Almond muffins are individually-portioned, partially-sweet quick breads featuring this nut, either in the form of flour or meal, extract, or chopped bits. A combination of two or more may be used for a muffin with strong flavor. The baked good may use almond meal with or instead of grain flour, though extracts and oil can add its signature flavor instead. Basic ingredients that are found in most muffins and cake breads are also used, and add-ins like fruit, jam, or puree are also common.
Many almond muffins are so named because they replace or mix traditional wheat flour with a meal ground from this high-protein nut. The flour may be available in bulk sections at health stores or markets, depending on location. Almonds can be ground into meal using a food processor or blender as well. The protein in the nuts makes the muffins rise especially well.
If fresh almonds are unavailable, or another type of flour is preferred, their flavor can be added by mixing in one or more tablespoons of concentrated extract. This allows a basic muffin recipe to feature a touch of almond without changing overall texture or consistency. Often, chopped or slivered nuts are stirred into the batter or spooned atop each muffin just before baking. A recipe may also call for almond oil in lieu of butter or its vegetable counterpart.
A variety of binders, sweeteners, and leavening agents are typically found in almond muffins, each giving a subtle difference in texture, taste or moisture. Common binders include butter, oil, or fruit puree, for a low-fat or cholesterol option. Sweeteners vary widely, ranging from all-purpose granulated or brown sugar to honey, banana, and agave syrup. Standard leavening agents include baking powder and soda.
Almond muffins often feature one or more other flavors and ingredients. Cherries, for instance, may be pitted, chopped, and mixed in to the batter. Dried fruits, other nuts, and seeds may also be added. The hearty texture of these muffins also pair well with jam, preserves, and purees, and so are commonly filled with these spreads. Fig, strawberry, and a variety of other flavors may be used.
The almond nut provides significant health benefits in addition to its unique flavor and can be used in a variety of formats. It offers 7.62 grams of protein per 1/4 cup (about 40 g), and is a significant source of vitamin E and micronutrients like manganese and copper. The nut may be skinned, roasted, or even candied and salted for use in almond muffins, though it can be raw as well.
