Cherry muffins with mascarpone cream and lime

Cherry muffins with mascarpone cream and lime - a dessert that perfectly combines the fresh and sweet flavors of cherries with the delicacy and creaminess of mascarpone cream, all enhanced by a splash of lime. This quick and simple dessert is ideal for any occasion, from a party with friends to a relaxing afternoon at home.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 45-50 minutes
Number of servings: 26 muffins

Ingredients needed for muffins:
- 3 eggs (preferably at room temperature)
- 500 ml milk
- 100 ml oil (choose a neutral oil, such as sunflower oil)
- 350 g sugar
- 500-520 g flour (white wheat flour is the best choice)
- 15 g baking powder
- 1 pinch of salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla essence (or natural extract for a more intense flavor)
- Zest of 1/2 lime
- Fresh cherries (about 300 g), washed and pitted

Ingredients needed for cream:
- 250 g mascarpone
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
- Zest of 1/2 lime

Preparing the muffins:

1. Preparing the cherries: Start by washing the cherries with cold water. Then, pit them and let them drain in a sieve. This step is essential to avoid excess moisture in the muffins.

2. Preparing the mixture: Separate the eggs, keeping the yolks and whites in a bowl. Beat the yolks with the sugar in a large bowl using an electric mixer until the mixture becomes light in color and doubles in volume (about 4-5 minutes).

3. Combining the ingredients: Beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until you get a firm foam. Slowly fold the egg whites into the yolk mixture, being careful not to lose the air in the mixture.

4. Adding the liquids: Slowly drizzle in the oil while continuing to mix at low speed. Then, add the vanilla essence, lime zest, and milk.

5. Incorporating the dry ingredients: Sift the flour together with the baking powder and gradually fold them into the wet mixture. Mix gently until you obtain a homogeneous mixture with a consistency similar to a cake batter.

6. Filling the tray: Preheat the oven to 180°C. In a muffin tray, place paper liners and fill them up to 3/4 with the above mixture. Add a few cherries on top of each muffin.

7. Baking: Place the tray in the preheated oven and let the muffins bake for 25-30 minutes, until they turn golden and pass the toothpick test (when you insert it in the middle and it comes out clean).

8. Cooling: Once baked, remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack.

Preparing the cream:

1. Mixing the mascarpone: In a clean bowl, mix the mascarpone with the powdered sugar until creamy. Then, add the vanilla essence and lime zest, mixing gently until combined.

2. Decorating the muffins: Use a piping bag or spatula to create flowers or peaks of cream on each cooled muffin. For a special touch, you can sprinkle some coconut flakes or grated coconut on top.

3. Final cooling: Place the decorated muffins in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to firm up the cream.

Serving and variations:

These cherry muffins with mascarpone cream and lime are perfect for serving as a dessert at a family meal or at a party. You can pair them with a fruit tea or a light white wine to complete the culinary experience.

To add a personal touch, you can replace the cherries with other seasonal fruits, such as raspberries or blueberries, or use a combination of fruits for a visually pleasing effect.

Calories and nutritional benefits:

Each muffin has approximately 150-200 calories, depending on the size and ingredients used. The muffins are a source of carbohydrates, while the mascarpone cream adds healthy fats, protein, and calcium. Cherries, besides their delicious taste, are rich in antioxidants and vitamins.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use other types of cheese instead of mascarpone?
A: Yes, you can use cream cheese or Greek yogurt for a healthier option, but the taste will be different.

2. How can I keep the muffins longer?
A: Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the refrigerator for a week.

3. What can I do with leftover muffins?
A: You can turn them into a trifle, alternating layers of muffins with cream and fruit in a glass.

These cherry muffins with mascarpone cream and lime are not only a delight for the taste buds but also a visual pleasure. I encourage you to try them and personalize them to your taste! Enjoy your meal!