Delicious Breadfruit Muffins – A Heavenly Treat!
Welcome to the world of breadfruit muffins! If you’re a fan of banana bread or blueberry muffins, wait until you try these delicious baked treats. This unique spin on the classic muffin recipe uses breadfruit flour to create a gluten-free, fluffy texture that will have your taste buds singing.
Breadfruit is a staple crop in many regions, including the Caribbean and South Pacific. It is known for its versatility in different types of cuisine, especially in Jamaican food. Breadfruit has a similar texture to potatoes when boiled and mashed, but it’s even better when used as a flour substitute. So, while traditional wheat flour can make your muffins dense and heavy, breadfruit flour creates a light and airy texture.
Not only are breadfruit muffins tasty, but they are also great for your health. With the use of gluten-free flours, these muffins can be enjoyed by people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. They’re also perfect for vegans and anyone who wants an alternative to mainstream wheat-based muffins.
In this article, I’ll guide you through the process of making delicious breadfruit muffins from scratch, including tips for perfect results along the way. Trust me; once you’ve tried these muffins out for yourself, you’ll never go back to regular flour-based muffins again! So let’s mix our ingredients and head straight into the kitchen – your taste buds will thank you.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are few things in life that bring as much joy as a warm, freshly baked muffin. And when that muffin happens to be made from breadfruit, the experience is truly exceptional. That’s right – with this recipe for breadfruit muffins, you can enjoy all the familiar comfort and satisfaction of a classic muffin, while also getting a taste of something new and exciting.
So why exactly will you love this recipe? Let me count the ways. Firstly, these muffins are incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of simple ingredients – including breadfruit flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, eggs, and shortening – you can quickly whip up a batch of fluffy, fragrant muffins right in your own kitchen.
But it’s not just the ease that makes these muffins so lovable. It’s also the unique flavor and texture that comes with using breadfruit flour. This tropical fruit is a staple in many Jamaican and South Pacific cuisines, and it lends an earthy sweetness to baked goods that’s unlike anything else. Whether you’re a seasoned breadfruit aficionado or trying it out for the first time, these muffins are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
And let’s not forget about their versatility. While this recipe calls for plain breadfruit muffins, there are endless variations you could experiment with – from blueberry-studded muffins to chocolate-chip-packed treats. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty breakfast or a sweet snack on-the-go, these muffins have got you covered.
Last but not least, these breadfruit muffins also happen to be gluten-free, making them an excellent choice for anyone with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities. And even if you’re not following a gluten-free diet, you’ll appreciate how light and fluffy they turn out – no dense or crumbly textures here!
All in all, there’s plenty to love about these breadfruit muffins. So why not give them a try? Your taste buds will thank you!
Ingredient List
Flour: For this breadfruit muffin recipe, you will need 2 cups of flour. You can use either all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend.
Baking Powder and Baking Soda: Baking powder and baking soda are both essential leavening agents that help the muffins rise while baking. This recipe requires 3 teaspoons of baking powder and 1 teaspoon of baking soda.
Salt: The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon sea salt.
Sugar: 3/4 cup of granulated sugar is used to sweeten the muffins. If you prefer, you can substitute with other natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.
Egg: You will need 2 large eggs for this recipe. Eggs act as a binding agent for the muffins.
Shortening or Coconut Oil: This recipe uses 1/2 cup of shortening, but you can replace it with an equal amount of coconut oil if you prefer a healthier option.
Mashed Ripe Breadfruit: The star ingredient of this recipe is the mashed ripe breadfruit (ulu). Depending on the size of your breadfruit, you will need approximately 1 to 1 1/2 cups of mashed breadfruit.
Note: Alternatively, you can use breadfruit flour in this recipe, substituting 1 cup of breadfruit flour for every 1 cup of all-purpose flour.
Mix-ins (Optional): Feel free to add some mix-ins to your batter for added flavor and texture. Popular options include blueberries, chocolate chips, or chopped nuts. Simply fold in about 3/4 cup into the batter before spooning into the muffin tin.
Note: Adjust the amount of sugar added to the batter depending on your mix-in add-ins.
The Recipe How-To
To start making Breadfruit Muffins, I first preheat my oven to 400°F (200°C) and then greased my muffin tin or line the cups with paper liners. Next, I mix my dry ingredients in a mixing bowl: 3 cups of breadfruit flour, 1 teaspoon of sea salt, 4 teaspoons of baking powder, and 3/4 cup of sugar. Then, I whisk together two eggs in another bowl and add 2/3 cup of coconut oil (you could also use shortening or vegetable oil), and 1 1/2 cups of milk or almond milk. In a separate bowl, I mash up one ripe ulu (breadfruit), which makes around two cups to add moisture.
