Ah, the sweet aroma of freshly baked muffins wafting through the house… there’s just nothing quite like it! Today, I’m excited to share a recipe that gets me all giddy every fall: Sourdough Apple Cider Muffins! These muffins are the epitome of cozy comfort food, combining the tangy goodness of sourdough with the warm, sweet flavors of apple cider.
I have to confess—every autumn, I make it my mission to try out as many apple-themed recipes as I can. It’s like a delicious competition with myself! It all started when my grandma would whip up apple treats in her kitchen, filling the room with warmth and that enticing scent. Now, for me, there’s something so special about using sourdough starter, especially since I usually have some discard lying around. These muffins are fluffy, lightly spiced, and perfect with a cozy cup of coffee or tea!
What’s in Sourdough Apple Cider Muffins?
Apple Cider: This is the star of the show! The apple cider gives the muffins a sweet and tangy flavor, perfect for fall. I recommend using unsweetened apple cider for a more authentic taste.
Sourdough Starter: Feel free to use discard or active starter; either works well. It provides a lovely tanginess and helps the muffins rise while keeping them moist.
Vegetable Oil or Melted Butter: Both work beautifully in this recipe. I personally love the flavor of melted butter, but oil is a great healthier option!
Granulated Sugar: Just a bit of sweetness to balance out the cider’s tang. If you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping half for brown sugar for a touch of molasses flavor.
Egg: This binds the ingredients and helps build structure. If you want to make it vegan, you can use a flax egg.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla adds depth to the flavor profile, making these muffins extra delightful.
All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of any muffin! It gives them that fluffy texture I crave.
Baking Powder: This provides the necessary lift for those heavenly muffins.
Baking Soda: A little touch of baking soda enhances the rise and balances the acidity of the sourdough.
Salt: Don’t skip the salt! It elevates all the other flavors in the muffins.
Ground Cinnamon: Because what’s fall without cinnamon? This warm spice adds a cozy vibe I can’t get enough of.
Diced Apples (optional): If you want to take these muffins to the next level, toss in some fresh or dried apples. They add a wonderful texture and burst of flavor!
Is Sourdough Apple Cider Muffins Good for You?
Let’s be honest—these muffins are a treat, but they also have some health benefits! The sourdough starter is a fantastic source of probiotics, which can help with digestion. Plus, using apple cider means you’re getting some vitamins found in apples, like Vitamin C and dietary fiber. Just be mindful of the sugar content; you can easily adjust it to suit your taste!
However, if you’re watching your carb intake, keep in mind that while these muffins are delicious, they are still a baked good that contains flour and sugar. Moderation is key, my friends!
Ingredients List
– 1 cup unsweetened apple cider
– 1 cup sourdough starter (discard is fine)
– 1/2 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Optional: 1/2 cup diced apples (fresh or dried)
This recipe yields about 12 muffins, perfect for sharing or savoring throughout the week!
How to Make Sourdough Apple Cider Muffins?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it.
2. In a large bowl, combine the apple cider, sourdough starter, vegetable oil (or melted butter), sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix well until fully combined.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are just fine!
5. If you’re feeling fruity, gently fold in the diced apples at this stage.
6. Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 full.
7. For an irresistible crunchy topping, mix together extra sugar and cinnamon (about 1/4 cup sugar mixed with 1 teaspoon cinnamon) and sprinkle it over the muffin batter before baking!
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
9. Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
These muffins make such a lovely fall treat—trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Delicious Tips for Your Muffins
– If you’d like to add some variety, you can throw in some chopped nuts or even a handful of raisins for some extra flavor.
– These muffins freeze beautifully, so if you have leftovers (which I doubt you will), store them in an airtight container. Just pop one in the microwave for about 30 seconds for a warm treat.
– Enjoy them plain, or slather a little butter on top for that ultimate indulgence!
I can’t wait for you to try these Sourdough Apple Cider Muffins—trust me, they’ll disappear faster than you can say “fall is here!” Enjoy baking, and let me know how your muffins turn out! Happy munching!
