Vegan vanilla and cherry muffins

Vegan Vanilla and Sour Cherry Muffins

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 12 muffins

Looking for a delicious and fluffy vegan dessert? These vanilla and sour cherry muffins are exactly what you need! They are easy to make, flavorful, and perfect for any time of the day, whether you enjoy them for breakfast, as a snack, or at a gathering with friends. And the best part? They are vegan, so everyone following a plant-based diet can enjoy them.

The history of muffins takes us back in time when they were considered a quick breakfast or snack option. These delights have evolved into many shapes and flavors, but today we focus on a simple and flavorful recipe that combines the sweetness of vanilla with the tartness of sour cherries.

Necessary ingredients:

- 250 ml sparkling water (for an extra fizz)
- 150 g sugar (for sweetness)
- 40 g oil (preferably sunflower or olive oil)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (about 10 g)
- 1 pinch of salt (to balance the taste)
- 2 teaspoons powdered sugar with vanilla beans (or regular sugar if you don't have it)
- 230 g flour (ideal for baking, but you can also use whole wheat flour for a healthier option)
- 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest (for a touch of freshness)
- Sour cherries from jam (about 150 g, for filling and decoration)

Step by step to perfect muffins:

1. Preparing the liquid mixture: In a large bowl, add the sparkling water, oil, sugar, and vanilla sugar. Use a whisk to mix the ingredients until the sugar is completely dissolved. This step is essential for fluffy muffins, so don't skip it!

2. Mixing the dry ingredients: In another bowl, sift the flour, baking powder, and salt. Sifting the flour is a simple yet effective trick that helps aerate it, contributing to the fluffy texture of the muffins.

3. Combining the ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the liquid composition. Use a spatula or whisk and gently mix until the ingredients are well incorporated. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to dense and compact muffins.

4. Adding flavor: Finally, add the grated lemon zest and mix again to ensure the fresh flavor blends well with the other ingredients.

5. Preparing the tray: Place silicone muffin cups in a tray or, if you don't have them, use a muffin tray with paper liners. Fill the cups 3/4 full with the muffin mixture. This is an effective method to prevent overflow during baking.

6. Adding cherries: Place 3-4 sour cherries from the jam on top of each cup for added flavor and an attractive appearance.

7. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and place the tray in the oven. Bake the muffins for 25-30 minutes or until they turn golden. You can check if they are done by using a toothpick; if it comes out clean, they are perfectly baked.

8. Cooling and serving: Once the muffins are ready, take them out of the oven and let them cool in the tray for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. They are now ready to serve!

Useful tips:

- For extra flavor, you can add a few drops of vanilla extract to the liquid mixture.
- Variations: Substitute the sour cherries with other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or even dark chocolate for a decadent option.
- Serving: These muffins are delicious both warm and at room temperature. You can serve them with fruit tea or fresh lemonade for a complete experience.

Nutritional benefits:

These vanilla and sour cherry muffins are a good source of carbohydrates and fiber, especially if you use whole wheat flour. The sour cherries add vitamins and antioxidants, making them a healthy choice for a quick snack.

Calories:

Each muffin has approximately 150-180 calories, depending on the ingredients used and the serving size.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use other types of sugar? Yes, you can use brown sugar or alternative sweeteners, but the texture and taste may vary.
2. Can the muffins be frozen? Yes, you can freeze the muffins in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Make sure they are completely cooled before freezing.
3. What is the best way to keep them fresh? Store them in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain moisture and freshness.

Now that you have all the information, all that's left is to get started! This quick and simple dessert will surely become a favorite during fasting days and beyond. Enjoy every bite of these fluffy and flavorful muffins, and don't forget to share the recipe with your loved ones! Enjoy!