Combining the Dry and Wet Mixtures
I slowly pour in the wet ingredients into the mixing bowl with the dry ingredients. It is essential not to overmix, as we don’t want tough muffins. Mix until everything is just combined. Bumps in your batter are okay, too much stirring can lead to flat muffins.
Prepping to Bake
Before scooping your mixture into your muffin tins, give it a final stir to make sure the batter is evenly mixed. Fill each cup three-quarters full with batter for average-sized muffins or a little higher for a bakery-style muffin top. You may add toppings such as chocolate chips, blueberries, or nuts to individual muffins if you like but ensure that they are not more than three-quarters full because they will expand when cooking.
Baking Time & Checking for Doneness
Place your muffin tin in the oven and bake for around 20-25 minutes. The specific time depends on the size of your muffin tins; you can check by inserting a toothpick in the center of one muffin; if it comes out clean without any wet batter on it, it’s done! If not, place back in the oven for another minute, then recheck. Let them cool for about five minutes before attempting to remove them from their tins. Tugging on them too early may deform them, so we must be patient.
One thing to keep in mind while making these wholesome Breadfruit Muffins is that the dough needs vigilance – “treat her right, she’ll treat you with fluffy goodness.” If you treat your dough wrong by over-mixing or giving up at any phase- adding too much flour or not enough water- expect trouble ahead of you during baking — especially if trying out gluten-free variations as they have different properties from regular flours such as wheat flour. So let us take care while preparing this recipe to get puffy and moist Breadfruit Muffins that feel fresh out of The Breadfruit Institute’s Oven!
Substitutions and Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are many ways to experiment with this breadfruit muffins recipe. Here are a few ideas for substitutions and variations:
1. Flour: You can use different types of flour or flour blends to make these muffins gluten-free. Try using breadfruit flour, almond flour, or a gluten-free flour mix.
2. Fruits: If you don’t have overripe breadfruit, you can use other fruits like bananas, sweet potatoes or rhubarb to make muffins that are just as delicious.
3. Chocolate: For an extra indulgent treat, add some chocolate chips into the batter before baking. The combination of chocolate and breadfruit is simply heavenly.
4. Fillings: Get creative with fillings by incorporating various ingredients like nuts or seeds to introduce different textures and flavors.
5. Vegan options: Swap out the eggs for flax seed meal mixed with water (1 egg equals 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water). Use coconut oil instead of shortening for a vegan option.
6. Mini-muffins: Want bite-sized treats? Use a mini-muffin tin instead of a regular size muffin tin to make mini breadfruit muffins that are perfect for snack time.
7. Breadfruit cake: If you’re in the mood for something more substantial than a muffin, bake the batter in a loaf pan to create a hearty breadfruit cake that can be enjoyed for breakfast or with tea in the afternoon.
These are just some of the substitution ideas that can add variety to the classic breadfruit muffin recipe. Be creative and try out new things!
Serving and Pairing
Breadfruit muffins are an unexpectedly delightful treat that make a great addition to any breakfast, brunch, or tea time spread. These muffins have a unique, moist texture and a subtle sweetness that pairs perfectly with a variety of toppings.
To serve these muffins, slice them in half and spread with butter or cream cheese for an extra indulgent treat. They also taste great with jam or honey, which bring out the sweetness of the breadfruit. For a tropical twist, try topping the muffins with sliced bananas or fresh pineapple.
For a more savory option, try pairing these muffins with slices of avocado or smoked salmon. The flavors complement each other surprisingly well, and the rich and creamy ingredients help balance out the sweetness of the muffins.
These muffins are also versatile enough to be paired with a wide range of beverages. Coffee or tea are classic options, but they also work well with fruit juices such as orange juice, pineapple juice, or mango juice. For an extra refreshing option, try serving them alongside a tall glass of iced tea.
Overall, breadfruit muffins are a delicious and unexpected treat that pair well with both sweet and savory toppings. Whether you’re serving them as part of breakfast, brunch or tea time spread, they’re sure to be a hit with friends and family alike!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Make-ahead options for Breadfruit Muffins:
When it comes to making Breadfruit Muffins ahead of time, you have a couple of options. The muffin batter can be mixed the night before and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator overnight. This will save you time on the day you want to bake them since all you’ll need to do is fill your muffin tin and pop it in the oven.
