Description
Peach Muffins with Vanilla Glaze
Ingredients:
For the Muffins:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup milk
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup diced fresh peaches
For the Topping:
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon
For the Glaze:
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1–2 tbsp milk
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
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Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it lightly.
2. Prepare the Batter:
In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, whisk together oil, milk, egg, and vanilla. Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined. Fold in the diced peaches gently.
3. Fill the Muffin Tin:
Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full.
4. Add the Topping:
Mix brown sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle over the muffins.
5. Bake:
Bake for 18–20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow to cool slightly before removing from the tin.
6. Make the Glaze:
In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over cooled muffins.
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed steps for perfect muffins. First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare your muffin tin. In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together the 1 1/2 cups flour, 1/2 cup sugar, 2 tsp baking powder, and 1/2 tsp salt. In a separate bowl, vigorously whisk the 1/3 cup oil, 1/2 cup milk, 1 large egg, and 1 tsp vanilla until fully emulsified. Create a well in the center of your dry ingredients and pour in the wet mixture. Stir with a spatula until the flour is just moistened—lumps are okay. Gently fold in the 1 cup of diced peaches, being careful not to overmix, which leads to tough muffins. Divide the batter evenly among 12 muffin cups.
Serving Suggestions
These peach muffins are versatile. Serve them warm for breakfast with a pat of butter or a dollop of Greek yogurt. For a decadent dessert, pair a muffin with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a side of whipped cream. They also make an excellent addition to a brunch spread alongside fresh fruit and savory quiches. A hot cup of coffee, black tea, or a glass of cold milk perfectly complements their sweet, spiced flavor.
How-to Summary
To summarize: Whisk dry ingredients. Whisk wet ingredients separately. Combine wet and dry until just mixed, then fold in peaches. Portion batter, sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar topping, and bake at 375°F for 18-20 minutes. Cool, then drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned or frozen peaches? Yes. Thaw and drain frozen peaches thoroughly. Canned peaches must be well-drained and patted dry to avoid excess moisture.
How should I store these muffins? Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze unglazed muffins for up to 3 months.
Can I make this recipe into a loaf? Absolutely. Pour the batter into a greased 9×5 loaf pan and bake at 350°F for 50-60 minutes, or until a tester comes out clean.
Why did my muffins turn out dense? The most common cause is overmixing the batter. Mix only until the ingredients are combined. Also, ensure your baking powder is fresh.
Can I omit the glaze? Certainly. The muffins are delicious with just the cinnamon-sugar topping. The glaze adds sweetness and visual appeal but is optional.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the batter: This develops gluten, resulting in tough, dense muffins. Stir until just combined.
- Using wet peaches: Excess moisture from the fruit can make the batter soggy. Always pat diced peaches dry.
- Overfilling the muffin cups: Filling more than 2/3 full causes batter to overflow instead of creating a nice dome.
- Adding glaze to hot muffins: The glaze will melt and soak in. Allow muffins to cool completely on a wire rack first.
- Not testing for doneness: Ovens vary. Use a toothpick test at the 18-minute mark to prevent over-baking.
Conclusion
These Peach Muffins with Vanilla Glaze are a delightful treat that captures the essence of summer. The simple steps yield tender, fruit-filled muffins with a crunchy spiced topping and a sweet finish. By following the guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can achieve bakery-quality results at home. Perfect for sharing or enjoying as a special homemade snack, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.