Master Muffin Recipe (12 Variations)
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The ultimate foundation recipe that unlocks twelve delicious muffin varieties with perfect technique every time. From classic blueberry and indulgent chocolate chip to seasonal pumpkin spice and zesty lemon poppy seed, our master method ensures tender, fluffy muffins with beautiful dome tops for any craving. Master this one recipe and discover all 12 variations below - you'll never need another muffin recipe again.
This teases the variety, mentions a few specific popular flavors, and clearly directs them to look for the variations within the recipe! 🧁
Time & Quantities
Method & Ingredients
Required Equipment: 12-cup muffin tin, paper liners, large mixing bowl, whisk, measuring cups, ice cream scoop
Cooking Method: Baking
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 1 cup whole milk (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line muffin tin with paper liners.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together melted butter, egg, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and fold together with a spatula just until combined - lumps are okay and overmixing creates tough muffins! For any of the 12 variations listed below, gently fold in your chosen add-ins at this stage before scooping into muffin cups.
- Using an ice cream scoop, divide batter evenly among muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full.
- Bake for 16-18 minutes until tops are golden and a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
- Cool in pan for 5 minutes before transferring to wire rack - this prevents soggy bottoms!
- Serve warm or at room temperature for perfect muffin bliss.
Storage & Make-Ahead
Storage Advice: Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week. Best served slightly warmed.
Make-Ahead & Freezing Tips: Muffins freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Wrap individually and thaw at room temperature or microwave briefly.
Nutritional & Dietary Information
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 145
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 4g (Saturated: 2g)
- Carbohydrates: 24g (Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 6g)
- Vitamin A: 3% DV
- Vitamin C: 1% DV
- Calcium: 8% DV
- Iron: 6% DV
Allergen Information: Contains gluten (flour), dairy (milk, butter), eggs
Dietary Information: Not suitable for gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegan diets. Can be adapted with alternative flours and plant-based substitutes.
Serving & Variations
Serving Suggestions: Serve with butter, jam, or honey. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or afternoon snacks. Present in a basket lined with a clean kitchen towel for homey appeal.
Wine or Drink Pairing: Pair with coffee, tea, or fresh orange juice for breakfast. Light sparkling wines like Prosecco work beautifully for brunch occasions.
Possible Recipe Variations:
Refer to Step 4 above in instructions for incorporation.
1. Blueberry: Add 1 cup fresh blueberries,2. Chocolate Chip: Add 3/4 cup chocolate chips,
3. Banana Walnut: Replace 1/2 cup milk with mashed banana and add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts,
4. Lemon Poppy Seed: Add 2 tablespoons lemon zest and 1 tablespoon poppy seeds,
5. Double Chocolate: Replace 1/4 cup flour with cocoa powder and add 1/2 cup chocolate chips,
6. Cranberry Orange: Add 3/4 cup dried cranberries and 1 tablespoon orange zest,
7. Apple Cinnamon: Add 1 cup diced apples and 1 teaspoon cinnamon,
8. Carrot Spice: Add 1 cup grated carrots, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg,
9. Strawberry: Add 1 cup diced fresh strawberries,
10. Pumpkin Spice: Replace 1/2 cup milk with pumpkin puree and add 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice,
11. Lemon Blueberry: Add 1 tablespoon lemon zest and 3/4 cup blueberries,
12. Banana Chocolate Chip: Replace 1/3 cup milk with mashed banana and add 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Additional Notes: Room temperature ingredients are crucial for proper mixing and texture. The key to tender muffins is minimal mixing - stop as soon as ingredients are just combined.