Delicious Date and Pecan Muffins
Savor the delightful taste of these moist and flavorful Date and Pecan Muffins, inspired by Luby's, a beloved cafeteria chain in Texas. With a rich blend of sweet dates, crunchy pecans, and buttery goodness, these muffins are perfect for breakfast or as a delightful snack any time of day. This recipe, originally featured in the Houston Chronicle, brings a warm and comforting touch to your kitchen, making it an ideal treat to share with family and friends. Enjoy the balance of sweetness with the nuttiness of pecans in every bite!
N/A
Servings
150
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chopped dates
1.5 cups (Chop and soak in hot water.)
Hot water
3 cups (For soaking dates.)
Butter or margarine
3/4 cup (Softened (1.5 sticks).)
Sugar
1.5 cups (Granulated.)
Water
1 cup (For the batter.)
Pecan pieces
1 cup (Chopped.)
Extra large eggs
2 (Beaten.)
Baking soda
1.5 teaspoons (Leavening agent.)
Vanilla extract
1.5 teaspoons (Pure extract.)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (Fine salt.)
All-purpose flour
2.75 cups (Sifted.)
Instructions
1
In a medium bowl, combine the chopped dates and hot water. Allow them to soak for 10 minutes, then drain and discard the water. Cover the dates and refrigerate until they are cold.
2
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
3
Prepare a muffin tin by lining 12 medium muffin cups with paper liners or lightly greasing them to prevent sticking.
4
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
5
Stir in the water, pecan pieces, eggs, baking soda, vanilla extract, and salt, mixing until all ingredients are well combined.
6
Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the mixture, stirring just until the flour is moistened. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense muffins.
7
Gently fold in the chilled dates, ensuring even distribution throughout the batter. Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin pans, filling each cup about two-thirds full.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
9
Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition Information
7g
Fat
20g
Carbs
2g
Protein
1g
Fiber
10g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Delicious Date and Pecan Muffins?
They are moist and flavorful muffins inspired by Luby's cafeteria, featuring sweet dates and crunchy pecans.
Where did this specific recipe originate?
This recipe was originally featured in the Houston Chronicle.
How many muffins does this recipe make?
The recipe is designed to yield 12 medium-sized muffins.
What temperature should the oven be preheated to?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
How should I prepare the chopped dates?
Chop the dates, soak them in hot water for 10 minutes, drain the water, and then refrigerate them until cold.
How much butter is required for the batter?
You need 3/4 cup (or 1.5 sticks) of softened butter or margarine.
How much sugar is used in this muffin recipe?
The recipe calls for 1.5 cups of granulated sugar.
What is the function of the hot water in the ingredients list?
The 3 cups of hot water are used solely for soaking the dates to soften them.
What type of eggs are recommended?
The recipe recommends using 2 extra-large beaten eggs.
How much flour should I use?
You will need 2.75 cups of sifted all-purpose flour.
What is the leavening agent used in these muffins?
The recipe uses 1.5 teaspoons of baking soda.
Is there vanilla extract in these muffins?
Yes, the recipe includes 1.5 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract.
How much salt is added to the batter?
The recipe requires 1/4 teaspoon of fine salt.
How long should the muffins bake?
Bake the muffins for 20 to 25 minutes.
How do I check if the muffins are done?
The muffins are done when a wooden toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
What are the calorie counts for these muffins?
Each muffin contains approximately 150 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each muffin contains 7 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in each muffin?
There are 20 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Do these muffins contain fiber?
Yes, each muffin provides 1 gram of fiber.
What is the sugar content per muffin?
Each muffin contains 10 grams of sugar.
How much protein is in each muffin?
Each muffin contains 2 grams of protein.
How should the muffin tin be prepared?
Line 12 medium muffin cups with paper liners or grease them lightly.
What is the key to achieving the right texture?
Avoid overmixing the batter once the flour is added to ensure the muffins aren't dense.
When do I fold in the dates?
Gently fold in the chilled dates after the flour has been moistened by the other ingredients.
How full should I fill the muffin cups?
Fill each cup about two-thirds full with batter.
Should I cool the muffins in the pan?
Allow them to cool in the pan for a few minutes before moving them to a wire rack.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, the recipe specifies that either softened butter or margarine can be used.
What is the purpose of chilling the dates?
Chilling the dates after soaking helps maintain their structure within the batter during baking.
Are these muffins suitable for snacking?
Yes, they are perfect for breakfast or as a delightful snack any time of day.
How much pecan pieces are required?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of chopped pecan pieces.