Rustic Apple and Raisin Nut Muffins
Savor the warmth of homemade Rustic Apple and Raisin Nut Muffins, a delightful twist on traditional muffins that will fill your kitchen with heavenly aromas. Each muffin is packed with freshly grated apples, sweet raisins, and crunchy walnuts, making them a perfect, wholesome snack for any time of the day. Whether enjoyed for breakfast, as an afternoon treat, or shared with friends at a gathering, these muffins strike the right balance between sweet and nutritious. Their moist texture and rich flavor will surprise even the most health-conscious eaters, proving that healthy recipes can indeed be delicious!
12
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Grated raw cooking apples
2 cups (peeled and grated)
Brown sugar
1/2 cup (packed)
Sunflower oil
1/2 cup
Eggs
2 (slightly beaten)
Vanilla extract
1 teaspoon
Raisins
1/2 cup
Chopped walnuts
1/2 cup (lightly toasted, optional)
Orange zest
1 tablespoon
Whole wheat flour
1 cup
Self-raising flour
1 cup
Baking powder
1 teaspoon
Baking soda
1/4 teaspoon
Cinnamon
1 dash (adjust to preference)
Brown sugar
1 tablespoon (for topping)
Mixed spice
1 tablespoon ((cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, ginger or just cinnamon))
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a muffin tin with paper cases or brush with oil to grease.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated apples, brown sugar, sunflower oil, beaten eggs, vanilla extract, and orange zest. Mix well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
3
Fold in the raisins and chopped walnuts, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
4
In a separate bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, self-raising flour, baking powder, baking soda, and your choice of spices.
5
Gently add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this may lead to dense muffins.
6
Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared muffin tins, filling each cup about 2/3 full. In a small bowl, mix the tablespoon of brown sugar with the mixed spice, then sprinkle this mixture over the batter in each muffin cup, pressing lightly to adhere.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the muffins cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Rustic Apple and Raisin Nut Muffins?
They are a wholesome, moist muffin variety packed with freshly grated cooking apples, sweet raisins, and crunchy walnuts, flavored with orange zest and warm spices.
What kind of apples work best for this recipe?
The recipe specifies raw cooking apples, which provide a great texture and tartness that balances the sweet raisins.
Do I need to peel the apples before grating?
Yes, for the best texture in these rustic muffins, the apples should be peeled and then grated.
Can I substitute the sunflower oil?
While sunflower oil provides a light texture, you can use other neutral vegetable oils or melted butter if preferred.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) for optimal baking results.
How many muffins does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to produce 12 standard-sized muffins.
Why is there a mix of whole wheat and self-raising flour?
The whole wheat flour adds a nutty flavor and fiber, while the self-raising flour helps ensure the muffins rise properly and stay light.
What is the purpose of the orange zest?
Orange zest provides a bright, citrusy aromatic note that complements the apples and warm spices perfectly.
Should I toast the walnuts before adding them?
The recipe suggests that lightly toasting the chopped walnuts is optional but recommended for a deeper, nuttier flavor.
How do I prevent the muffins from being too dense?
To keep them light, stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture only until just combined; avoid overmixing the batter.
What is the topping for these muffins?
The muffins are topped with a mixture of one tablespoon of brown sugar and a tablespoon of mixed spice for a crunchy, flavorful crust.
How long should the muffins bake?
Bake them in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes.
How do I know when the muffins are fully cooked?
The muffins are done when a skewer or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Can I use something other than raisins?
Yes, you could substitute the raisins with dried cranberries, chopped dates, or currants.
Is the brown sugar measured packed or loose?
The 1/2 cup of brown sugar used in the batter should be packed.
What constitutes 'mixed spice'?
You can use a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, and ginger, or simply use extra cinnamon if you prefer.
How much should I fill each muffin tin cup?
Fill each muffin cup about 2/3 full to allow room for the muffins to rise.
Should the eggs be beaten before adding them?
Yes, the two eggs should be slightly beaten before being combined with the other wet ingredients.
How should the muffins be cooled?
Let them cool in the pan for a few minutes first, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Are these muffins suitable for breakfast?
Yes, their balance of fruit, nuts, and whole wheat flour makes them an excellent, wholesome breakfast option.
What is the category of this recipe?
This recipe falls under the 'Quick Breads' category.
Can I make these nut-free?
Yes, you can omit the walnuts entirely or replace them with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a similar crunch without the nuts.
How much vanilla extract is required?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Why is both baking powder and baking soda used?
The baking powder provides lift, while the baking soda reacts with the acidic components like the cooking apples to ensure a good rise and browning.
Can I use different spices?
Yes, the recipe encourages you to adjust the cinnamon and spices to your personal preference.
What makes these 'rustic'?
The 'rustic' nature comes from the use of whole wheat flour and the chunky texture provided by grated apples and chopped nuts.
Is it necessary to grease the muffin tin?
Yes, you should either line the tin with paper cases or brush it with oil to prevent the muffins from sticking.
Can I add more cinnamon?
Absolutely, the recipe suggests a 'dash' of cinnamon, but you can adjust this amount to suit your taste.
How do I store these muffins?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate them for longer freshness.
Can I use white flour instead of whole wheat?
You can substitute the whole wheat flour with all-purpose flour, though the muffins will lose some of their signature rustic texture and nutritional value.