Strawberry muffins are American-style muffins containing bits of the fruit. The ingredients for these baked goods can be tweaked to create a variety of flavors and textures. In addition, healthier versions can also be created by substituting some ingredients for the other. In addition, the muffin can be changed into a dessert with a few sweet additions or baked in a loaf pan for a quick bread.
There are two types of muffins: English muffins and American muffins. English muffins are flattened yeast bread rounds, while American muffins are typically sweet and cake-like with a shape similar to cupcakes. Strawberry muffins are a type of American muffin baked in muffin tins that create a domed appearance.
The core muffin ingredients found in most recipes are sugar, flour, and baking powder, as well as eggs, milk. and oil. Strawberry muffins include the addition of chopped strawberries. Fresh or frozen berries can be used, but a stronger flavor comes from fresh berries.
There are other simple additions to the recipe that can help to enhance the flavor of the muffin. Spices that complement the natural sweetness of strawberries include cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom. A few drops of lemon juice can add acid for balance to the sweet creaminess of the muffins. Flavor extracts, such as vanilla or almond, can also be added to taste.
Stir-in ingredients can also be used in sweet strawberry muffins. Chocolate chips, caramel, and sugared nuts would marry well with the berry flavors. Add sweet stir-ins slowly, tasting to ensure that the batter doesn't become too sugary.
Strawberry muffin batter can be made as a healthy breakfast muffin. Whole wheat flour can replace the white flour in the recipe. Additional health-conscious changes include replacing eggs with egg substitute, trying mashed bananas instead of oil, and using fat free milk. Potential healthy stir-ins include chopped nuts, raisins, and poppy seeds.
An alternative topping for strawberry muffins is a glaze. A simple glaze can be created using confectioners' sugar moistened by a small amount of orange juice, the taste of which is overpowered by the sugar. Cinnamon, cardamom, and vanilla can be used in the mixture the accentuate the flavor in the muffins. Pour the glaze over the muffins after they have been baked, but are still warm. In order for the glaze to set, the muffins should then be allowed to cool completely before eating.
For a fun twist on the recipe, a dessert strawberry muffin can be created using a sweet topping, such as a streusel. It can be added to the top of the muffins before they bake. This crumbly topping is typically made with flour, brown sugar, and melted butter. The end result is similar in taste to a coffeecake.
Another recipe variation is a quick bread which can be created using the strawberry muffin batter poured into a loaf pan. Cook times will likely need to be adjusted, however, for the density. Quick breads are a good alternative when transporting a dozen muffins isn't practical. Slice the bread into thick slices and serve with cinnamon-flavored butter.
