Fall brings the flavours of cinnamon, nutmeg, spices, apples and pumpkins. Flavours that feel like a warm hug on a cool autumn day. I was in the mood for apples and spices so started looking up recipes to match the kind of muffin I wanted to make. I came across this one https://addapinch.com/cinnamon-apple-muffins-recipe/ and decided to try it, but with a crumble topping instead of a dip.
The end result was ok. It was simpler in flavour and more dense than I wanted. I knew I wanted something more moist, softer, with more complexity on the tongue, warmer. I decided to try the recipe again with some substitutions. I increased the butter from 1/2C to 2/3 knowing it would moisten the batter. I switched out the 1C white sugar for 1/2C white, 1/2C brown to add flavour and keep the batter fluffy. I tossed the apples in cinnamon and brown sugar to start opening the apples up and releasing their natural sugars. Then I made a better crumble and covered the tops to create a nice, crisp top. I added about 2 tsp of cinnamon, 1/2tsp of nutmeg and 1/4tsp of allspice alltogether to the batter. Different spices added more complex flavours and really gave the muffins that fall feel I was looking for.
Then the ultimate test, I brought both muffins into work for the taste test! Results were unanimous. The altered recipe was better and gobbled up! These muffins took 10 minutes max to mix and I was able to walk to the dog and tidy the kitchen while they baked. Talk about functionality! They freeze very easily which means you can double or triple the recipe and have extras for the weeks ahead. I kept about 8 out for my family to eat over the weekend then froze the rest. Muffins are great because you can pull them from the freezer the night before and they’re ready for snacks the next day, whether it be work, school or breakfast.
You can see the difference in texture in the picture with the open muffins. The top right is the original recipe, the bottom is after the changes. Fluffier, smaller density and a darker look. Spices can always be lessened or added depending on your family’s preferences. This is the best part about playing with recipes!
Everyday Functionality 