Spring Muffins

Healthy dessert with strawberries and mint - Fluffy muffins for kids

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 25-35 minutes
Number of servings: 12 muffins

Welcome to the sweet and healthy world of strawberry and mint muffins! This dessert is perfect for children, but also for adults, with a delicious taste and fluffy texture. With natural and healthy ingredients, our muffins are an ideal choice for a snack or an energizing breakfast.

The history of muffins is fascinating, with deep roots in the culinary traditions of many cultures. They have evolved over time, becoming a beloved dessert worldwide, adapted based on available ingredients. Today, I will present to you a special recipe with a fresh and aromatic twist.

Ingredients

For the batter:
- 2 fresh eggs
- 1 low-fat yogurt (200 g)
- 200 g ripe strawberries
- 10-12 fresh mint leaves
- 6 tablespoons Green Sugar (or regular sugar, if you prefer)
- 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 8 tablespoons flour
- 1 baking powder
- 1 pinch of salt

For decoration:
- 250 g mascarpone cheese
- 3 tablespoons Green Sugar
- Additional strawberries for decoration
- Mint leaves for a touch of freshness

Step by step, for perfect muffins

1. Preheating the oven: Start by preheating the oven to maximum temperature, around 200°C. If you are using a gas stove, make sure it is set correctly for even baking.

2. Preparing the strawberries: Wash the strawberries under a quick stream of cold water, then remove the green tops. It is essential to choose ripe strawberries, as they will add natural sweetness and flavor to the muffins.

3. Blending: Place the cleaned strawberries in a blender, along with the washed mint leaves. The mint will add a note of freshness and a refreshing aroma. Blend until you obtain a smooth paste.

4. Adding the yogurt: Add the low-fat yogurt to the blender and mix again until the mixture becomes homogeneous. It provides a creamy taste and airy texture.

5. Preparing the eggs: Wash the eggs with warm water and dish soap to remove any impurities. This step is important for food safety. Separate the egg whites from the yolks.

6. Beating the egg whites: Beat the egg whites until frothy with a pinch of salt. This will help create a light and airy texture. When the foam becomes firm, add the yolks and continue mixing.

7. Combining the ingredients: Pour the yogurt and strawberry cream into the egg mixture and mix well. Add the sugar and homogenize.

8. Including the dry ingredients: Sift the cocoa powder, flour, and baking powder into the mixture. Gently mix on low speed until you obtain a batter with the consistency of thin sour cream, without lumps.

9. Filling the molds: Fill the muffin molds up to 2/3 with the obtained batter. This will allow them to rise beautifully during baking.

10. Baking: Place the muffins in the preheated oven and let them bake for 25-35 minutes, until they turn golden and pass the toothpick test.

11. Cooling: Once baked, let the muffins cool in the molds so they do not fall apart.

12. Preparing the mascarpone cream: In a bowl, mix the mascarpone cheese with the sugar until it becomes fluffy. Once obtained, refrigerate the cream to firm it up a bit.

13. Decorating the muffins: After the muffins have completely cooled, decorate them with the mascarpone cream, a few sliced strawberries, and mint leaves for an appetizing look and fresh aroma.

14. Serving: Serve the strawberry and mint muffins with lots of love, offering them to children or enjoying them with loved ones. You can accompany the dessert with a cold mint tea or a fruit smoothie for a complete treat.

Useful tips:

- Vegan option: You can replace the eggs with 1 ripe banana or ¼ cup of applesauce and the yogurt with a plant-based yogurt for a vegan option.
- Add-ins: Add chopped nuts or seeds for extra crunch and nutrients.
- Ice cream: These muffins are delicious served with vanilla ice cream or a warm chocolate sauce.

Nutritional benefits:

These muffins are rich in vitamins and minerals, thanks to the strawberries, which are an excellent source of vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber. The yogurt provides a source of protein and probiotics, beneficial for digestive health. By combining these ingredients, you get a healthy yet delicious dessert.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use other fruits?
Yes, you can experiment with other seasonal fruits, such as raspberries, blueberries, or peaches, to vary the flavors.

2. How can I store the muffins?
The muffins can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the refrigerator for a week.

3. Can I make the muffins without sugar?
Yes, you can use natural sweeteners like stevia or erythritol to reduce the sugar content.

These fluffy muffins with strawberries and mint are not only a delicious dessert but also a wonderful way to bring a touch of joy and health into the lives of your loved ones. Enjoy!