Cheese Muffins

Cheese and Apple Juice Muffins

When it comes to light and delicious desserts, cheese and apple juice muffins are definitely an excellent choice. These muffins are a modern reinterpretation of the classic golden gugelhupf, but with a twist that makes them favorites among children. With a fluffy interior filled with the sweet and tangy flavors of apples, these muffins are perfect for a snack, a quick breakfast, or even for a festive meal.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients:

- 3 large eggs
- 200 g sugar
- 150 g butter (at room temperature)
- 250 g cottage cheese
- 4 tablespoons freshly squeezed apple juice
- 200 g flour
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt

Before you start, make sure all the ingredients are at room temperature. This step is essential for achieving a uniform and airy texture.

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by preparing all the ingredients. Break the eggs into a large bowl and add the sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Use an electric mixer to beat the mixture for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes light in color and doubles in volume. It is important to be patient in this step, as the incorporated air will make the muffins fluffy.

2. Adding the wet ingredients: Once the eggs are beaten enough, add the apple juice and soft butter. Mix until everything is homogenized. Then, integrate the cottage cheese. If the cheese is wetter, you can drain it a bit before using, but it's not mandatory. This will add a creamy texture and a delicious taste.

3. Combining the dry ingredients: In another bowl, sift the flour, cornstarch, and baking powder. This step will help avoid lumps in the batter. Start adding the dry ingredient mixture gradually to the wet composition, mixing with a spatula or wooden spoon. Be gentle not to lose the air in the mixture.

4. Preparing the muffin tin: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Prepare a muffin tray with 12 molds, which you can grease with butter or line with baking paper. This step will prevent the muffins from sticking and will make it easier to remove them from the molds.

5. Filling the molds: Pour the batter into the muffin molds, filling them to about 2/3 of their capacity. This way, the muffins will have enough room to rise beautifully during baking.

6. Baking: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake the muffins for 25-30 minutes, or until they turn golden and a tester inserted in the center comes out clean. Be careful in the last minutes of baking, as each oven behaves differently.

7. Cooling and serving: Once the muffins are baked, remove the tray from the oven and let them cool for 5-10 minutes in the tray. Then, carefully take them out and let them cool completely on a rack. Before serving, you can dust the muffins with powdered sugar for an attractive appearance and an extra touch of sweetness.

Helpful tip: If you want to add a touch of originality, you can try adding some freshly cut apple pieces or chopped nuts to the batter. These ingredients will add texture and an even more refined taste.

Nutritional benefits: These muffins are a healthier choice due to the cottage cheese, which is rich in protein, and the apple juice, which provides antioxidants and vitamins. With a relatively low fat content compared to other desserts, they can be a lighter option.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I replace cottage cheese with another type of cheese?
Yes, you can use ricotta or mascarpone cheese for a different taste.

- How can I keep the muffins fresh for longer?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature.

- Can I use other types of juice?
Of course! Orange or pineapple juice can add a tropical flavor to your muffins.

Ideal combinations: These muffins pair perfectly with a fruit tea or a flavored latte. Also, a scoop of vanilla ice cream served alongside can turn the dessert into an unforgettable culinary experience.

In conclusion, cheese and apple juice muffins are not just a simple dessert but an opportunity to experiment with diverse flavors and textures. Whether you prepare them for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself, these muffins will surely impress everyone. Enjoy them with pleasure!