Pecan muffins are any type of muffin that includes pecans. Usually, the pecans are chopped and stirred into the batter, but occasionally the nuts will simply be sprinkled on top. Pecan muffins are generally easy to make and may have additional fruit or syrup flavorings as well.
In addition to pecans, flour, white or brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract are common to most pecan muffin recipes. If the flour used is not self-rising, baking powder and baking soda are also usually included. Although milk is normally added, sour cream may be used instead. Butter or vegetable oil is also a common element.
Many versions may include fruit or other flavorings. Peach preserves, ripe bananas, apple sauce, or orange juice may be added to pecan muffins. Maple syrup is another sweet addition to these treats, and rhubarb also pairs well with pecans. Normally, versions will only chose one additional flavoring to include, but some may combine more than one.
To make pecan muffins, the dry and wet ingredients are mixed separately. The dry ingredients are sifted together, and the wet are whisked. Then, the wet are gently stirred into the dry until the two are just combined. Afterward, the pecans are mixed into the batter. If the batter is overmixed, the muffins will lose some of their fluffy texture and become dense.
When extra flavorings are included, they are added to the batter in different ways. For example, syrup or rhubarb is usually mixed into the batter with the pecans. Applesauce or orange juice is combined with the wet ingredients. If bananas are used, they are mashed and mixed with milk. Alternating with the dry ingredients, the banana mixture is added to the wet ingredients in thirds.
Once the batter is complete, it is poured into muffin tins. The tins are either greased or lined with paper muffin cups. Normally, the batter only fills two-thirds of each muffin form to allow for rising during cooking. A halved pecan or chopped pecan pieces may be placed on top of each muffin before baking. Syrup may also be drizzled over the tops of the uncooked muffins.
Pecan muffins normally bake for less than half an hour. They should be a golden color when done and can be tested for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of one muffin. If the toothpick remains clean, the muffins are complete. They should be cooled before being served.
