Chocolate muffins with Swiss meringue

Chocolate Muffins with Swiss Meringue: an irresistible combination of flavors, textures, and colors that will make you feel like a true pastry master. These muffins are not just a delicious snack, but also a perfect dessert for any occasion, from brunches with friends to quiet evenings at home.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 24 muffins

A Brief History

Muffins have a fascinating history, originating from European cuisine, where they have evolved over time to become popular desserts worldwide. Combined with Swiss meringue, this dish becomes a true culinary masterpiece. The Swiss meringue, with its silky texture and sweet taste, perfectly complements the intense chocolate of the muffins.

Ingredients

For muffins (24 servings):
- 280 grams of all-purpose flour
- 150 grams of brown sugar
- 4 free-range eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 50 grams of cocoa powder
- 250 ml of Greek yogurt (for a creamy texture)
- 145 ml of grape oil (or another neutral oil)
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 4 tablespoons of cranberry jam (for an extra fruity touch)

For the Swiss meringue buttercream:
- 2 egg whites (from fresh free-range eggs)
- 80 grams of granulated sugar
- 125 grams of butter with 80% fat, at room temperature
- A pinch of salt
- 2-3 teaspoons of Chai Latte (for flavor)

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Making the muffins
1. Start by sifting the flour into a large bowl. Sift the cocoa powder as well to avoid lumps. Mix the two ingredients with a spatula, adding the salt and baking powder.
2. In another bowl, beat the eggs with the brown sugar and vanilla sugar using an electric mixer. Continue mixing until the mixture becomes fluffy and light in color.
3. Add the oil and yogurt to the wet ingredients bowl. Mix until everything is well combined.
4. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring with a spatula or mixing on low speed until you achieve a uniform batter.
5. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and prepare the muffin tray with special papers.
6. Use an ice cream scoop to evenly distribute the batter into the muffin molds, filling each mold with about two tablespoons of batter.
7. Place the tray in the oven and bake the muffins for 30 minutes, or until they pass the toothpick test. A toothpick inserted in the center of a muffin should come out clean.
8. After baking, allow the muffins to cool completely on a wire rack before decorating.

Step 2: Making the Swiss meringue buttercream
1. In a large metal or glass bowl, combine the egg whites, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Place the bowl over a double boiler, ensuring the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water.
2. Whisk the mixture with a whisk, inserting a kitchen thermometer. Continue whisking until the mixture reaches 70 degrees Celsius.
3. Once it reaches this temperature, remove the bowl from the heat and beat on high speed for 8-10 minutes, until the mixture cools completely and becomes fluffy.
4. Gradually add the cubed butter, mixing well after each cube to ensure perfect incorporation.
5. Finally, fold in the Chai Latte for a subtle flavor and a hint of color.
6. Use a piping bag to decorate the muffins with this delicious cream.

Chef's Tip

For an extra flavor boost, you can add chocolate chips to the muffin batter or replace the cranberry jam with another type of jam for a different taste experience. Also, to enhance the aroma, you can add a splash of vanilla extract to the buttercream.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of oil can I use instead of grape oil?
You can use any neutral oil, such as sunflower oil or canola oil.

Can I make these muffins gluten-free?
Yes, you can replace the wheat flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but make sure to also use a binding agent, such as xanthan gum.

How long can I keep the muffins?
The muffins keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them.

Serving Suggestions

These muffins are delicious served alongside a cup of tea or coffee. You can also add some fresh fruit or vanilla ice cream for a more extravagant dessert.

Nutritional Benefits

The muffins contain nutritious ingredients, such as Greek yogurt, which provides a good amount of protein and calcium. Cocoa is rich in antioxidants, and the cranberry jam adds a boost of vitamins and minerals.

In conclusion, chocolate muffins with Swiss meringue are a wonderful choice for any sweet tooth. Preparing these treats is not only a pleasure but also an opportunity to experiment and add a personal touch to your recipe. So put on your apron and let’s enjoy cooking!