Cherry Muffins

Cherry Muffins - a sweet and moist delight, perfect for tantalizing your taste buds! This simple and quick recipe will transport you to a world of flavors and textures, and the muffins will become the stars of any meal. They are wonderful for breakfast, snacks, or even light desserts. Use them as an opportunity to spend time in the kitchen, experimenting and enjoying every step of the preparation.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 20-25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 8 muffins

Ingredients:

- 4 large eggs
- 300 g sugar
- 170 ml oil (sunflower or olive, depending on your preference)
- 375 g wheat flour
- 250 g yogurt with 3.5% fat
- 1 packet baking powder
- 1 packet Finesse bourbon vanilla
- 200 g cherries (fresh or frozen)
- brown sugar (for rolling the cherries)
- silicone muffin molds
- muffin liners

A bit of history:
Muffins were originally created in France, with deep roots in pastry traditions. Over time, recipes diversified, and muffins became an international favorite, adapting to local tastes and ingredients. In this recipe, the cherries add a perfect touch of acidity, balancing the sweetness of the sugar snow.

Step by step:

1. Preparing the cherries: If using frozen cherries, take them out of the freezer the night before and let them drain in a colander to thaw. This step is essential to avoid the muffins becoming too wet.

2. Beat the eggs: In a large bowl, add the 4 large eggs. Use an electric mixer to beat them together with 300 g of sugar and the packet of bourbon vanilla. Continue mixing until the mixture lightens in color and increases in volume, about 3-5 minutes.

3. Add the oil: Gradually add 170 ml of oil, as if making mayonnaise. It is important to add the oil slowly while mixing constantly to achieve a fine emulsion.

4. Incorporate the yogurt: Once the oil is well incorporated, add 250 g of yogurt. Mix with a spatula or mixer until everything is homogenized.

5. Add the dry ingredients: Sift 375 g of flour together with 1 packet of baking powder. This step helps avoid lumps. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, being careful not to lose air from the batter.

6. Prepare the molds: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the silicone molds on a baking tray and put a muffin liner in each mold. This detail will make the muffins easier to remove and will facilitate cleanup.

7. Fill the molds: Use a spoon to fill each mold with the muffin batter, leaving about half of the mold empty. This will allow the muffins to rise beautifully.

8. Prepare the cherries: Roll the thawed cherries in brown sugar. This step not only adds a sweet flavor but also a crunchy texture on the outside.

9. Adding the cherries: Place three cherries in each muffin mold, pressing them gently into the batter. This will add a special charm and delicious flavor.

10. Baking: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake the muffins for 20-25 minutes or until they turn golden. You can check if they are baked by using a toothpick – if it comes out clean, the muffins are ready.

11. Cooling: After removing them from the oven, let the muffins cool in the molds for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Practical tips:
- If you want to add an extra note of flavor, you can replace some of the yogurt with cottage cheese, which will bring a creamy texture and richer taste.
- Instead of cherries, you can use other seasonal fruits, such as blueberries, raspberries, or even peach chunks.
- These muffins can be stored in an airtight container for 3-4 days, but they are best enjoyed fresh!

Delicious pairings:
These cherry muffins are wonderful served alongside fresh coffee or fragrant tea. You can pair them with vanilla ice cream to create a more sophisticated dessert.

Nutritional benefits:
Cherries are rich in vitamins A and C, making them an excellent antioxidant, while yogurt provides a source of probiotics and calcium, contributing to healthy digestion.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I replace the eggs? Yes, you can use plant-based substitutes for eggs, such as banana puree or a mixture of flaxseeds with water (1 tablespoon of flaxseeds + 3 tablespoons of water).
- Can I freeze the muffins? Yes, the muffins can be frozen. Make sure they are completely cooled before placing them in freezer bags.

Enjoy every bite of these cherry muffins! It's a dessert that will make you come back to this recipe, considering how easy and delicious it is to prepare. Don't forget to share this recipe with friends and enjoy their feedback!