Ingredients:

For the Batter:

• Egg – 1 (provides structure and moisture)
• Sugar – 70g (adds sweetness)
• Vanilla sugar – 8g (infuses the batter with vanilla flavor)
• Salt – A pinch (enhances overall flavor)
• Vegetable oil – 70ml (adds moisture and richness)
• Milk – 80ml (helps to achieve the right batter consistency)
• Flour – 150g (the main dry ingredient forming the muffin base)
• Baking powder – 7g (provides leavening for muffins to rise)

For the Topping:

• Apple – 1, peeled, cored, and chopped into small pieces
• Lemon juice – 1 teaspoon (prevents apple pieces from browning)
• Raisins – A small handful (adds natural sweetness and chewiness)
• Sliced almonds – A handful (adds crunch and nutty flavor)
• Sugar – 1 teaspoon (adds sweetness to the topping)
• Cinnamon – A pinch (enhances the flavor with a warm, spicy note)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease the cups with oil or butter.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, crack 1 egg and whisk it lightly. Add 70g of sugar and 8g of vanilla sugar, then whisk together until the mixture becomes smooth and slightly pale. Gradually add 70ml of vegetable oil and 80ml of milk, and whisk until everything is fully combined.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together 150g of flour, 7g of baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir until the dry ingredients are well mixed.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; overmixing can cause the muffins to become dense instead of light and fluffy.

Step 2: Prepare the Topping

1. Chop the Apple: Peel and core 1 medium apple, then chop it into small, evenly-sized pieces. Toss the apple pieces with 1 teaspoon of lemon juice to prevent them from browning.
2. Mix the Topping: In a small bowl, combine the apple pieces, a small handful of raisins, a handful of sliced almonds, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and a pinch of cinnamon. Stir gently until the topping ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Fill the Muffin Tins

1. Spoon the Batter: Using a spoon or an ice cream scoop, divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each one about ¾ full. This will allow room for the muffins to rise without overflowing.
2. Add the Topping: Generously sprinkle the apple, raisin, and almond topping over the batter in each muffin cup. Press the topping gently into the batter to ensure it sticks during baking.

Step 4: Bake the Muffins

1. Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean and the tops are golden brown.
2. Cool: Once baked, remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the tin for 5 minutes. Then transfer the muffins to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Serve

1. Enjoy: These muffins are best enjoyed warm but can be served at room temperature as well. They pair perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea.

Cooking Tips:

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best results, ensure that your egg, milk, and other ingredients are at room temperature. This helps the batter mix more smoothly and leads to fluffier muffins.
• Topping Variations: You can swap raisins for other dried fruits like cranberries, or add different nuts like walnuts or pecans for variety.
• Add a Streusel: For extra crunch and sweetness, you can make a streusel topping by combining sugar, flour, and butter. Sprinkle this over the muffins along with the apples and almonds before baking.
• Use Whole Wheat Flour: If you want a healthier version of these muffins, try replacing half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. The muffins may be denser but will still taste delicious.
• Don’t Overfill: Make sure not to fill the muffin cups to the brim, as the batter needs space to rise. Filling each cup about ¾ full is ideal.

Storage:

• Room Temperature: Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them fresh, line the container with a paper towel to absorb any moisture.
• Refrigeration: For longer storage, refrigerate the muffins for up to 5 days. Simply reheat them in the microwave or oven before serving.
• Freezing: You can freeze the muffins for up to 3 months. Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw them at room temperature or warm them up in the oven before serving.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving, Based on 12 Muffins):

• Calories: 180-200 kcal
• Protein: 4-5g
• Fat: 8-9g
• Carbohydrates: 25-30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 10-12g
• Sodium: 150-180mg

These muffins offer a balance of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates. The apples and raisins provide natural sweetness and fiber, while the almonds offer healthy fats and a satisfying crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Can I use a different type of oil? Yes, you can substitute the vegetable oil with any neutral-flavored oil like canola oil or even melted coconut oil. Each oil will slightly change the flavor and texture of the muffins.

2. Can I make this recipe vegan? Yes! To make the muffins vegan, substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water), use plant-based milk like almond or soy milk, and ensure the sugar you’re using is vegan-friendly.

3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free? You can make the muffins gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. Be sure to choose a blend that includes xanthan gum to help the muffins rise and hold their shape.

4. How can I make the muffins less sweet? To reduce the sweetness, you can cut the sugar in the batter by half, or leave out the sugar in the topping altogether. The natural sweetness of the apples and raisins will still shine through.

5. Can I add other fruits to the muffins? Absolutely! You can add fruits like chopped pears, blueberries, or even chopped peaches for variety. Just be sure not to overload the batter with too many extra ingredients, or the muffins may not rise properly.

Conclusion:

These Apple Almond Muffins are the perfect combination of sweet, tangy, and nutty flavors, with a soft, moist texture on the inside and a crunchy topping on the outside. The raisins add a chewy bite, while the cinnamon brings warmth to each bite. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, this recipe is a great go-to for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Whether you’re enjoying them fresh out of the oven or saving them for later, these muffins are sure to satisfy. Give them a try and watch them become a family favorite!