Apple and Raisin Muffins with Almond Topping

Instructions for Making Apple and Raisin Muffins with Almond Topping

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it with cooking spray.

2. Prepare the Muffin Batter

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and then add the applesauce, milk, and vanilla extract, mixing everything until smooth.

Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can lead to dense muffins. Fold in the diced apples and raisins, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.

3. Prepare the Almond Topping

In a small bowl, mix together the sliced almonds, brown sugar, melted butter, and cinnamon. This will create a simple, sweet topping that will add a perfect crunchy finish to your muffins.

4. Fill the Muffin Tin

Divide the muffin batter evenly between the 12 muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full. Once all the batter is in, sprinkle a generous amount of the almond topping over each muffin, pressing down gently to make sure it sticks.

5. Bake the Muffins

Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the tops are browning too quickly, you can cover the tin with aluminum foil halfway through baking to prevent burning.

6. Cool and Serve

Once baked, remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the tin for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer the muffins to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy them warm, or store them in an airtight container for later.

Tips for the Best Apple and Raisin Muffins

• Use Firm Apples: Choose apples that hold their shape well when baked, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. These apples will give you a great texture in the muffins without becoming mushy.
• Try Different Dried Fruits: If you’re not a fan of raisins, you can swap them out for dried cranberries, chopped dates, or dried apricots for a different twist.
• Add Walnuts or Pecans: For an extra crunch, feel free to add chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter along with the raisins.
• Make Them Dairy-Free: Substitute the milk with almond milk or oat milk, and replace the butter with coconut oil or a non-dairy butter alternative to make these muffins completely dairy-free.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Stir the batter just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to tough muffins, so be gentle!

How to Store and Freeze Apple and Raisin Muffins

• Storage: These muffins stay fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature. Simply place them in an airtight container or resealable bag to keep them moist.
• Freezing: To store these muffins for longer, freeze them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to warm them up.

What to Serve with Apple and Raisin Muffins

These muffins are perfect on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a variety of other foods. Here are a few ideas for serving them:

• A cup of coffee or tea: These muffins are the perfect complement to a warm drink, making them ideal for breakfast or an afternoon snack.
• Yogurt: Serve the muffins with a dollop of Greek yogurt for a balanced breakfast or snack that adds some extra protein.
• Cheese: Try serving the muffins with a slice of sharp cheese, such as cheddar or brie, for a unique sweet-and-savory combination.

Conclusion

Apple and Raisin Muffins with Almond Topping are the perfect blend of sweet and savory, with soft, spiced muffins, juicy apples, and chewy raisins, all crowned with a crunchy almond topping. This easy recipe is perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even as a treat to share with friends and family. With simple ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll have a batch of irresistible muffins ready to enjoy in no time!

Try these muffins today and experience the joy of homemade comfort food that’s both delicious and satisfying. Happy baking!