Tropical Bliss Muffins with Macadamia, Cranberry, Ginger, and White Chocolate
These Tropical Bliss Muffins are a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, showcasing rich macadamia nuts, tart dried cranberries, zesty crystallized ginger, and creamy white chocolate chips. Perfect for brunch or as an indulgent snack, these muffins embody the essence of a tropical getaway. The addition of brandy or Grand Marnier imbues the muffin batter with a subtle warmth, while the buttermilk ensures each muffin remains moist and tender. Share these flavorful treats with friends and family, and watch as they quickly become a beloved brunch staple!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
dried cranberries
1/2 cup (none)
crystallized ginger
1 tablespoon (finely chopped)
brandy or Grand Marnier
1 tablespoon (none)
hot water
1 tablespoon (boiling)
egg
1 (beaten)
brown sugar
2/3 cup (packed)
melted butter
1/4 cup (none)
buttermilk
1 cup (none)
cake-and-pastry flour
2 1/3 cups (none)
baking powder
2 teaspoons (none)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (none)
white chocolate chips
3/4 cup (none)
dry roasted macadamia nuts
1/2 cup (chopped)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease with non-stick spray.
2
In a small bowl, combine the dried cranberries, finely chopped crystallized ginger, and brandy or Grand Marnier with hot water. Stir and let the mixture soak for about 15 minutes to plump the cranberries and infuse the flavors.
3
In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg until frothy. Add the brown sugar and melted butter, continuing to beat the mixture for one more minute until well combined and slightly fluffy.
4
Pour in the buttermilk and stir until the mixture is smooth.
5
In another bowl, whisk together the cake-and-pastry flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, folding gently with a spatula. Be careful not to over-mix; a few lumps are okay.
6
Gently fold in the white chocolate chips, chopped macadamia nuts, and the soaked cranberry-ginger mixture, ensuring an even distribution of ingredients throughout the batter.
7
Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
9
Let the muffins cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main flavors in Tropical Bliss Muffins?
These muffins feature a tropical fusion of macadamia nuts, tart dried cranberries, zesty crystallized ginger, and creamy white chocolate chips.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
How do I prepare the cranberries and ginger?
Soak the dried cranberries and finely chopped crystallized ginger in brandy or Grand Marnier with hot water for about 15 minutes.
What type of flour is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 1/3 cups of cake-and-pastry flour.
How many eggs are needed?
One egg is required, and it should be beaten until frothy.
What makes these muffins moist?
The inclusion of one cup of buttermilk and 1/4 cup of melted butter ensures the muffins stay moist and tender.
How much brown sugar should I use?
Use 2/3 cup of packed brown sugar.
How long do the muffins take to bake?
The baking time is between 25 to 30 minutes.
What is the amount of white chocolate chips in the recipe?
The recipe uses 3/4 cup of white chocolate chips.
Should I use fresh or dry roasted macadamia nuts?
The recipe specifies 1/2 cup of dry roasted macadamia nuts, chopped.
Can I substitute the brandy or Grand Marnier?
Yes, you can use hot water or fruit juice if you prefer an alcohol-free version for soaking the fruit.
How full should I fill the muffin cups?
Fill each muffin cup about 2/3 full with batter.
What should I do after taking the muffins out of the oven?
Let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
How can I tell if the muffins are fully cooked?
Insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin; if it comes out clean, they are done.
How much baking powder is required?
Two teaspoons of baking powder are needed.
Is there any salt in this recipe?
Yes, add 1/4 teaspoon of salt to the dry ingredients.
What is the preparation for the crystallized ginger?
The crystallized ginger should be finely chopped.
How much hot water is used for soaking?
One tablespoon of boiling hot water is used.
Should I over-mix the batter?
No, fold the ingredients gently with a spatula and avoid over-mixing; a few lumps are acceptable.
What kind of sugar is recommended?
Packed brown sugar is used for its flavor and moisture.
Can I serve these muffins warm?
Yes, they are delicious served either warm or at room temperature.
How should I prepare the muffin tin?
Line it with paper liners or grease it with non-stick spray.
How many ingredients are listed in this recipe?
There are 13 ingredients in total.
What color should the muffins be when finished?
The tops should be lightly golden.
How much buttermilk is needed?
The recipe requires one cup of buttermilk.
What is the first step of the instructions?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and prepare your muffin tin.
Is melted butter used in the wet or dry mix?
Melted butter is added to the wet ingredients after beating the egg and sugar.
What is the role of the brandy or Grand Marnier?
It imbues the batter with a subtle warmth and helps plump the dried fruit.
What is the texture of the macadamia nuts?
The nuts provide a rich, crunchy texture to the muffins.
Are these muffins good for brunch?
Yes, they are described as a delightful fusion of flavors perfect for brunch.