Banana muffins with tonka bean flavored glaze

Banana Muffins with Tonka Bean Glaze: A Delight to Enchant Your Senses

Total Preparation Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Baking Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 24 muffins

Introduction

Banana muffins with tonka bean glaze are an excellent choice for a delicious breakfast or a sweet snack in the middle of the day. These muffins are soft, fluffy, and bursting with flavor, thanks to the ripe bananas and creamy tonka glaze. Tonka is a new discovery that adds an exotic touch, with a flavor reminiscent of vanilla, but with hints of almond, pistachio, and thyme. If you haven't tried tonka yet, now is the time! Here’s how to prepare these wonderful muffins step by step.

Basic Ingredients

*For 24 muffins:*

- 400 grams all-purpose flour
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 3 large eggs
- 1 banana (blended)
- 100 grams butter (80% fat, at room temperature)
- 30 grams chopped almond flakes
- 200 ml Greek yogurt (10% fat)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 200 grams white or brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

*For the pear sauce:*

- 2 medium Williams pears
- 2 tablespoons muscovado sugar
- juice from half a lemon

*For the glaze:*

- 175 grams cream cheese (Hochland or Philadelphia)
- 150 ml heavy cream (30% fat)
- 3 teaspoons powdered vanilla sugar
- half a grated tonka bean

*For decoration:*

- colorful candy-coated chocolate eggs

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Preparing the Muffin Batter

1. Sifting the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, sift the flour to remove any lumps. Add the salt, baking soda, and sesame seeds. Mix the dry ingredients well to ensure the baking soda is evenly distributed.

2. Preparing the wet mixture: In another bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar until frothy and tripled in volume. Add the vanilla extract, melted butter (not hot), yogurt, and blended banana. Mix until you achieve a smooth batter.

3. Combining the ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, stirring with a spatula or mixing on low speed. Finally, fold in the almond flakes for added crunch.

Step 2: Baking the Muffins

1. Preparing the muffin tin: Line the muffin tray with paper liners. This step is important to prevent sticking and make serving easier.

2. Filling the cups: Use an ice cream scoop or a regular spoon to fill the cups with batter, leaving a little space at the top, as the muffins will rise during baking.

3. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Place the tray in the oven and bake the muffins for 35 minutes, or until they pass the toothpick test (when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean).

4. Cooling the muffins: Once baked, let the muffins cool in the tray for 5-10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 3: Preparing the Pear Sauce

1. Preparing the pears: Cut the pears into cubes and place them in a blender with the lemon juice. Blend until you achieve a smooth puree.

2. Cooking the puree: Transfer the puree to a saucepan, add the muscovado sugar, and stir occasionally until the sauce thickens slightly. This step is essential to intensify the flavors. Let the sauce cool.

Step 4: Preparing the Glaze

1. Whipping the cream: Use a mixer to whip the cream until it becomes stable. This will give the glaze an airy texture.

2. Combining with cream cheese: In another bowl, mix the cream cheese with the powdered vanilla sugar. Gradually add the whipped cream, folding gently to avoid deflating the cream.

3. Flavoring: Grate a little tonka bean into the mixture to add a special note. Refrigerate the glaze for about 30 minutes, during which it will firm up.

Step 5: Assembling the Muffins

1. Hollowing the muffins: Once the muffins are completely cooled, cut off the tops of each muffin (like a lid) and scoop out a small indentation in the center with a teaspoon.

2. Filling: Fill the indentation with the pear sauce. This will add an explosion of flavor and moisture to each muffin.

3. Decorating: Using a piping bag, create a border of glaze around the pear filling. Carefully place the muffin lid back on top and decorate with glaze and candy-coated chocolate eggs for a festive look.

Suggestions and Variations

If you don’t have tonka on hand, don’t worry! The muffins will be just as delicious without this ingredient. The flavor of the bananas and the cream cheese glaze combine perfectly, even without tonka. You can also try adding some nuts or dark chocolate to the batter for an even more diverse flavor.

Nutritional Benefits

These muffins are rich in fiber due to the bananas and whole wheat flour, while Greek yogurt adds a good source of protein. Additionally, pears are an excellent source of vitamins and antioxidants. However, it's best to enjoy the muffins in moderation, considering their sugar and fat content.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use other fruits instead of pears?
Yes, you can try using apples, peaches, or even berries. Each will add a unique flavor!

- How can I store the muffins?
The muffins store well at room temperature in an airtight container for 2-3 days. You can freeze them for longer storage.

- Can I make the muffins gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free flour, but make sure to add a binding agent like xanthan gum.

Serving and Pairing

These muffins are excellent served warm alongside a cup of coffee or tea. You can also drizzle a bit of honey or maple syrup for added sweetness. They pair wonderfully with vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

Conclusion

Banana muffins with tonka bean glaze are a delicious choice for any occasion. Whether you make them for a weekend morning or a party, these delightful muffins are sure to impress everyone. Try the recipe and let the natural flavors of the ingredients carry you away!