Easter Muffins

Easter Muffins - The Delight of Spring

Spring brings not only flowers and sunshine but also the joy of Easter celebrations. And what could be more fitting to celebrate these special moments than a serving of delicious and colorful muffins? These Easter muffins are not only a quick and simple dessert to make but also a true explosion of flavors, combining the sweetness of candied cherries with the fine texture of almonds and the fresh aroma of citrus. Let's discover this captivating recipe together, step by step!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 20-30 minutes
Total: Approximately 50 minutes
Number of servings: 12 muffins

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 100 g butter, at room temperature
- 150 g brown sugar
- 1 packet of bourbon vanilla sugar
- 6 eggs, separated
- Zest and juice of 1 orange
- 2 teaspoons vanilla essence
- 360 g flour
- 1 packet of baking powder
- 100 g ground almonds
- 260 g candied cherries, finely chopped

For decoration:

Egg decoration:
- 100 g powdered sugar mixed with 1-2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Egg-shaped candies

Chick muffins with whipped cream:
- 100 ml liquid cream
- 100 g lightly toasted coconut
- 3 whole almonds
- Red candies/jellies

Chick muffins with cheese:
- 500 g Quark or other creamy cheese
- 1 packet of vanilla pudding
- 250 ml milk
- 200 g powdered sugar
- 1 packet of Finesse Bourbon-Vanilla Aroma
- 100 g lightly toasted coconut
- 3 whole almonds
- Candies/jellies

Preparation

1. Preparing the oven and trays:
Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. Line 1-2 muffin trays with special molds to ensure the muffins come out easily after baking.

2. Butter cream:
In a large bowl, beat the butter with the brown sugar and bourbon vanilla sugar until you achieve a creamy and homogeneous mixture. This step is essential to ensure a fluffy texture for the muffins.

3. Adding wet ingredients:
Incorporate the egg yolks, the zest and juice of the orange, and the vanilla essence. Mix well until all ingredients are integrated.

4. Dry ingredients:
In another bowl, mix the flour with the baking powder and ground almonds. Gradually add this mixture to the yolk mixture, stirring until a uniform composition is obtained.

5. Beating the egg whites:
Crack the eggs and separate the whites, adding a pinch of salt. Beat the egg whites until they become firm and shiny. This step will help the muffins to be light and fluffy.

6. Combining ingredients:
Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the dough mixture, being careful not to deflate them. Then, add the finely chopped candied cherries and mix gently.

7. Filling the trays:
Evenly distribute the dough into the muffin molds, filling them about 2/3 full. This will allow the muffins to rise beautifully during baking.

8. Baking:
Place the muffins in the preheated oven and bake for 20-30 minutes or until golden and passing the toothpick test (when the toothpick comes out clean, the muffins are ready).

Decoration

Once the muffins have cooled, it’s time to decorate them!

Egg muffins:
To create the egg muffins, mix the powdered sugar with lemon juice to obtain a glossy glaze. Spread the glaze on each muffin and place 3 egg-shaped candies on top.

Chick muffins with whipped cream:
Whip the liquid cream until it becomes firm. Remove the muffins from the molds and turn them upside down. Cover them with the whipped cream, sprinkle with toasted coconut, and place an almond for the "beak," using red jellies for the feet.

Chick muffins with cheese:
Prepare the pudding according to the instructions on the package, let it cool, then mix it with the creamy cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla essence. Cover the muffins with the cheese cream, sprinkle with coconut, and place an almond and jellies for decoration.

Helpful tips

- Choosing ingredients: Opt for quality butter and brown sugar to achieve a rich taste and perfect texture. Buy candied cherries from a trusted supplier for the best results.
- Gluten-free option: You can replace the flour with gluten-free flour to make these muffins accessible to those with intolerances.
- Serving: These muffins are perfect to be served at an Easter meal or as a sweet snack alongside a cup of fragrant tea or coffee.

Nutritional benefits

These muffins are a delicious combination of carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats, thanks to the almonds and cheese. The candied cherries add a boost of vitamins and antioxidants, making this dessert not only a culinary delight but also a healthier choice.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other candied fruits? Yes, you can replace the cherries with other candied fruits, such as apricots or raisins, to add various flavors.
2. How can I store the muffins? These muffins store well in airtight containers at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them.
3. Can I make the muffins without sugar? You can use natural sweeteners, such as honey or maple syrup, but adjust the quantities according to your preferences.

These Easter muffins are a symbol of tradition and the joy of spending time with loved ones. Try this recipe full of flavors and colors, and turn the holidays into a truly memorable experience!