Imagine taking a bite of a warm, freshly baked muffin, and as you do, you’re greeted by a burst of sweet-tart blackberry goodness that swirls through each delectable mouthful. That’s the promise of Blackberry Swirl Muffins, a delightful treat that encapsulates the essence of summer in a single bite. These muffins are a testament to the beauty of fresh, seasonal ingredients and the joy they can bring to our taste buds.
Blackberries, those little gems of the berry world, are the star of this culinary creation. Plump, juicy, and bursting with flavor, they add a vibrant and tangy twist to a classic muffin recipe. When combined with a tender, moist muffin base, these muffins become a harmonious blend of sweet and tart, making them perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet afternoon pick-me-up. The magic of Blackberry Swirl Muffins lies not only in their irresistible taste but also in their visual appeal. The blackberry swirl adds a pop of deep, luscious color to the golden muffin, making them as pleasing to the eyes as they are to the palate. These muffins are not just a delightful treat for your taste buds; they’re a feast for the senses.
In this journey, we will explore the art of making Blackberry Swirl Muffins from scratch, allowing you to savor the pleasures of homemade baking. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, these muffins are an accessible and rewarding endeavor that will fill your home with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked goods.
So, join us as we embark on this delightful culinary adventure to create Blackberry Swirl Muffins, where the sweetness of blackberries meets the comfort of muffins in a harmonious union of flavors. Whether enjoyed with a steaming cup of coffee, shared with loved ones, or savored in a moment of solitude, these muffins promise to bring a taste of summer into your life, no matter the season.
Ingredients:
*For the muffins:*
– 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
– 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
– A pinch of salt
– 1 large egg
– ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
– ½ cup (120g) full-fat plain yogurt
– ¼ cup (60 ml) neutral-tasting vegetable oil (e.g., canola oil)
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 ½ cups (225g) fresh blackberries (frozen work too) + extra for decoration
– ¼ cup (50g) honey
– Zest of ½ lemon
– 1 teaspoon cornstarch
Instructions:
1. Line a muffin pan with paper liners and set it aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk the egg and granulated sugar together until well combined. Add the yogurt, vegetable oil (or melted and slightly cooled butter), and vanilla extract.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and whisk until the mixture is thoroughly combined.
5. Cover the bowl with a cloth and let the muffin batter rest at room temperature for 1 hour. This resting period allows the baking powder to activate, ensuring tall, fluffy muffins with an airy crumb.
6. While the batter rests, prepare the blackberry jam. In a medium saucepan, combine all the blackberries with honey and lemon zest. Cook over medium heat, stirring and gently mashing the blackberries with a wooden spatula. Once the mixture begins to bubble, add the cornstarch and continue to cook for an additional two minutes or until the mixture thickens. Allow it to cool to room temperature or close to it.
7. Preheat your oven to 400°F (250°C).
8. Once the jam has cooled, gently stir approximately half of the blackberry jam into half of the batter (it doesn’t need to be an exact half-and-half split). Do not over-stir.
9. Carefully spoon the batter into each muffin cavity, alternating between plain batter, blackberry batter, and pockets of blackberry jam, finishing with a layer of plain batter on top. Sprinkle the muffin tops with granulated sugar and add a few extra blackberries for decoration.
10. Place the muffins in the oven and immediately reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C). Bake for approximately 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the muffins to cool for 5 minutes in the pan, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Enjoy these delightful Blackberry Swirl Muffins that bring a burst of berry bliss to your day!