Strawberry Muffins

Strawberry Muffins - a Sweet Delight for All Ages

Who doesn't love a fresh, moist muffin bursting with delicious flavors? Strawberry muffins are a perfect choice for a savory breakfast, a quick snack, or even a colorful dessert. This simple and quick recipe is ideal for those who want to bring a touch of spring to every day, even on the coolest mornings. Plus, strawberries, with their natural sweetness, are an excellent source of vitamins and antioxidants.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Number of servings: 10 muffins

Necessary ingredients:
- 250 g fresh strawberries, cleaned and diced
- 1 large egg
- 150 g natural yogurt (preferably Greek for a creamier texture)
- 150 g flour (you can use whole wheat flour for a healthier option)
- 1/2 packet baking powder
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Butter for greasing (or coconut oil for a vegan option)
- Vanilla powdered sugar for decoration

Step by step for a perfect result:

1. Prepare the ingredients: Before you start, make sure you have all the ingredients at room temperature. It is essential that the egg and yogurt are at room temperature to integrate perfectly into the mixture.

2. Beating the egg: In a mixing bowl, add the egg and powdered sugar. Beat the mixture at medium speed until it becomes frothy and light in color. This step is crucial for fluffy muffins, as the air incorporated at this moment will help them rise.

3. Add the wet ingredients: Continue mixing and add the yogurt and vanilla extract. Mix well to combine the flavors.

4. Incorporating the dry ingredients: In another bowl, sift the flour together with the baking powder. Sifting helps avoid lumps and ensures a fine texture. Add the flour mixture to the bowl with the eggs and sugar, gently mixing with a spatula or wooden spoon. It is important not to overmix, just until the ingredients are combined.

5. Add the strawberries: Finally, add the diced strawberries to the batter. Gently mix to avoid crushing the fruit and to distribute it evenly throughout the mixture.

6. Preparing the muffin tray: Preheat the oven to 180°C (medium heat). Grease the muffin tins with butter or non-stick spray. You can also use paper muffin liners for easier cleanup.

7. Fill the molds: Using a spoon, pour the batter into the prepared molds, filling them about 2/3 full. This will allow the muffins to rise without overflowing.

8. Baking: Place the molds in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes. It is recommended to do the toothpick test - if it comes out clean, the muffins are ready!

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

10. Serving: Dust the muffins with vanilla powdered sugar before serving for an elegant look and sweet taste. These treats are perfect alongside a cup of tea or coffee, and also with Greek yogurt for a nutritious breakfast.

Useful tips:
- You can replace strawberries with other seasonal fruits, such as blueberries or raspberries, to add variety to the recipe.
- If you want a more intense flavor, you can add grated lemon or orange zest to the mixture.
- Muffins can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for 2-3 days, or you can freeze them to enjoy later.

Nutritional benefits:
Strawberry muffins are a good source of vitamins C and K, antioxidants, and fiber. Yogurt adds a boost of protein and probiotics, essential for healthy digestion. This recipe has approximately 150 calories per muffin, depending on the ingredients used, making this dessert a relatively light choice.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use gluten-free flour? Yes, you can replace regular flour with a gluten-free option. Make sure to use a flour blend that includes a binding agent, such as xanthan gum.
- How can I make the muffins less sweet? You can reduce the amount of sugar by up to 50%, especially if the strawberries are very ripe and sweet.
- Is it possible to add nuts or seeds? Absolutely! Add some chopped nuts or chia seeds for an extra crunch and nutrients.

Share your cooking experience with this delicious strawberry muffin recipe and enjoy every bite! Whether you savor them at breakfast or share them with friends, these muffins are sure to bring smiles to everyone's faces. Enjoy!