Origin of the muffins

The origins of muffins date back to Europe. The word "muffin" is thought to have originated from the French term "moufflet", which meant soft bread. However, the modern muffin as we know it today was developed in the United States in the 19th century. English immigrants brought traditional recipes for muffins, but American versions soon appeared, creating a denser, sweeter and more cake-like texture.

Maffins are appreciated in different parts of the world and their popularity transcends geographical boundaries. In North America, muffins are a common breakfast ingredient. They are often enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea and are available in bakeries, cafés and grocery stores. In the UK, muffins are usually baked, split and spread with butter or jam. They are an important part of the traditional afternoon tea.

There are many topping options for muffins. Popular toppings for sweet muffins are streusel (a crumble of flour, sugar and butter), cinnamon sugar, icing sugar, glazes (such as lemon or chocolate) or even a drizzle of honey. Sweet muffins can also have delicious fillings such as chocolate chips, blueberries, raspberries, bananas, nuts or dried fruit to add flavour and texture. For a richer flavour, top them with fruit or sweet toppings.

Savoury muffins are less common, but just as impressive. These versions often contain ingredients such as cheese, herbs, vegetables or meat. Toppings for savoury muffins can be grated cheese, herbs, sun-dried tomatoes, chopped olives or even pesto. Savoury muffins are a great accompaniment to soups, stews or salads.

Muffin dishes

Thanks to their tempting fluffy texture, they can be incorporated into a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas:

Sweet dishes

Strawberry shortcake

For a delightful twist on this classic dessert, replace the traditional tart with crushed sweet muffins. Top the muffin crumbs with fresh strawberries and whipped cream.

Muffin bread pudding

Leftover muffins can be turned into a beautiful bread pudding by dipping them in the cream mixture and baking until golden brown. This dessert can be enjoyed with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Maffin ice cream

Pipe the sweet muffins on an ice cream scoop and top with your favourite ice cream toppings such as white chocolate topping, caramel and sprinkle with roasted almonds.

Muffin Trifles

Sweet muffins that have been crushed, topped with whipped cream or custard and fresh fruit, are placed in a glass to create a visually appealing yet delicious dessert.

Muffin French Toast Casserole

Make a French pastry casserole with sliced sweet muffins. Dip the muffin slices in a mixture of eggs, milk and spices, then bake until golden and serve with maple syrup.

Muffin Yoghurt Parfait

For a nutritious and tasty breakfast or snack, top crumbled sweet muffins with Greek yoghurt, honey, fresh strawberries or sliced fruit.

Muffin pancakes

Crumble sweet muffins into pancake batter to create a unique twist on classic pancakes. Bake them until fluffy, then serve them with syrup or fruit toppings.

Muffin Milkshake

Mix crumbled sweet muffins with ice cream and milk to create a wonderful muffin-flavoured milkshake. Add a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra indulgence.

Muffin fruit salad

Mix crushed sweet muffins with a variety of fresh fruits such as strawberries, blueberries and peaches to easily make a unique and delicious fruit salad.

Muffin S''mores

In the traditional recipe for s''mores, we replace graham crackers with sweet muffin halves. Fry mini sugar marshmallows and sandwich them between the muffin halves with a piece of chocolate for a fun and tasty treat.

Savoury dishes

Egg muffin sandwich

Slice savoury muffins and use them as a base for breakfast sandwiches. Fill them with scrambled eggs, cheese, bacon or sausage for a hearty morning meal.

Muffin Burger

For a unique twist on burgers, replace traditional burger buns with savoury muffins. Top them with your favourite pasta, cheese and toppings for a filling meal.

Muffin Sliders

For the sliders, we use small savoury muffins. Fill them with mini burgers, pork or shredded chicken to create tasty one-bite snacks.

Bruschetta with muffins

Slice the savoury muffins, toast them and top with diced tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic and a drizzle of olive oil to create a savoury and filling snack.

Bread filling for muffins

Dice the savoury muffins and use them as a base for the aromatic bread filling. Add the vegetables, herbs and broth and bake until golden and crispy.

Muffin croutons

Cut the savoury muffins into cubes and fry until crisp. Use them as croutons in salads or soups for extra flavour and texture.

Savoury muffin cakes

Press savoury muffin dough into mini tartlet cases and fill with a variety of savoury fillings such as quiche, cheese, vegetables or meat. Bake until golden and serve as starters or party snacks.

Muffin Brunch Casserole

Slice savoury muffins in a casserole dish and top with cooked bacon, cheese and vegetables. Top with beaten eggs, sprinkle with herbs and bake until cooked through for a delicious late lunch dish.

Garlic muffins

Cut the savoury muffins in half, brush them with garlic butter and toast them in the oven until crispy. Serve as a tasty accompaniment to soups, stews or pasta dishes.

French muffin toast

Cut slices from the muffins and use them to make French hot dogs. Dip the muffin slices in a mixture of beaten eggs, milk and spices, then bake them on a wire rack until golden and crispy.

10 fun facts about muffins

1. Muffins and cupcakes may seem similar, but there are some key differences. Cupcakes are usually sweeter and have a lighter texture, while muffins are often denser and less sweet.

The largest muffin ever made weighed 1,663 kilograms! It was baked in Manchester, England, in 2011.

3. Muffins are thought to be named after the Old French word ''moufflet'', meaning ''soft bread''.

4. The first muffin tins were not like the ones we use today. The first muffins were baked in clay moulds called ''boules'' and were often baked directly on the hearth or in pots over an open fire.

5. Blueberry muffins are one of the most popular muffin flavours. The combination of tart blueberries and sweet dough is popular all over the world.

6. Probably the most popular blueberry muffins in the United States are the blueberry muffins of the world, as 11 July has even become National Blueberry Muffin Day!

7. The tops of the muffins, or the rounded parts that go over the muffin liner, are often considered the tastiest part. In fact, there''s even a Seinfeld episode dedicated to the love of muffin tops!

8. Muffins can be a healthier alternative to other baked products. By incorporating wholemeal flour, oatmeal, fruit and nuts, muffins can be a nutritious choice for breakfast or brunch.

9. The world record for the most muffins baked in one hour is 5,058 muffins. This crazy achievement was achieved in Australia in 2017.

10. Muffins are not limited to sweet flavours. Savoury versions such as cornbread muffins, cheese and herb muffins or bacon and cheddar muffins are increasingly popular and are bringing new flavour options to the world of muffins.

Whether you prefer sweet or savoury, muffins, with their variety of sweet and savoury flavours, are the perfect culinary creation.