pack the muffins in a picnic basket along with some savory sandwiches, crisp vegetables, and refreshing lemonade for a delightful outdoor feast.
- Grab-and-Go Snack: Wrap individual muffins in parchment paper or store them in airtight containers for a quick and convenient snack on-the-go.
FAQs about Light Sweet Potato Muffins
As you embark on your Light Sweet Potato Muffins journey, it’s natural to have some questions along the way. Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions to assist you in achieving muffin perfection. Plus, discover how to store any leftovers to enjoy them later!
How do I store Light Sweet Potato Muffins?
- Allow the muffins to cool completely.
- Place them in an airtight container or zip-top bag.
- Store at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- For longer storage, freeze the muffins in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature or reheat them in the microwave or oven before enjoying.
Can I substitute the sweet potatoes with another vegetable?
While sweet potatoes provide a unique flavor and moisture to the muffins, you can experiment with other vegetables like pumpkin or butternut squash for a similar effect. Adjust the measurements accordingly and expect slight variations in taste and texture.
Can I make these muffins gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour. Additionally, ensure that all other ingredients, such as baking powder and spices, are certified gluten-free.
Can I add nuts or raisins to the muffins?
Of course! Feel free to fold in chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts, or add a handful of raisins or dried cranberries to add texture and additional flavors. Adjust the amount to your liking.
Can I make mini muffins instead of regular-sized ones?
Yes, you can! Adjust the baking time accordingly, as mini muffins will bake faster than regular-sized ones. Start checking for doneness around 10-12 minutes and adjust as needed.
Unleash your culinary prowess with Light Sweet Potato Muffins, a delightful combination of health and indulgence. Learn the art of making these fluffy treats and explore various serving suggestions to elevate your muffin experience. Join our community by sharing the recipe and subscribing to our blog for more mouthwatering recipes.