Norwegian Delight Apple Muffins
Inspired by the traditional Norwegian apple cake, this recipe transforms the classic flavors into delightful, individual muffins that are perfect for a cozy afternoon coffee break. Bursting with the sweet and tart notes of fresh apples and complemented by a hint of zesty lemon, these moist muffins are finished with a crunchy almond topping that adds a delightful texture. A beloved treat in my home, they are simple to make and are sure to impress at any gathering.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups (whisked)
baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons (mixed with other dry ingredients)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (mixed with other dry ingredients)
ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon (mixed with other dry ingredients)
sugar
3/4 cup (combined with butter)
butter
1/3 cup (softened)
eggs
2 (beaten)
grated lemon rind
2 teaspoons (freshly grated)
apple
1 medium (c. 1 cup) (cored, peeled, and finely chopped)
additional sugar
1/4 cup (for topping)
sliced almonds
1/4 cup (for topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. Set this mixture aside.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar and softened butter. Using a mixer on medium speed, beat the mixture until it's creamy, which should take about 1 to 2 minutes. Remember to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is mixed evenly.
4
Add the eggs and grated lemon rind to the butter mixture and continue beating at medium speed until the ingredients are well combined, another 1 to 2 minutes.
5
Gradually stir the flour mixture into the wet ingredients by hand, mixing just until it's moistened. Be careful not to overmix.
6
Gently fold in the finely chopped apple pieces, ensuring they are evenly distributed in the batter.
7
Line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners or grease it well. Spoon the muffin batter evenly into each muffin cup.
8
In a small bowl, combine the additional 1/4 cup sugar and sliced almonds. Sprinkle this mixture generously on top of each muffin.
9
Bake the muffins in the preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes, or until they are lightly golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10
Once baked, let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes before carefully removing them and placing them on a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Norwegian Delight Apple Muffins?
They are delightful, individual muffins inspired by traditional Norwegian apple cake, featuring sweet and tart apples, a hint of lemon, and a crunchy almond topping.
What inspired this specific muffin recipe?
This recipe was inspired by the classic flavors of traditional Norwegian apple cake, adapted into a convenient muffin format.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C) before baking the muffins.
What dry ingredients are needed for the batter?
You will need all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon.
How should the butter and sugar be combined?
Combine the sugar and softened butter in a large mixing bowl and beat with a mixer on medium speed for 1 to 2 minutes until creamy.
When do I add the eggs and lemon rind?
Add the eggs and grated lemon rind to the creamed butter and sugar mixture, then beat for another 1 to 2 minutes.
How do I incorporate the flour into the wet ingredients?
Gradually stir the flour mixture into the wet ingredients by hand, mixing only until just moistened to avoid overmixing.
How should the apple be prepared?
The apple should be cored, peeled, and finely chopped into small pieces.
How do I add the apples to the batter?
Gently fold the finely chopped apple pieces into the batter to ensure they are evenly distributed.
What type of pan is required?
You should use a 12-cup muffin pan, either lined with paper liners or well-greased.
What is in the muffin topping?
The topping consists of 1/4 cup of additional sugar mixed with 1/4 cup of sliced almonds.
How long do the muffins need to bake?
Bake the muffins for 18 to 22 minutes until they are lightly golden brown.
How can I tell if the muffins are fully cooked?
The muffins are done when a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
What is the cooling process for these muffins?
Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How much flour is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour.
How much butter is used?
You will need 1/3 cup of softened butter.
How many eggs are in the batter?
This recipe requires 2 eggs.
What kind of citrus flavor is added?
Freshly grated lemon rind provides a zesty note to the muffins.
How much cinnamon is included?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
What is the texture of the topping?
The topping is crunchy due to the combination of sliced almonds and granulated sugar.
Can I use any type of apple?
While the recipe specifies a medium apple, using a variety that is both sweet and tart works best for these muffins.
Is this a quick recipe to prepare?
Yes, it is described as a simple recipe that is perfect for a cozy afternoon coffee break.
What category of food does this fall into?
These muffins are categorized as a quick bread and a dessert.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 11 ingredients in total for this recipe.
How much baking powder is needed?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder.
What is the purpose of scraping down the sides of the bowl?
Scraping the bowl ensures that the butter and sugar mixture is mixed evenly.
How much sugar is used in the batter versus the topping?
The batter uses 3/4 cup of sugar, while the topping uses an additional 1/4 cup.
Should I use a mixer to stir in the flour?
No, it is recommended to stir the flour mixture in by hand to avoid overworking the dough.
Are these muffins good for gatherings?
Yes, they are described as being sure to impress at any gathering or social event.
What is the recommended serving suggestion?
They are ideal for an afternoon coffee break, a traditional Norwegian 'kaffepause'.