Muffins with nuts and cream cheese

Nut and Cream Cheese Muffins - A Delicious Treat for Any Time of Day

Who doesn't love a fluffy muffin that delights your taste buds? This recipe for nut and cream cheese muffins is perfect for those moments when you want to indulge but don't have much time or the desire to cook. Even on a scorching summer day, when everything feels hectic, these muffins will be your culinary salvation.

Why try this recipe? Besides being simple and quick, nut muffins are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Nuts provide healthy fats, while carrots and apples add a touch of natural sweetness and vitamins.

Total time: 55 minutes (15 minutes preparation, 25 minutes baking, 15 minutes cooling)
Number of servings: 12 muffins

Ingredients for muffins:
- 250 g flour
- 100 g powdered milk
- 50 g finely ground nuts
- 100 g grated carrot
- 150 g grated apple
- 3 large eggs
- 1 packet baking powder
- 200 g semi-melted butter
- 250 g sugar
- A pinch of salt
- 3 tablespoons cold milk (optional)

Ingredients for cream cheese:
- 1 box Almette or Philadelphia cheese
- Powdered sugar, to taste

Step by Step:

1. Start with preparations: Preheat the oven to 180°C (or gas mark 4). Place the muffin molds on a baking tray. It's essential to use quality molds to achieve evenly baked muffins.

2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, powdered milk, ground nuts, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Gently mix with a spatula or whisk to ensure even distribution of the ingredients.

3. Add the wet ingredients: Now it's time to add the beaten eggs, semi-melted butter, grated carrot, and grated apple to the bowl with the dry ingredients. Mix everything with a spatula, being careful not to overmix. If the mixture seems too thick, you can add the 3 tablespoons of cold milk to thin it out.

4. Fill the molds: Use a spoon or ladle to pour the mixture into the prepared molds, filling them about 2/3 full. This will allow the muffins to rise beautifully.

5. Bake the muffins: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes. Check if they are done by doing the toothpick test: insert a toothpick in the center of a muffin; if it comes out clean, they are ready!

6. Cooling: Remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. This step is crucial as the ventilation will help maintain the fluffy texture.

7. Prepare the cream cheese: In a small bowl, beat the Almette or Philadelphia cheese with powdered sugar to taste. You can adjust the amount of sugar according to how sweet you like it.

8. Decorating the muffins: Once the muffins are completely cooled, use a spatula or piping bag to decorate each muffin with the cream cheese. You can also add some fresh fruit on top for an extra splash of color and flavor.

Serving suggestions: These nut and cream cheese muffins are perfect for a delicious breakfast or as a snack between meals. You can serve them alongside a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a fragrant tea. Also, for an extra treat, you can drizzle some chocolate glaze on top!

Tips and useful advice:
- Make sure the ingredients are at room temperature (especially the eggs and butter) to achieve a uniform mixture.
- If you want to add a different flavor, try incorporating some spices like cinnamon or nutmeg into the batter.
- You can replace the nuts with other types of nuts or seeds, such as almonds or sunflower seeds, depending on your preferences.

Nutritional benefits: These muffins are an excellent source of fiber thanks to the apples and carrots, while the nuts provide omega-3 fatty acids, benefiting heart health. Additionally, the creamy cheese adds a portion of calcium, essential for strong bones.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use whole wheat flour? Yes, you can replace part of the white flour with whole wheat flour to add more fiber.
- What can I do with leftovers? The muffins keep well in the fridge for 3-4 days and can be reheated in the microwave to enjoy them again.
- Can I freeze the muffins? Absolutely! You can freeze the muffins before decorating them. Place them in an airtight plastic bag and remove the air inside to prevent freezer burn.

These nut and cream cheese muffins are more than just a recipe; they are an invitation to fun in the kitchen, being easy to customize and full of delicious flavors. So gather your ingredients, turn on the oven, and enjoy every bite! Enjoy your meal!