Butterfly muffins

The joy of cooking and surprising loved ones with sweet delicacies is a magical experience, and butterfly muffins are a perfect choice to bring a touch of happiness to every day. This simple and quick dessert is not only a pleasure for the taste buds but also a visual delight, with a playful appearance that will spark admiration from children and beyond.

Over time, muffins have evolved from a simple breakfast item to a versatile delicacy, perfect for any occasion. This butterfly muffin recipe, inspired by cooking shows and my niece's ingenuity, brings a fresh and creative air to the kitchen. Let's get to work!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 20-25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 12 muffins

Ingredients

For muffins:
- 1 small cup of yogurt (about 150 g)
- 2 cups of sugar (about 400 g)
- 3 cups of flour (about 450 g)
- 1 cup of oil (about 250 ml)
- A pinch of salt
- 1/2 packet of baking powder (about 7 g)

For filling:
- 1 packet of vanilla pudding (about 40 g)
- 3 tablespoons of sugar (about 40 g)
- 500 ml of milk

For decoration:
- Strawberry jam (or any other preferred jam)
- Powdered sugar (optional, for decoration)

Preparation steps

1. Preparing the ingredients:
Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. Make sure you have a large mixing bowl, a spatula or whisk, a muffin tin, and baking papers. If you don't have baking papers, you can use the muffin molds directly, but I recommend greasing them with a little oil to prevent sticking.

2. Mixing the ingredients:
In a large bowl, add the yogurt, sugar, oil, and salt. Mix well with the whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Then, incorporate the flour and baking powder, mixing gently until there are no lumps. Do not overmix, as the muffins may become dense.

3. Filling the muffin molds:
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius (160 degrees for fan ovens). Fill the muffin molds with the mixture, leaving about 1/3 of the height of the mold empty, as the muffins will rise during baking.

4. Baking the muffins:
Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the muffins are golden and pass the toothpick test (a toothpick inserted in the middle of a muffin should come out clean).

5. Preparing the pudding:
While the muffins are baking, prepare the pudding according to the instructions on the packet. Usually, this involves boiling the milk, then adding the pudding and sugar, stirring continuously until it thickens. Let the pudding cool to room temperature.

6. Assembling the muffins:
Once the muffins have completely cooled, cut a small cap off the top of each muffin and gently scoop out the inside with a spoon or knife, leaving a hollow space for the filling. Fill each muffin with pudding, then cut the caps in half and place them over the pudding so that they resemble wings.

7. Decorating:
Add, if desired, a teaspoon of strawberry jam on top of the pudding for extra flavor and a more attractive appearance. You can sprinkle powdered sugar for an elegant and sweet decoration.

Serving suggestions
Butterfly muffins are perfect for serving at a children's party, a picnic, or simply as a sweet snack during the day. You can pair them with fresh lemonade or flavored tea to create an unforgettable culinary experience.

Nutritional information
Each muffin contains approximately 180-200 calories, depending on the ingredients used and the portion size. These muffins are rich in carbohydrates, providing quick energy, while the yogurt adds a considerable amount of protein, calcium, and probiotics, beneficial for digestion.

Possible variations
For a healthier version, you can replace part of the oil with applesauce or banana puree. Additionally, adding chocolate chips or nuts to the muffin mixture can bring a new level of flavor. If you enjoy flavors, you can add a few drops of vanilla essence or lemon zest to the batter.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use Greek yogurt instead of plain yogurt?
Yes, Greek yogurt will add extra creaminess to the muffins, but make sure to use a similar amount.

- How can I keep the muffins longer?
Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the refrigerator for 5-7 days. You can freeze them to keep them longer.

- Can they be made gluten-free?
Yes, you can replace wheat flour with a gluten-free flour, but make sure to use a flour blend that contains binding agents.

Butterfly muffins are not only a simple recipe but also an excellent way to spend quality time in the kitchen, sharing moments of joy with loved ones. I hope this recipe inspires you to create, experiment, and bring smiles to the faces of those you love!