Colorful muffins

Colorful Muffins – An Explosion of Joy and Flavor

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 15-18 minutes
Total time: 35-38 minutes
Number of servings: 24 muffins

The etymology of muffins takes us back to ancient times, where they were considered festive delicacies. These little fluffy treats are the perfection that combines soft texture with enticing flavors. Today, I will guide you step by step to prepare colorful muffins, perfectly suited for any party or special occasion.

Ingredients needed

For the muffins:
- 140 g butter, at room temperature
- 140 g brown sugar
- 3 eggs, separated
- 90 g flour
- 1 packet (10 g) baking powder
- 1 packet (40 g) caramel pudding powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For decoration:
- 500 g powdered sugar
- 6 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- Food coloring (choose your favorite colors)
- Cake decorations (stars, chocolate flakes, nuts, etc.)

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the oven and trays
Start by preheating the oven to 190 °C. Meanwhile, line two muffin trays, each with 12 slots, with special baking paper. This step is essential to prevent the muffins from sticking and for a flawless presentation.

Step 2: Making the batter
In a large bowl, add the softened butter and brown sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat the ingredients together until you achieve a creamy and fluffy mixture. This process will incorporate air into the batter, giving the muffins a light texture.

Then add the egg yolks and vanilla extract, continuing to mix until all ingredients are well combined.

Step 3: The dry ingredients
In another bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and caramel pudding powder. This mixture will add a delicate caramel flavor and help the muffins rise beautifully in the oven. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, mixing at low speed to avoid splattering.

Step 4: Beating the egg whites
In another bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until you obtain a firm foam. This is a crucial step, as the air in the egg whites will make the muffins extra fluffy. Once you have the foam, carefully fold the egg whites into the egg and flour mixture using a spatula. This will ensure an airy batter.

Step 5: Filling the trays
Fill the muffin cups halfway with the resulting mixture. This will allow the muffins to rise without overflowing. You can use a spoon or a pastry bag for easier and cleaner filling.

Step 6: Baking
Place the trays in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes or until the muffins are golden brown and pass the toothpick test (inserting a toothpick in the center of one should come out clean).

Step 7: Cooling
After the muffins are done, let them cool in the trays for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely. This step is important, as the glaze will not adhere to warm muffins.

Step 8: Preparing the glaze
In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar with lime juice. Gradually add the food coloring, mixing until you achieve the desired shade. The glaze should be fluid but not too thin; if necessary, you can adjust the consistency with a little water or powdered sugar.

Step 9: Decorating
Spread the prepared glaze on the muffins using a spatula or pastry brush. Then, decorate them with your favorite cake decorations. This step adds a personal and fun touch, and kids will love to help out!

Useful tips
- You can experiment with different flavors by adding lemon or orange zest to the batter.
- If you want a gluten-free version, you can use gluten-free flour and ensure that the baking powder is also gluten-free.
- For an extra filling, you can add chocolate chips or dried fruits to the muffin batter.

Nutritional benefits
These colorful muffins are not only delicious but also a source of energy. The butter and eggs provide healthy proteins and fats, while the brown sugar adds a hint of molasses, making it a better alternative to refined white sugar. The lime juice adds a splash of vitamin C, contributing to a refreshing taste.

Conclusion
Colorful muffins are perfect for any occasion: from birthday parties to gatherings with friends or simply as a sweet dessert to brighten your day. They are not only a feast for the taste buds but also a visual delight! Experiment with colors and decorations to make them unique. Served alongside a fruit tea or fresh lemonade, your muffins will surely be the stars of any meal. Enjoy!