Desserts

Vanilla Muffins Recipe

Sweet, simple, and perfect for any occasion

Vanilla muffins are the epitome of simple, comforting baking. With their tender crumb, delicate golden tops, and rich vanilla flavour, these muffins are perfect for almost any occasion. Whether you’re making them for breakfast, an afternoon pick-me-up, or dessert, vanilla muffins strike the right balance between sweetness and simplicity.

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Proper oven temperature is essential for evenly baked muffins with golden tops. Place a rack in the centre of the oven for even heat distribution. Line a standard 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.

Alternatively, lightly grease each cup with softened butter or non-stick spray if you prefer not to use liners. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 2 tsp baking powder and 1/4 tsp salt. Whisk the ingredients together to ensure the baking powder and salt are evenly distributed.

This step helps prevent uneven rising. Sift the mixture to remove any lumps for a smooth batter. In a separate medium-sized bowl, crack the eggs and whisk them until they are light and frothy. This adds air to the batter, contributing to the muffins’ fluffiness.

Add the following to the whisked eggs: 1 cup milk, 2 tsp vanilla extract and melted butter (1/2 cup, cooled to room temperature to prevent curdling). Whisk everything together until fully combined. The mixture should be smooth and uniform.

Make a well in the centre of the dry ingredients by pushing the flour mixture toward the sides of the bowl. Pour the wet ingredients into the well all at once. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently fold the ingredients together. Be careful not to overmix; stop stirring as soon as the flour is fully incorporated.

Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, making the muffins dense instead of light and tender. Use an ice cream scoop, large spoon, or measuring cup to divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups. Fill each cup about 2/3 full. Avoid overfilling, as the batter needs space to rise during baking.

Sprinkle granulated sugar on top of the batter for a sweet, crunchy crust. Add chocolate chips, berries, or sliced almonds to create fun variations. Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven. Bake for 18-22 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through for even browning. Begin checking for doneness at the 18-minute mark.

Insert a toothpick into the centre of a muffin; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the muffins are ready. If the toothpick has wet batter on it, bake for 2-3 more minutes. Remove the muffin tin from the oven and let the muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes. Carefully transfer the muffins to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents soggy bottoms from residual heat.

Expert Tips for Success;

Room-Temperature Ingredients: For smooth mixing and better rise, bring your eggs, milk, and butter to room temperature before starting.
Don’t Overmix: Stir the batter just enough to combine. Overmixing can result in dense, chewy muffins.
Check Your Baking Powder: Ensure your baking powder is fresh for optimal rise. Old baking powder may not leaven properly.
Golden Tops: For an extra golden crust, brush the tops of the muffins with a little melted butter before baking.

Customization Ideas and Variations;

Make it Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute.
Dairy-Free Option: Replace milk with almond milk, soy milk, or coconut milk. Use melted coconut oil instead of butter.
Add-Ins: Stir 1/2 cup of your favourite mix-ins into the batter. Options include chocolate chips, blueberries, chopped nuts, or dried fruits.
Citrus Twist: Add 1 tbsp of orange or lemon zest for a refreshing flavour boost.
Healthier Version: Substitute half the flour with whole wheat flour and replace sugar with honey or maple syrup.

Serving Suggestions;

Vanilla muffins shine on their own, but pairing them with other foods can elevate your meal:

For Breakfast: Serve with fresh fruit, scrambled eggs, or yoghurt.
Afternoon Snack: Pair with a cup of tea, coffee, or hot cocoa.
Dessert: Top with whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce for a decadent treat.

Storage, Reheating, and Make-Ahead Tips;

Storage: Keep muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week.
Freezing: Wrap each muffin tightly in plastic wrap and store it in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or microwave for 15-20 seconds.
Reheating: Warm muffins in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to refresh their texture.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the dry and wet ingredients separately the night before. Combine them just before baking.

Vanilla muffins are a go-to recipe for a reason: they’re versatile, easy, and universally loved. Whether you’re enjoying them fresh out of the oven or sharing them with family and friends, these muffins are sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face.

Try this recipe today and savour the simple joy of baking at home.

Ingredients;

  • All-purpose flour: 2 cups (240g)
  • Granulated sugar: 3/4 cup (150g)
  • Baking powder: 2 tsp
  • Salt: 1/4 tsp
  • Unsalted butter (melted and cooled): 1/2 cup (113g)
  • Eggs (large): 2
  • Whole milk: 1 cup (240ml)
  • Vanilla extract: 2 tsp (use high-quality for best flavour)
  • Optional toppings: Sugar sprinkles, chocolate chips, or sliced almonds.

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