Apricot Muffins

Apricot Muffins: A Fluffy and Aromatic Delight

When you think of muffins, your mind immediately drifts to a sunny morning, a steaming coffee, and a dessert that makes you smile. This apricot muffin recipe is a true feast for the taste buds, filled with flavors and textures that blend perfectly. Here’s how to create these treats at home, step by step!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Number of servings: 12 muffins

Ingredients:
- 3 eggs
- 150 g egg whites (about 5 egg whites if using fresh)
- 140 g powdered sugar
- 1 vanilla bean
- Zest of one lemon
- 215 g flour
- 45 g cocoa powder
- 1 packet of baking powder (about 10 g)
- 50 ml olive oil
- 30 ml sunflower oil
- 50 ml cappuccino (or strong coffee)
- Powdered sugar for dusting

Preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature to help achieve a uniform texture. If you have frozen egg whites, take them out a few hours before using them to thaw completely.

2. Separating the eggs: Start by separating the yolks from the whites. Place the egg whites in a large bowl and the yolks in another container. It’s important to use completely clean bowls, free of grease, to achieve a firm foam.

3. Beating the yolks: Add half of the powdered sugar to the yolks and beat them with a mixer on medium speed until creamy. Add the seeds from the vanilla bean and the lemon zest, then continue mixing.

4. Adding the oil: Incorporate the olive oil and sunflower oil into the yolk mixture, mixing gently until well combined.

5. Beating the egg whites: In a clean bowl, add a pinch of salt to the egg whites and start beating them with an electric mixer on high speed. When soft peaks begin to form, gradually add the remaining powdered sugar, continuing to beat until you achieve a firm meringue with stiff peaks.

6. Combining the mixtures: In the bowl with the yolks, add the sifted flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder. Gently mix with a spatula until homogeneous. Then, carefully fold in the beaten egg whites, mixing gently to maintain the airiness of the batter. Finally, pour in the cappuccino and mix gently.

7. Preparing the molds: Preheat the oven to 190°C. Grease the muffin molds with oil and cocoa powder instead of flour for a more intense flavor and pleasant texture.

8. Filling the molds: Use a spoon to fill each muffin mold with a little of the batter. Then, place a piece of apricot in the center of each muffin, covering it with a layer of batter.

9. Baking: Place the molds in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the muffins are golden and firm to the touch. Perform the toothpick test: if it comes out clean, the muffins are ready.

10. Cooling and serving: Allow the muffins to cool for a few minutes, then remove them from the molds and place them on a rack to cool completely. Dust them with powdered sugar before serving for an elegant look.

Serving suggestions: These apricot muffins are delicious alongside a cup of cappuccino or fruit tea. You can serve them as breakfast, a snack, or dessert. Additionally, they are perfect for sharing with friends at a party or an afternoon coffee.

Tips and variations: You can experiment with various types of fruit, such as peaches, plums, or cherries, instead of apricots. You can also add chopped nuts or chocolate for an extra flavor boost. If you want to reduce calories, replace some of the oil with applesauce.

Nutritional benefits: These muffins are a good source of carbohydrates from the flour and fruit, while the eggs provide essential proteins. Cocoa is rich in antioxidants, and olive oil contains healthy fats beneficial for the heart.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other types of sugar?
Yes, you can replace powdered sugar with brown sugar or honey, but you will need to adjust the quantities.

2. How can I keep the muffins fresh for longer?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also freeze them for later use.

3. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of white flour?
Yes, but the texture of the muffins will be denser. We recommend mixing whole wheat flour with white flour for a lighter result.

Enjoy every bite of these apricot muffins, relishing every moment spent in the kitchen. These delights are more than just a dessert; they are an experience that will delight your senses!