Pumpkin Muffins

Delicious pumpkin muffins with mascarpone cream

Autumn brings us a rich palette of flavors and seasonal ingredients, and pumpkin muffins are a perfect way to showcase them. These muffins are fluffy, aromatic, and accompanied by a fine mascarpone cream, making them an unforgettable dessert. It is a simple recipe but with an impressive result, perfect for serving at a coffee with friends or at a festive meal.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 15 muffins

Ingredients

For the muffins:
- 270 g pumpkin (about ½ medium pumpkin)
- 2 large eggs
- 4 tablespoons raw sugar (I recommend Sano Vita for a more intense flavor)
- A pinch of salt
- 65 g butter (at room temperature)
- 180 g white flour
- 5 g baking powder
- 2 tablespoons water

For the cream:
- 125 g mascarpone cream
- 100 ml liquid cream
- 3 g natural orange food coloring powder (optional, for a vibrant appearance)

For decoration:
- Sugar pearls (to taste)
- Dark chocolate decorations (to taste)

Preparation

1. Preparing the pumpkin: Start by peeling the pumpkin. Cut it into small pieces and grate it. This will add a moist texture and a natural sweet flavor to your muffins.

2. Cooking the pumpkin: Place the grated pumpkin in a pot, add two tablespoons of water and two tablespoons of raw sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the pumpkin softens (about 10-15 minutes). Allow the mixture to cool, then puree it with a blender until you achieve a smooth and creamy puree.

3. Preparing the batter: In a large bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until frothy. Gradually add two tablespoons of raw sugar and continue beating until you achieve a firm meringue. In another bowl, combine the egg yolks with the softened butter and pumpkin puree. Mix well, then incorporate the flour and baking powder.

4. Combining the ingredients: Combine the two mixtures, that is, the meringue and the pumpkin mixture. Use a spatula to gently fold in from top to bottom to maintain the aeration of the batter. It is important not to overmix, so the muffins remain fluffy.

5. Baking the muffins: Preheat the oven to 180°C (medium heat). Prepare a muffin tray with baking papers. Fill each compartment with the batter, leaving a little space for rising. Bake the muffins for about 20 minutes or until they pass the toothpick test. Leaving a toothpick in the center of a muffin, it should come out clean.

6. Preparing the cream: For the mascarpone cream, whip the liquid cream with a mixer until firm. Gradually incorporate it into the mascarpone cream, mixing gently to achieve a smooth cream. If desired, you can add the natural coloring for a more appealing appearance.

7. Decorating the muffins: Once the muffins have completely cooled, fill a piping bag with both creams (white and orange) and creatively decorate each muffin. You can add sugar pearls and dark chocolate decorations on top for a festive look.

Useful tips:
- Make sure the pumpkin is well cooked before pureeing; undercooked pumpkin will affect the texture of the muffins.
- You can substitute raw sugar with regular sugar or natural alternatives for a healthier dessert.
- If you don’t have natural coloring, you can opt to decorate the muffins with nuts or melted chocolate.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
These pumpkin muffins are an excellent choice to combine delight with nutritional benefits. Pumpkin is rich in vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants, thus contributing to a healthy immune system. One muffin contains about 180-200 calories, depending on the portion size and ingredients used.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I replace the pumpkin with another ingredient?
Yes! You can use banana puree or apple puree for a different taste, but the texture and flavor will be different.

2. What can I do with leftover muffins?
Muffins store well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and can be reheated in the microwave for a quick snack. You can also freeze them, and when you crave a dessert, take them out and let them thaw at room temperature.

3. What drinks pair well with pumpkin muffins?
These muffins pair wonderfully with fruit tea or flavored coffee. You can also try warm apple cider to highlight the autumn flavors.

These pumpkin muffins with mascarpone cream are not only a tasty choice but also a wonderful way to bring a touch of warmth to the cold season. Take the time to enjoy every step of their preparation and don’t forget to treat yourself to a dessert that brings together the flavors of autumn. Enjoy!