Fluffy cupcakes with cranberries and raisins

Fluffy muffins with cranberries and raisins - a delicious and simple recipe!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 12 muffins

Do you want to delight your family and friends with a delicious dessert that is also easy to prepare? Fluffy muffins with cranberries and raisins are the perfect choice! These cupcakes not only look wonderful, but they are also full of flavors, making them ideal for any occasion.

Recipe history:
Muffins have a rich history, with roots in culinary traditions that date back centuries. Over time, they have evolved from simple cakes to the sophisticated ones we know today. The addition of dried fruits, such as raisins and cranberries, not only enriches the flavor but also adds a touch of elegance to your dessert.

Ingredients:
For the cupcakes:
- 250 g flour (the dough should be a bit thicker)
- 150 g granulated sugar
- 100 g butter, at room temperature
- 100 ml milk
- 3 eggs
- 50 g raisins
- 50 g cranberries
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar
- 1 packet of baking powder
- a pinch of salt
- ½ bottle of rum essence
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract (preferably homemade)

For the topping:
- 250 ml whipped cream
- 2 teaspoons of powdered vanilla sugar (depending on personal preference)
- 20 g cranberries for decoration

Preparation:
1. Preparing the ingredients: Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature. This helps achieve a fluffy texture. Also, put half a cup of water to boil.

2. Rehydrating the fruits: When the water boils, remove it from the heat and add the raisins and cranberries. Add the rum essence and let them soak while you prepare the dough.

3. Creating the dough base: In a food processor or a large bowl, place the softened butter along with the sugar, salt, and vanilla sugar. Mix on high speed until the mixture becomes creamy and the sugar dissolves completely.

4. Adding the eggs: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. It is important to add them one at a time to avoid the mixture curdling.

5. Incorporating the dry ingredients: Gradually add the flour, alternating with the milk. Mix well, either with a mixer or by hand, until you obtain a homogeneous, thicker dough.

6. Adding the fruits: Drain the raisins and cranberries of excess water and incorporate them into the dough, along with the vanilla extract.

7. Preparing the oven: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Place paper liners in the muffin tray.

8. Pouring the dough: Fill the liners with about 2 tablespoons of the mixture, making sure to fill them three-quarters full.

9. Baking: Place the tray in the preheated oven and let the muffins bake for 25 minutes. At 20 minutes, you can check with a toothpick if they are done; if the toothpick comes out clean, the muffins are baked.

10. Preparing the topping: While the muffins cool, whip the cream with the powdered vanilla sugar until you achieve a firm consistency.

11. Decorating: Once the muffins are completely cooled, decorate them with whipped cream and sprinkle cranberries on top for an extra touch of flavor and color.

Practical tips:
- Oil or butter? While butter provides a richer taste, you can also use oil to make the muffins less greasy.
- Don’t overmix! Overmixing the dough can lead to dense muffins; mix only until the ingredients are combined.
- Variations: You can experiment with other dried fruits, such as apricots or dates, or you can add ground nuts for a different taste and texture.

Perfect pairings:
These fluffy muffins with cranberries and raisins go wonderfully with a cup of tea or aromatic coffee. You can also serve them alongside vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

Nutritional benefits:
These muffins are high in fiber due to the dried fruits, providing an energy boost. Cranberries are known for their antioxidant properties, while raisins are an excellent source of natural sugars and minerals.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use whole wheat flour? Yes, but you may need to adjust the amount of milk because whole wheat flour absorbs more moisture.
- Why is rum essence added? It adds a deep and complex flavor to the muffins, enriching the tasting experience.
- Can I make the muffins without sugar? You can substitute sugar with natural sweeteners, but you may need to adjust the dough's texture.

Let the aroma of these fluffy muffins with cranberries and raisins carry you away and enjoy every bite. Enjoy your meal!