Quick Strawberry Jam-Filled Muffins are a delightful, simple treat perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack. The moist vanilla batter surrounds a sweet strawberry jam center, creating a surprise in every bite. Almond slices on top add a satisfying crunch, making these muffins an elegant yet easy option for any occasion. Ready in just minutes, they are a crowd-pleasing favorite that you’ll want to bake again and again.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients:
- 2 eggs
- 125g vanilla yogurt
- 50ml milk
- 100ml oil
Sweeteners:
- 100g sugar
- 8g vanilla sugar
Dry Ingredients:
- 200g flour
- 8g baking powder
- A pinch of salt
Filling and Topping:
- Strawberry jam
- Almond slices (for topping)
Directions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F). Line a muffin tin with paper liners to ensure the muffins don’t stick and are easy to remove.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, crack the eggs and whisk them with sugar, vanilla sugar, and a pinch of salt. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the vanilla yogurt, milk, and oil, then whisk until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined and smooth.
Step 3: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour and baking powder. Mixing the dry ingredients separately helps ensure the baking powder is evenly distributed, preventing any uneven rising during baking.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently until the batter is smooth and lump-free. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture of the muffins, making them dense rather than light and fluffy.
Step 5: Fill the Muffin Cups
Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about halfway.
Step 6: Add the Jam Filling
Using a teaspoon, place a dollop of strawberry jam in the center of each muffin cup. The jam will provide a sweet, fruity burst of flavor in every bite.
Step 7: Top with More Batter
Cover the jam with another layer of batter, filling each cup about two-thirds full. This ensures there’s enough space for the muffins to rise without spilling over the edges.
Step 8: Sprinkle with Almonds
Sprinkle almond slices on top of each muffin. The almonds add a delightful crunch and enhance the overall presentation of the muffins.
Step 9: Bake the Muffins
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the muffin comes out clean. Be careful not to overbake, as this can dry out the muffins.
Step 10: Cool and Serve
Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Let them cool completely before serving to allow the jam center to set.
Cooking Tips
- Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature to ensure a smooth batter and even baking.
- Use a small cookie scoop or measuring spoon to ensure even portions of batter and jam, which helps the muffins bake uniformly.
- Avoid overmixing the batter, as this can lead to dense muffins. Stir just until the ingredients are combined.
Substitutions and Variations
- Replace the strawberry jam with other fruit jams, such as raspberry, blueberry, or apricot, for different flavor profiles.
- Use chopped nuts instead of almond slices for a different texture and flavor. Walnuts or pecans work particularly well.
- For a chocolate twist, add chocolate chips to the batter or use chocolate spread instead of jam for the filling.
- Replace vanilla yogurt with plain yogurt or Greek yogurt for a tangier flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, but the muffins may turn out denser. To maintain a light texture, consider using a mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour.
2. How can I make these muffins dairy-free?
Substitute the yogurt with a dairy-free alternative like almond or coconut yogurt. Use plant-based milk instead of regular milk.
3. How should I store these muffins?
Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze them and reheat as needed.
4. Can I make mini muffins with this recipe?
Yes, simply use a mini muffin tin and reduce the baking time to about 10-12 minutes.
5. Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?
It’s best to bake the muffins immediately after preparing the batter to ensure they rise properly. However, you can prepare the dry and wet ingredients separately and combine them just before baking.
Nutritional Information (per muffin, based on 12 muffins)
- Calories: 180
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 12g
Storage
- Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
- To freeze, wrap individual muffins in plastic wrap or store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave before serving.
Conclusion
Quick Strawberry Jam-Filled Muffins are an easy and versatile recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. The moist vanilla base, fruity jam center, and crunchy almond topping create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. With minimal preparation time, this recipe is ideal for both beginners and experienced bakers. Whether you’re looking for a sweet snack or a dessert to share, these muffins are sure to impress.