Spicy Prune Muffins
Spicy prune muffins offer a moist, flavorful treat with a hint of cinnamon and vanilla, perfect for breakfast or snack, appealing to fruit lovers and those seeking a unique twist.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup pitted prunes ⓘ
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup milk ⓘ
- 1/3 cup butter or margarine, softened ⓘ
- 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar ⓘ
- 1 large egg ⓘ
- 2 cups all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon baking powder ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook prunes according to package directions.
- Drain, reserving liquid.
- Add enough milk to prune liquid to equal 1 cup; set aside.
- Chop prunes and set aside.
- Beat butter at medium speed with a mixer until creamy; gradually add brown sugar and beat well.
- Add egg and beat until blended.
- Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon.
- Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternately with the prune liquid mixture, beginning and ending with flour mixture, beating at low speed until blended after each addition.
- Stir in chopped prunes and vanilla extract.
- Spoon batter into greased muffin tins, filling 2/3 full.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 22 to 25 minutes.
- Remove muffins from pan immediately and cool.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter muffin, consider using unsweetened applesauce instead of butter or margarine. You can also substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrition. If you like a bit more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the batter. Ensure the prunes are finely chopped for even distribution in the muffins.
Serving Suggestions
These spicy prune muffins are perfect for breakfast or a snack. Serve them warm with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey. They pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. For a delightful brunch, consider serving them alongside a fresh fruit salad or with a slice of Mary'S Fresh Strawberry (Or Peach) Pie.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze muffins individually wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in a zip-top bag for up to three months. Reheat in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spicy Prune Muffins contains roughly 223 calories, with 4g protein, 44g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is a good source of iron (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 558mg per serving (24% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other dried fruits instead of prunes?
Yes, you can substitute prunes with other dried fruits like apricots or raisins. Just ensure they are pitted and chopped into similar sizes. The flavor will vary slightly, but it will still create a delicious muffin.
Can I make these muffins vegan?
Absolutely! To make the muffins vegan, replace the butter with a plant-based alternative, use almond or soy milk, and substitute the egg with a flaxseed meal mixture (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water). Allow it to sit for a few minutes to thicken before adding it to the batter.
How can I make these muffins less sweet?
To reduce the sweetness, cut back on the brown sugar by up to half and consider adding unsweetened cocoa powder or ground nuts to enhance the flavor without adding more sugar. You can also increase the amount of spices like cinnamon to balance the flavors.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).