Introduction
Indulge in the delightful flavors of peach muffins, a perfect treat for any time of the day. These muffins are moist, flavorful, and topped with a crunchy crumbly mixture that takes them to the next level. With fresh peaches as the star ingredient, they are great for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Peaches (2 large, 3 medium):
– 1 1/4 cups peaches, ripe but firm, skin on, cut into small 1.25cm / 1/2″ pieces
– 3/4 cup extra chopped peaches – for topping
Wet Batter Ingredients:
– 100 g (7 tbsp) unsalted butter, melted, cooled
– 2/3 cup caster sugar / superfine sugar (granulated/regular white sugar ok too)
– 1/2 cup plain unsweetened yogurt, at room temperature
– 1 large egg, at room temperature (~55g/2oz shell-on weight)
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
Dry Muffin Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups plain flour / all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda (bi-carbonate soda)
– 1/2 tsp cinnamon powder
– 1/8 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt
Crumbly Topping:
– 1/3 cup plain flour / all-purpose flour
– 1/3 cup (tightly packed) brown sugar
– 1/2 cup pecans (sub rolled oats for nut-free)
– 1/2 tsp cinnamon powder
– 1/8 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt
– 30g (2 tbsp) unsalted butter, melted
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 23 – 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 12 muffins
Follow these steps to create these delightful peach muffins, and enjoy the sweet, fruity goodness they offer!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 180°C / 350°F (160°C fan-forced).
Toast Pecans
Spread the pecans on a tray and place them in the oven for 5 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly, then finely chop.
Prepare Muffin Tin
Increase the oven temperature to 200°C / 390°F (180°C fan-forced). Line a 12-hole standard muffin tin with paper liners.
Make Crumbly Topping
In a small bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar, salt, and chopped pecans using a fork. Add the melted butter and mix until the mixture resembles wet sand. Set aside.
Whisk Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: plain flour, baking soda, cinnamon powder, and cooking salt.
Whisk Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: melted butter, caster sugar, yogurt, egg, and vanilla extract.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Mix with a rubber spatula until the flour is almost incorporated; this should take about 14 stirs. The batter will be lumpy.
Add Peaches
Gently fold in the 1 1/2 cups of peach pieces into the batter. Mix just until no flour is visible and the peaches are evenly dispersed. Minimize stirring to ensure soft muffins.
Fill Muffin Tin
Working quickly, divide the batter evenly between each muffin hole, filling them to the top. A lever ice cream scoop can be helpful for this. Lightly press the extra chopped peaches on top of each muffin, then generously spoon the crumble topping over each.
Bake Muffins
Bake in the preheated oven for 23 – 25 minutes, checking for doneness at 23 minutes. Muffins are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool Muffins
Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, or enjoy them warm!
Notes
Note 1
Ensure the peaches are ripe but firm for the best texture in the muffins.
Note 2
Yogurt should be at room temperature for better incorporation into the batter.
Note 3
Baking soda is crucial for the muffins to rise properly.
Note 4
It’s important to work quickly when filling the muffin tin to prevent the batter from sitting too long before baking.
Cook techniques
Preparing Peaches
Ensure the peaches are ripe but firm for the best texture. Cut them into small 1.25 cm (1/2 inch) pieces, keeping the skin on for added flavor and nutrients.
Melting Butter
Melt the unsalted butter gently until fully liquid, then allow it to cool slightly before incorporating it into the wet ingredients.
Whisking Ingredients
In separate bowls, whisk the dry ingredients together until well combined and then whisk the wet ingredients separately. This ensures a more uniform mix when combined.
Mixing Muffin Batter
Combine the wet and dry ingredients using a rubber spatula, mixing only until the flour is almost incorporated to keep the muffins soft and fluffy.
Adding Peaches
Fold in the peach pieces gently into the batter, being careful not to overmix; you want to maintain a lumpy texture for better muffins.
Preparing Crumbly Topping
Use a fork to combine the flour, brown sugar, chopped pecans, cinnamon, and salt before adding melted butter until it resembles wet sand.
Filling Muffin Tin
Quickly divide the muffin batter into the lined muffin tin, filling each hole to the top. Press extra peach pieces onto each muffin before topping with the crumble mixture.
Baking the Muffins
Bake in a preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Start checking at 23 minutes, but allow up to 25 minutes for a perfect bake.
Cooling Muffins
Let the muffins cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely or enjoy while warm.
FAQ
Can I use frozen peaches instead of fresh ones?
Yes, but it’s best to thaw and drain the excess moisture from frozen peaches before adding them to the batter.
How can I make these muffins gluten-free?
Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking.
Can I use yogurt substitutes?
Yes, you can use sour cream or a plant-based yogurt alternative for a similar texture.
What can I use instead of pecans for the topping?
You can substitute the pecans with rolled oats for a nut-free option.
How should I store leftover muffins?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Conclusion
These peach muffins provide a delightful combination of flavors and textures, with juicy peaches complemented by a buttery, crumbly topping. Perfect for breakfast or as a snack, they are sure to impress family and friends alike.
Peach and Blueberry Muffins
Combine peaches with fresh blueberries for a mixed berry delight.
Pumpkin Peach Muffins
Incorporate pumpkin puree along with the peaches for a seasonal twist.
Cinnamon Peach Oatmeal Muffins
Add rolled oats to the batter for extra texture and heartiness.
Chocolate Chip Peach Muffins
Mix in chocolate chips to satisfy your sweet tooth along with the peaches.
Coconut Peach Muffins
Stir in shredded coconut for a tropical flavor enhancement.
Almond Peach Muffins
Add almond extract and slivered almonds for a nutty flavor profile.
Peach and Yogurt Muffins
Swap half of the yogurt for a fruit-flavored yogurt, such as peach or vanilla.
Lemon Peach Muffins
Introduce lemon zest and juice for a bright, citrusy finish.
