Muffins with sour cherry jam

Cherry Jam Muffins

Are you looking for a quick and delicious dessert to delight your taste buds? Cherry jam muffins are the perfect choice! These fluffy treats, filled with tart jam and a hint of cocoa, are ideal for any occasion, whether it's a brunch with friends, a family gathering, or simply to indulge your taste buds.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 24 muffins

Necessary Ingredients

- 400 ml milk (at room temperature for better texture)
- 3 eggs (at room temperature)
- 100 g butter (melted and cooled)
- 200 g sugar
- 4 sachets of vanilla sugar
- Approximately 20 tablespoons of flour (amount may vary)
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder (activated with lemon juice)
- Grated zest of one lemon
- A few drops of rum essence (optional, but recommended for a richer flavor)
- 3 tablespoons of cocoa (for color and flavor contrast)
- Cherry jam (for filling, as tart as possible)

Preparing the Muffins

Step 1: Preparing the Batter

1. Heating the ingredients: Ensure that the eggs, melted butter, and milk are at room temperature. This will help achieve a more homogeneous and fluffy batter.

2. Beating the eggs: In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar and vanilla sugar until frothy. Use a mixer or whisk to achieve an airy and creamy mixture.

3. Adding the butter: Pour the melted (but cooled) butter into the egg mixture and mix well until fully incorporated.

4. Incorporating the dry ingredients: Gradually add the baking powder activated with lemon juice and the milk, mixing constantly.

5. Flour and flavors: Sift the flour and add it gradually, mixing gently. Add the lemon zest and rum essence. The batter should be slightly thicker than sour cream. If the batter is too soft, adjust with a little flour; if too thick, loosen it with milk.

Step 2: Preparing the Muffins

6. Preparing the cocoa mixture: Take a cup of batter and mix it with the 3 tablespoons of cocoa, creating a dark mixture.

7. Preparing the tray: Grease the muffin tray with butter and dust it with flour to prevent sticking. You can also use paper muffin liners for a nicer presentation.

8. Filling the cups: Fill each cup with batter, leaving space for the jam filling. Add a teaspoon of cherry jam over the batter, then place a teaspoon of the cocoa mixture on top.

Step 3: Baking

9. Baking the muffins: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Place the tray in the oven and let the muffins bake for 10-15 minutes. Check if they are done with a toothpick – it should come out clean.

10. Cooling and decorating: Remove the muffins from the tray while they are still warm. You can decorate them with sprinkles: brush them with honey and sprinkle colorful candies for a festive look.

Practical Tips

- Gluten-free version: You can replace the flour with a gluten-free option, such as almond flour or rice flour, to make this recipe accessible to everyone.
- Filling: Instead of cherry jam, try strawberry or peach jam for a different variation.
- Serving: These muffins are delicious served warm, but they can also be kept in the fridge to be enjoyed the next day.

Nutritional Benefits

Cherry jam muffins are a source of energy due to the sugar and carbohydrates from the flour, providing a quick energy boost. Cherries bring antioxidants and vitamins, supporting the immune system.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use another type of oil instead of butter?
Yes, you can use coconut oil or vegetable oil, but the taste will be different.

2. Can the muffins be frozen?
Yes, these muffins can be frozen! Make sure to let them cool completely before wrapping them in plastic wrap.

3. How can I make the muffins less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar by 25-30% without significantly affecting the texture or moisture of the muffins.

4. What drink pairs well with these muffins?
These muffins are delicious alongside a freshly brewed cup of coffee or a fruit tea, which will complement the sweet-tart flavor.

Personal Note

When I make these muffins, I remember the moments spent in the kitchen with my grandmother, who always added a dash of love to every recipe. I recommend trying to add a secret ingredient, maybe a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg, to give them a personal touch.

Whether you enjoy them for breakfast or as a quick dessert, cherry jam muffins are definitely a sweet treat you don't want to miss! Enjoy!