Get ready to tantalize your senses! In today’s recipe, I’ll guide you through the process of making heavenly Very Berry Summer Spice Muffins. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is designed to be easy-to-follow, ensuring that you achieve bakery-quality muffins right in the comfort of your own home.
Very Berry Summer Spice Muffins
Equipment
- oven
- 1 small bowl
- 1 large bowl
- 1 toothpick
- 1 6 cup jumbo muffin tin (or 12-cup regular sized)
Ingredients
- 1½ cups whole wheat pastry flour
- ½ cup all purpose flour
- ⅓ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¾ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon allspice
- 1 tablespoon ground flax seed
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 1⅓ cups skim milk
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1½ cups fresh, ripe summer berries (I use a combination of blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, chopped strawberries and chopped red cherries with the pits removed)
For the crumb topping:
- ¼ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon flour
- ¼ cup chopped pecans
- ¼ teaspoon each cinnamon and allspice
- ⅛ teaspoon each nutmeg and dried ground ginger
Instructions
- For the topping: Mix the light brown sugar, flour pecans and spices together in a small bowl and set aside
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees and generously spray a 6-cup jumbo (or 12-cup regular sized) muffin tin with cooking spray. Mix the flours, sugar, cinnamon, allspice, flax, salt, baking powder and baking soda in a large bowl.
- Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the milk and lemon juice; stir until just moistened, then fold in the berries.
- Spoon the batter evenly into the well-greased muffin cups. Sprinkle the top of each muffin with the pecan mixture, and using just the tips of your fingers, press it down lightly into the batter.
- Bake for 20 - 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for at least 5 - 10 minutes before removing from the pan. (these are GREAT while still warm!)
Video
Notes
Cooking Tips
Mastering the art of making Very Berry Summer Spice Muffins is easier than you think! With a few handy cooking tips and tricks, you’ll be able to achieve bakery-quality results every time. Let’s dive in and explore some insights that will help elevate your muffin game.
- The Perfect Berry Ratio: To ensure a burst of berry goodness in every bite, aim for an even distribution of berries throughout the muffin batter. Gently fold the berries into the batter, being careful not to overmix and crush them.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: For the fluffiest and most tender muffins, make sure your eggs and dairy ingredients, such as milk and yogurt, are at room temperature before incorporating them into the batter. This helps to create a smoother texture and even baking.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing the batter can lead to dense and tough muffins. Mix the ingredients until just combined, with a few lumps remaining. This will result in light and airy muffins with a tender crumb.
- Preheat the Oven: Always preheat your oven before baking the muffins. This ensures that they bake evenly and rise properly. Follow the recipe instructions for the correct oven temperature.
- Test for Doneness: To determine if the muffins are fully baked, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs clinging to it, the muffins are ready. If the toothpick has wet batter on it, give the muffins a few more minutes in the oven.
The Best Ways To Serve Very Berry Summer Spice Muffins
Now that your Very Berry Summer Spice Muffins are fresh out of the oven, it’s time to explore some delightful ways to serve and enjoy them. These serving suggestions will take your muffins to the next level, making them the star of any occasion.
- Accompaniments: Serve the muffins warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a generous drizzle of cream cheese frosting. The creamy texture complements the fruity flavors beautifully.
- Breakfast Bliss: Pair these muffins with a cup of hot coffee or tea for a delightful breakfast treat. The warm spices and juicy berries will kickstart your morning with a burst of flavor.
- Afternoon Indulgence: Create an afternoon tea experience by serving the muffins with a selection of herbal teas. The fragrant aromas and sweet flavors will make your tea time extra special.
- Ice Cream Delight: For a decadent dessert, slice the muffins in half and serve them as a base for a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast of warm and cold, along with the flavors, will create a heavenly combination.
- Brunch Bonanza: Arrange the muffins on a platter alongside fresh fruit, yogurt, and a variety of spreads such as butter, jam, and honey. This creates a beautiful brunch spread that will impress your guests.
FAQs
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I understand that you may have some questions as you embark on your Very Berry Summer Spice Muffin journey. Here are the answers to some commonly asked questions to help guide you along the way.
Can I freeze Very Berry Summer Spice Muffins for later?
Absolutely! These muffins freeze well. Once cooled, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To enjoy them later, simply thaw them at room temperature or reheat them in the oven for a few minutes.
Can I use frozen berries instead of fresh ones?
Yes, you can use frozen berries in this recipe. However, keep in mind that frozen berries may release more moisture, which can affect the texture of the muffins. Thaw the berries and pat them dry before incorporating them into the batter.
Can I substitute the spices in the recipe?
Certainly! You can customize the spice blend to suit your personal preferences. Experiment with flavors like cardamom, allspice, or ginger for a unique twist. Just remember to adjust the amounts accordingly and taste the batter as you go.
Can I make mini muffins instead of regular-sized ones?
Absolutely! This recipe can be adapted to make mini muffins. Reduce the baking time by approximately 5-7 minutes, as mini muffins bake faster. Keep an eye on them and test for doneness using a toothpick.
How should I store any leftovers of Very Berry Summer Spice Muffins?
If you have any leftovers (though they might disappear quickly!), store the Very Berry Summer Spice Muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To maintain their freshness, you can also store them in the refrigerator.
Craving a taste of summer? Look no further than these irresistible Very Berry Summer Spice Muffins. With the perfect balance of juicy berries and fragrant spices, these muffins are a treat for your taste buds. Share the joy by spreading this recipe and make sure to subscribe to my blog for more culinary inspiration!