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Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Muffin Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line it with paper liners for easy removal after baking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, oats (if using), baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk the brown sugar and granulated sugar with the eggs until smooth. Add the vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil), applesauce (or grated apple), and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined and smooth.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense muffins. The batter should be thick and slightly lumpy.
5. Add Apples, Raisins, and Almonds
Gently fold in the diced apple, raisins, and sliced almonds. These ingredients will add both texture and flavor to your muffins, making each bite a delightful combination of fruity sweetness and nutty crunch.
6. Fill the Muffin Tin
Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about two-thirds of the way full. If desired, top each muffin with a few extra slices of almonds for an added touch of crunch and decoration.
7. Bake the Muffins
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. The tops of the muffins should be lightly golden brown.
8. Cool and Serve
Once the muffins are baked, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture, or store them in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
Tips for Perfect Apple, Raisin, and Almond Muffins
- Use Firm Apples: Opt for firm, sweet apples like Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp to ensure they hold their shape during baking and contribute to a burst of fresh flavor in every bite.
- Add Spice: Feel free to adjust the spices to your taste. Adding a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of ginger can elevate the flavor profile of these muffins.
- Make it Gluten-Free: For a gluten-free version, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. You may also need to adjust the baking time slightly.
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) and use a plant-based oil to keep the muffins dairy-free.
- Serve with Butter or Jam: These muffins are delicious on their own, but a dab of butter or a spoonful of your favorite jam can make them even more indulgent.
Why You’ll Keep Coming Back for More
Apple, Raisin, and Almond Muffins are a perfect balance of flavors and textures, offering the sweetness of apples and raisins with the crunch of almonds and the warmth of cinnamon. Whether you’re enjoying them with your morning coffee or as a wholesome snack throughout the day, these muffins will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire. They’re easy to make, customizable, and always satisfying—truly a versatile recipe you’ll want to keep on hand.
So, why not treat yourself and your loved ones to a batch today? These muffins are guaranteed to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen, providing a deliciously sweet start to any day.
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