Cherry Blossom Muffins

Cherry Blossom Muffins – An explosion of flavor in every bite

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 12 muffins

I present to you a delicious recipe for cherry-flavored muffins, perfect for a sweet snack or an impressive dessert at a party. These muffins are not only easy to make, but they also bring a touch of spring at any time of the year. The caramelized cherries and fluffy texture make these muffins an unforgettable treat.

Necessary ingredients:

- 200 g fresh or frozen cherries
- 150 g sugar
- 200 g flour
- 1 packet (10 g) baking powder
- 1 packet (40 g) vanilla pudding powder
- 2 eggs
- 100 ml milk
- 100 ml oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
- A pinch of salt

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preparing the cherries: Wash the cherries well and, if fresh, remove the pits. If using frozen cherries, there is no need to thaw them before use. Put the cherries in a blender and blend until you get a smooth paste.

2. Caramelizing the cherries: Transfer the cherry paste to a saucepan and add 100 g of sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture becomes thicker, about 5-7 minutes. This step will intensify the cherry flavor and add a pleasant sweetness to the muffins.

3. Mixing the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, pudding powder, and a pinch of salt. Mix well with a spatula or whisk to ensure even distribution of the ingredients.

4. Combining the wet ingredients: In another bowl, beat the eggs with the remaining sugar (50 g) until they become a frothy mixture. Add the milk, oil, and vanilla essence, mixing all the ingredients well.

5. Combining the mixtures: Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and, using a spatula, gently mix until you achieve a homogeneous composition. Be careful not to overmix, or the muffins will be dense.

6. Adding the cherry paste: Gently incorporate the caramelized cherry paste into the batter, leaving a few tablespoons for decoration. Mix lightly so as not to completely destroy the airy texture.

7. Baking the muffins: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Fill the muffin molds with the batter, leaving a little space for rising. Place a teaspoon of the cherry paste on top of each muffin for an attractive appearance. Bake the muffins for 25-30 minutes or until golden and pass the toothpick test.

8. Cooling and serving: Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a rack to cool completely. You can sprinkle some powdered sugar on top for an elegant look. These muffins are delicious served warm, but can also be enjoyed cold.

Useful tips:

- You can also use other fruits instead of cherries, such as raspberries or blueberries, to vary the flavors.
- If you want a fluffier texture, replace some of the flour with almond flour.
- These muffins are excellent served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a chocolate sauce on top.

Enjoy these cherry blossom muffins, which are not only easy to prepare but also a true feast for the taste buds!