Cupcakes with mascarpone

Fluffy muffins with mascarpone and chocolate: a sweet indulgence for any time of the day

Who doesn't love a fluffy muffin that brightens their day? These muffins with mascarpone and chocolate are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. Perfect for breakfast, a sweet snack, or even as a dessert at a festive meal, these muffins are a true treat. Let's embark together on a journey of flavors and discover how to create a quick and tasty dessert!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 20-25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Servings: 12 muffins

Essential ingredients:
- 250 g flour
- 250 g mascarpone (for a creamy texture and rich taste)
- 100 g melted butter (ensures fluffiness)
- 180 g sugar (helps caramelize the muffins)
- 3 eggs (the perfect binder between ingredients)
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar (for a hint of flavor)
- 1 packet of baking powder (helps achieve fluffy muffins)
- 100 g milk (to enrich the batter)
- 6 squares of dark chocolate (ideally with orange zest, for an intense flavor)
- Rum or rum essence (a secret ingredient that adds depth)
- Lime zest (for a touch of freshness)
- 100 g chopped nuts (optional, but recommended for texture)

Preparing the muffins:

Step 1: Preparing the ingredients
Start by gathering all the ingredients and preheating the oven to 180°C. Make sure the butter is melted and cooled, and the mascarpone is at room temperature. These details will help the batter mix much better.

Step 2: Beating the eggs
In a large bowl, beat the whole eggs well with the sugar until the mixture becomes fluffy and a bright white. It’s important to invest a few minutes here, as the incorporated air will help the muffins rise.

Step 3: Adding flavors
Add the vanilla sugar, a few drops of rum essence, and the mascarpone. Mix everything until you get a homogeneous composition. The creamy texture of the mascarpone will add a touch of luxury to your muffins.

Step 4: Enriching the mixture
Next, incorporate the melted butter and milk. Mix gently but carefully, so as not to lose the air in the batter. If you find the mixture too dense, feel free to add the two extra tablespoons of milk.

Step 5: The dry ingredients
In another bowl, sift the flour together with the baking powder. This is an essential step to avoid lumps in the batter. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet composition, mixing gently until everything combines.

Step 6: Chocolate and nuts
Grate the dark chocolate on a large grater and mix it with a tablespoon of flour. This simple technique will prevent the chocolate pieces from sinking to the bottom of the muffins during baking. Add the chocolate and chopped nuts to the batter and grate the lime zest to give it a fresh flavor. Mix carefully.

Step 7: Filling the molds
Prepare the muffin molds with baking papers or grease them with butter and sprinkle a bit of flour. Fill the molds about 2/3 of the way with the obtained composition. On top, you can sprinkle colorful candies for an attractive look, but this step is optional.

Step 8: Baking
Place the muffins in the preheated oven and let them bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they turn golden and pass the toothpick test (when you insert a toothpick in the middle, it should come out clean).

Step 9: Cooling and serving
After the muffins are baked, let them cool for a few minutes in the tray, then transfer them to a rack to cool completely. If desired, you can dust them with sugar for an elegant look.

Did you know?
Muffins have an interesting history, known in various forms for centuries. They have evolved from simple small cakes to the most sophisticated combinations of flavors and textures we see today. Whether you enjoy them with a cup of coffee or a fragrant tea, muffins are always an excellent choice.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use another type of cheese instead of mascarpone?
Yes, you can experiment with cottage cheese or ricotta, but the taste will be different.

2. How can I adapt the recipe to be gluten-free?
Replace regular flour with gluten-free flour and make sure the baking powder is also gluten-free.

3. What else could I add to the batter?
Dried fruits, nuts, or chia seeds can be excellent additions.

Nutritional values (per muffin, approximately):
Calories: 200 kcal
Protein: 3g
Fat: 9g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 1g

These fluffy muffins with mascarpone and chocolate are not only a delight for the taste buds but also an opportunity to explore creativity in the kitchen. Don't forget to share the result with your loved ones, whether you offer them as a sweet surprise in a package or serve them alongside a hot coffee. Enjoy!