There’s something comforting about a freshly baked muffin, especially when autumn settles in with its rich colors and cozy vibes. Enter butternut squash muffins, the perfect treat for those chilly mornings or days when you just need a little bit of warmth. These muffins are not only delicious; they’re also packed with the nutritious goodness of butternut squash, making them a guilt-free delight to savor. So, let’s get our baking mitts on and dive into this scrumptious recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Butternut squash muffins are a delightful fusion of flavors that balance warmth and sweetness. Here are a few reasons why you’ll absolutely adore this recipe:
- Nutritious: Being loaded with vitamins A and C from butternut squash, these muffins make for a healthy snack or breakfast option.
- Kid-Friendly: With their yummy flavor and soft texture, even the pickiest eaters will be asking for seconds.
- Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of the ingredients in your pantry already, making this an easy bake any day of the week.
- Versatile: Enjoy them as a snack, breakfast, or even as a dessert. They’re perfect at any time!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s gather our essentials for these delicious muffins. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup of cooked and pureed butternut squash
- 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup of brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup of vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 cup of chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans) or chocolate chips (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps ensure that your muffins cook evenly and rise beautifully.
2. Prepare the Muffin Tin
Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line it with muffin liners. This prevents the muffins from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pureed butternut squash, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. It should be creamy and inviting.
4. Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Stir it well until the spices are evenly distributed.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can make the muffins tough.
6. Add Extras
If you like, fold in the chopped nuts or chocolate chips for an extra taste sensation. This step adds texture and richness to the muffins.
7. Fill the Muffin Tin
Using a spoon or a muffin scoop, fill each muffin cup about 2/3 full. This gives them room to rise without overflowing.
8. Bake!
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell amazing at this point!
9. Cool and Remove
Once baked, remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the tin for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving Suggestions
These muffins are perfect on their own, but they can also be served with a spread of cream cheese, honey, or even a dab of butter. If you want to kick things up a notch, consider pairing them with a warm cup of chai tea or coffee.
Storage Tips
If you have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to three months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn.
Helpful Tips
- Squash Preparation: You can roast or steam the butternut squash. Just ensure it’s cool and pureed before mixing it with the other ingredients.
- Spice It Up: Feel free to experiment with additional spices, like ginger or allspice, for a unique twist on flavor.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend if you need a gluten-free option.
- Experiment with Add-ins: Besides nuts or chocolate, consider raisins or dried cranberries for added sweetness and texture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use fresh butternut squash instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh butternut squash can be cooked and pureed just like canned. Just make sure to cook it until soft, then mash or blend it until smooth.
How do I know when the muffins are done?
The best test is a toothpick; when inserted into the center of a muffin, it should come out clean or with a few crumbs attached, but not wet batter.
Can I make mini muffins with this recipe?
You sure can! Just reduce the baking time to about 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them, and do the toothpick test for doneness.
Why are my muffins dense?
Dense muffins can result from over-mixing the batter or adding too much flour. Be sure to mix until just combined to keep them light and fluffy!
How long can I store these muffins?
If stored properly in an airtight container, they can last at room temperature for about three days, in the fridge for a week, or can be frozen for several months.
Conclusion
There you have it! A wonderful recipe for butternut squash muffins that’s not only simple to prepare but also incredibly satisfying. Their delightful combination of sweetness, warmth, and nutrition makes them a fantastic addition to your fall baking arsenal. Bake up a batch today, and watch your loved ones enjoy this seasonal treat with pure joy. Happy baking!
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Irresistible Butternut Squash Muffins Perfectly Moist Delicious
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins 1x
Description
Indulge in our irresistible butternut squash muffinsperfectly moist and delicious A healthy treat that delights every bite Find your favorite recipe
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 180 calories
- Sugar: 10 grams
- Fat: 7 grams
- Carbohydrates: 28 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Protein: 3 grams