Alternatively, if you want freshly baked muffins for breakfast but don’t have time to make them in the morning, you can store unbaked muffins in the freezer for up to three months. Simply fill your greased muffin tin with batter, then freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the unbaked muffins to a resealable freezer bag and store until ready to use. When you’re ready for fresh baked muffins, remove however many you’d like from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about 20 minutes before baking as directed in the recipe.
Storing Breadfruit Muffins:
Once they’re baked, Breadfruit Muffins can be stored in an airtight container on your kitchen counter for up to 2 days. If you won’t be able to eat them all during that time, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Reheating Breadfruit Muffins:
To reheat refrigerated or frozen muffins, heat them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or until heated through. Alternatively, place them on a baking sheet and heat them in a 350°F oven until warmed through. They’re best served warm with butter and jam or alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea.
One thing to note is that if your breadfruit is overripe or starting to go bad, it may impact the quality of your muffins once they’re baked. To avoid this, select ripe breadfruit that are still firm and unblemished for optimal results.
Tips for Perfect Results
Breadfruit muffins are a delightful treat that have gained much popularity in recent years. These muffins are versatile and can be enjoyed on their own, as a breakfast item or as a dessert. If you want to ensure perfect results every time you make these mouth-watering treats, consider these tips.
One of the keys to creating the perfect breadfruit muffin is to not overmix the batter. Overmixing can cause gluten formation leading to dense muffins. Instead, mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined.
Another crucial tip is to use ripe breadfruit when making muffins. Overripe breadfruit is best for baking since it has a soft and sweet center that adds flavor and moistness to your muffins. It’s also easier to mash than underripe fruit.
When measuring flour, spoon the flour into your measuring cup and lightly level it off with a flat edge. Do not pack your flour, as this will result in dry muffins.
For gluten-free options, you may replace all-purpose flour with breadfruit flour. Breadfruit flour is an excellent substitute for wheat flour because it adds natural sweetness and has good binding properties without interfering with the original taste.
Additionally, adding fruits like blueberries or mashed bananas not only improves the taste but also adds moisture to your muffins. It’s essential to remember not to add too much moisture or too wetter fruits like sliced strawberries.
A helpful tip for ensuring smooth removal from muffin tins is to grease them before pouring in the batter. Lightly brushing coconut oil or shortening onto each muffin cup will prevent sticking and make removal easier.
Lastly, if you prefer smaller portions, consider making mini-muffins instead of regular-sized ones. Mini-muffins give you bite-size portion control and are perfect for sharing or packing for work lunches or picnics.
Overall, by following these simple yet excellent tips, you can guarantee delicious breadfruit muffins every time you bake them.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, whether you’re a fan of traditional muffins or looking for something new and exciting to try, breadfruit muffins are a must-try recipe. Packed with flavor and easy to customize to your tastes, these muffins are perfect for any occasion from breakfast to dessert. Not only are they delicious, but breadfruit muffins are also a great way to incorporate new and unique flavors into your baking repertoire.
So don’t hesitate to pick up some ripe ulu or breadfruit flour and give this recipe a try. And remember, while substitutions and variations are always welcome, be sure to follow the tips and recommendations for the best results. With a little bit of practice, you’ll be whipping up batches of perfectly fluffy and flavorful breadfruit muffins in no time.
Whether you’re looking for something gluten-free or simply want to switch things up in the kitchen, breadfruit muffins offer a tasty and unique option that’s sure to please. So what are you waiting for? Get baking and try out this recipe for yourself today!
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup melted shortening
- 1 egg
- 1 cup flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup breadfruit flour
Instructions
- Heat oven to 400°F
- Grease muffin tin.
- Break egg into bowl and beat slightly with fork.
- Stir in melted shortening and milk.
- Sift together flour and baking powder, sugar, salt and then add to egg mixture. Stir just enough to moisten dry ingredients (the batter should be lumpy).
- Fill muffin tins (2/3rds) full.
- Bake for about 15-20 minutes (until edges pull away from tin).
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Steven is a chef by heritage, so it’s no wonder why baking is such a big part of who he is. To share his passion for all things sweet, he created cookiesncrepes.com. It’s the perfect platform to indulge in delicious treats, all with a sprinkle of his signature flare.