Muffins with apple and chocolate

Apple and Chocolate Muffins - A Sweet and Aromatic Delight

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 25-35 minutes
Number of servings: 12 muffins

Discover the magic of a fluffy muffin, enveloped in divine aromas of fresh apples and chocolate. This apple and chocolate muffin recipe is not just a simple combination of ingredients, but a true celebration of flavors that will sweeten your days and bring a smile to your face. Perfect for breakfast, a healthy snack, or a gathering with friends, these muffins are easy to make and absolutely delicious.

Necessary Ingredients:

- 100 g butter, at room temperature
- 100 g sugar
- 2 eggs, separated
- Seeds from 1 vanilla pod
- 1 teaspoon rum essence
- 150 ml milk
- 1 green apple (preferably larger), peeled and grated
- 1 red apple (preferably larger), peeled and grated
- Juice from 1 lemon
- 400 g flour
- 1 packet baking powder
- 100 g chocolate hazelnut cream

Step by Step for Perfect Muffins:

1. Preparing the oven and the tray: Start by preheating the oven to 190°C. This is the ideal temperature to achieve fluffy and perfectly browned muffins. Line a muffin tray with 12 special cups to prevent sticking and facilitate serving.

2. Mixing butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the soft butter with the sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture is creamy and pale white. This step is essential to incorporate the necessary air, making your muffins fluffier.

3. Adding the eggs: Add the egg yolks one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This will contribute to a smooth and rich texture. Then add the vanilla seeds and rum essence, mixing again to homogenize the flavors.

4. Including wet ingredients: Incorporate the milk, grated apples, and lemon juice into the butter mixture. The tartness of the lemon will balance the sweetness of the sugar and enhance the flavor of the apples.

5. Mixing dry ingredients: In another bowl, combine the flour with the baking powder. Mix well to ensure that the baking powder is evenly distributed. This step is essential to avoid lumps in the batter.

6. Incorporating the flour: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet composition, mixing with a spatula or wooden spoon. Be careful not to overmix; you want to keep it airy.

7. Beating the egg whites: In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form. This trick will add a light and fluffy texture to the muffins.

8. Including the egg whites: Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the flour mixture, mixing lightly to avoid losing volume. This is the key to airy muffins.

9. Filling the cups: Divide the batter into the 12 cups, filling each cup about 2/3 full. This will allow the muffins to rise beautifully in the oven.

10. Adding the chocolate: In the center of each muffin, add a teaspoon of chocolate hazelnut cream. This will create a delicious chocolate core that will melt the heart of each muffin.

11. Finalizing: Add a spoonful of batter on top of each muffin to cover them all. This step ensures that the chocolate will be well wrapped.

12. Baking: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake the muffins for 25-35 minutes, or until they are golden and risen. Check if they are baked by inserting a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, the muffins are ready.

13. Cooling and serving: After removing them from the oven, let the muffins cool in the tray for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack. Served warm, with a cup of tea or coffee, they are simply irresistible!

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

These muffins can be served plain or dusted with powdered sugar for an elegant look. Additionally, you can add chopped nuts or hazelnuts to the batter for extra texture. If you're a fan of combinations, try replacing the chocolate cream with a fruit jam or cottage cheese filling for a delicious variation.

Nutritional Information:

Each muffin contains approximately 180 calories, with a balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats. The apples add fiber and essential vitamins, while the chocolate hazelnut cream provides antioxidants and a rich taste.

Frequently Asked Questions:

- Can I use other types of apples? Absolutely! Red apples bring sweetness, while green ones provide a tart contrast.
- What can I use instead of chocolate cream? You can experiment with nut paste, peanut butter, or fruit jam.
- How can I store the muffins? Keep them in an airtight container to stay fresh for 3-4 days.

These apple and chocolate muffins are an excellent choice to bring joy to your life and those you love. Use this recipe as a base and experiment with your own variations. Cook with love and joy, and the result will be worth it!