Muffins: tips to make them a real success

Muffins can be a sweet start to the day or a snack. Whether you choose the sweet or savoury version, there are a few simple things to keep in mind when baking muffins. But, before we get into the details, let''s remember the golden rule before baking any dessert: Always measure the ingredients carefully. Check that the oven temperature is correct. Use good quality ingredients. Any substitutions of ingredients or processes will affect the final result.

1. Mixing the batter for the muffins

It often happens that the muffin batter is over-mixed. Although it may seem almost impossible, in this case the rule is "Less is more." is still very true. It is usually necessary to divide the ingredients into dry and wet. Mix the dry ingredients first, then the wet ones separately, then combine them and mix again. But not when making muffins. Here we skip the separation of ingredients and mix everything together. In a large bowl, make about 12 turns with a whisk, spoon or spatula and the batter should be ready.

2. How do I fill the muffin tins?

Never fill the muffin tins all the way, always fill them about 3/4 of the way. This allows enough room for the muffins to rise without slipping out of the paper cases. This rule should be followed whenever the recipe dictates otherwise.The different recommendations are due to the fact that there can be variations depending on how much the muffins will rise during baking in a particular recipe. Most muffins are baked at high temperatures to make them nice and tall. This is not crucial for success, but it is worth bearing in mind that temperature has a big influence.

3. And it looked so good, but now these little holes in the muffins.

That''s why the first step is very important: mixing the muffin batter. Too much mixing + leavening agents (like baking powder and baking soda) = holes in the muffins. You can also add a little plain yoghurt or sour cream to the ingredients to make sure your muffins are juicy instead of dry and hard. We have added yoghurt to the ingredients for this autumn coloured muffin recipe. You can find the recipe for apple and cinnamon muffins here.

4. Best muffin recipes.

Muffins, or small fluffy cakes, are increasingly appearing in a combination of different and perhaps even a little unexpected flavour combinations. The recipe for double chocolate muffins was created alongside the recipe for classic chocolate muffins . Although we don''t usually add alcohol to desserts, we couldn''t resist the refreshing combination of gin tonic and fluffy sponge cake in muffins, so the recipe for gin and tonic muffins was created .

The flavour of the muffins can also be enhanced with a cream-fruit combination. Pistachio and strawberry muffins can be the perfect dessert when you want to impress with a nutty-fruity dessert. The pistachio flavour is not overpowering because we use real pistachio nuts and not artificial flavourings. Add the intensity of the strawberry flavour and our taste buds will be forever grateful!

In the fruit-fruit muffins, the flavour of the blueberries is complemented by the tart taste of the lemon. The cream cheese icing will be sweet. Is there any reason why lemon and blueberry muffins, alongside new tricks and tips, shouldn''t be your next dessert?