Plum Muffins

Enjoy the authentic taste of plum muffins, a dessert that brings joy in every bite. These muffins are perfect as a snack, breakfast, or dessert, and the combination of juicy plums and fluffy batter makes them irresistible. Additionally, it is a simple recipe, perfect for any cooking enthusiast.

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

Necessary ingredients:
- 200 g butter (at room temperature, ideal for achieving a fluffy cream)
- 150 g sugar
- 1 pinch of salt (to balance the sweetness)
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar (an ingredient that adds a wonderful aroma)
- Lemon essence (a few drops, for a fresh taste)
- 4 eggs (at room temperature, for better integration into the batter)
- 500 g plums (washed, pitted, and cut into pieces)
- 250 g flour (ideal for baking, use good quality wheat flour)
- 1 baking powder (to give them a fluffy texture)

Necessary utensils:
- Electric mixer (or you can use a whisk if you want some extra physical exercise)
- Large bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Muffin tins (preferably with paper liners)
- Spatula or wooden spoon

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Make sure you have all the ingredients at room temperature. This will help achieve a homogeneous texture. Take the butter out of the fridge about 30 minutes before starting.

2. Butter cream: In a large bowl, add the soft butter, sugar, salt, vanilla sugar, and lemon essence. Using the mixer, beat the ingredients together on medium speed until the mixture becomes a fluffy cream. This is the base of your muffins, so ensure there are no lumps.

3. Adding the eggs: Add the eggs one by one, mixing well after each addition. This is an important step, as the eggs will help aerate the batter and make the muffins rise.

4. Mixing the dry ingredients: In another bowl, combine the flour with the baking powder. This mixture will ensure an even rise of the muffins.

5. Incorporating the dry ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the bowl with the butter and egg cream. Use a spatula or a wooden spoon to gently mix, so you avoid forming lumps. It’s normal to have a few small lumps, but don’t overmix.

6. Adding the plums: Once the batter is homogeneous, add the chopped plums. Gently mix to distribute them evenly in the batter. These fruits will add a delicious taste and extra moisture.

7. Preparing for baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Fill the muffin tins with batter using two spoons, filling them up to 2/3 full. This is important to allow the muffins to rise without overflowing.

8. Baking the muffins: Place the tins in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the muffins are golden and pass the toothpick test (when the toothpick comes out clean from the center of the muffin, they are ready).

9. Cooling and serving: After removing them from the oven, let the muffins cool in the tins for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving suggestions:
Plum muffins are delicious both warm and cold. You can serve them plain, dusted with a little powdered sugar, or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a more decadent dessert. A cup of tea or coffee pairs perfectly with these soft and fragrant muffins.

Possible variations:
If you want to experiment, you can replace the plums with other seasonal fruits, such as peaches or apples. You can also add chopped nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor.

Nutritional benefits:
Plum muffins are an excellent choice due to the fiber content from the fruit, which helps with digestion. The butter provides healthy fats, and the eggs are a good source of protein. However, it is important to consume these muffins in moderation, considering the added sugar.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use dried plums?
Yes, but they will need to be hydrated beforehand to avoid making the batter too dry.

2. What can I use instead of sugar?
You can experiment with natural sweeteners, such as honey or maple syrup, but you will need to adjust the amount of flour.

3. How can I store the muffins?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, or you can freeze them for longer storage.

Personal note:
This plum muffin recipe reminds me of mornings spent with family when the aroma of baked plums filled the house. I hope it brings you the same joy and smiles! Don’t forget to enjoy every step of the preparation, because cooking is as much about the experience as it is about the result.

Enjoy this simple yet delicious recipe, and let your imagination run wild! Bon appétit!