Introduction

In a world where time is scarce but the desire for good food remains, Express Muffins offer a delicious, practical, and versatile solution for any time of day. Whether you’re looking for a comforting breakfast, a homemade snack, or an impromptu dessert to share with friends, this recipe is a culinary lifesaver that combines speed and flavor in every bite.

The wonderful thing about this recipe is that you don’t need to be a professional chef to achieve fluffy, aromatic, and perfectly golden muffins. With basic ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen—eggs, milk, flour, sugar—and the option to customize each batch to your liking, you can create a dozen delicious treats in less than 30 minutes. And the best part: no mixer or special skills required!

From the classic chocolate chip to more adventurous versions with fruit, nuts, or citrus zest, these muffins are a blank canvas for your creativity. In this guide, I’ll take you step-by-step through the preparation of Express Muffins, along with tips, variations, nutritional information, and answers to frequently asked questions.

Get ready to fall in love with a recipe that combines the best of homemade baking: simplicity, speed, and a delicious result . If you’ve ever craved something sweet but didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, this recipe will be your new favorite.

Muffins are irresistible treats, perfect for a quick breakfast, a delicious afternoon snack, or even a healthy snack, depending on the ingredients chosen. Easy to prepare, they only take a few minutes and can be customized endlessly.

In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make quick, ultra-soft, and flavorful muffins, with delicious variations and tips to make them a hit every time.

A friendly snack or even a sweet break, they’re extremely easy to customize to your tastes. Whether banana, berry, or chocolate, these muffins are quick to make and will delight both kids and adults!

In just a few simple steps, you’ll have fluffy, lightly browned muffins bursting with flavor. This basic recipe can be adapted endlessly with fruits, spices, seeds, or nuts to satisfy all your gourmet desires.

Detailed history of Muffins Express

Muffins are small individual cakes of Anglo – Saxon origin that have become a classic pastry around the world. Although their name comes from English, their history is rich and intertwined with the evolution of home baking from the 18th century to the present day.

The muffin, as we know it today, originated in England during the 18th century as a type of flat, griddled roll, very different from the sweet and fluffy version found in modern coffee shops. These early muffins were part of the traditional British breakfast and were served with butter and jam. In fact, they were so popular that the famous “muffin men” emerged, street vendors who sold them on the streets of London.

Later, with the expansion of the British Empire and immigration to North America, the muffin recipe crossed the Atlantic . It was in the United States that the muffin took on a form more similar to a small cake, baked in individual tins inside the oven. Thanks to the introduction of baking powder in the 19th century, muffins began to rise more and acquire the soft, airy texture we know today.

Express Muffins are a modern evolution of this tradition, designed for modern times: quick, easy, and with basic ingredients that almost everyone has at home. Their main virtue is their versatility , allowing for a wide variety of ingredients to suit tastes, seasons, or whatever you have in the pantry. From classic versions with chocolate chips to healthy combinations with fruits and nuts, Express Muffins are perfect for both breakfast and snacks.

Plus, their preparation doesn’t require complicated techniques or sophisticated appliances, making them the ideal choice for beginners, children who want to help in the kitchen, or anyone who wants a homemade treat in just a few minutes.

Today, muffins are a symbol of affordable homemade baking , and with this express version, their preparation is further democratized, allowing you to enjoy a delicious, freshly baked treat effortlessly.

Ingredients (for about 12 muffins)

2 eggs

120 ml of milk (or vegetable drink: almond, oat, soy, etc.)

80 g melted butter (or 60 ml neutral oil: sunflower, coconut, etc.)

100g sugar (or alternative: honey, maple syrup, coconut sugar, etc.)

200 g of flour

1 packet of baking powder (or 1 teaspoon of baking soda + 1 teaspoon of vinegar or lemon)

1 pinch of salt

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional according to your wishes:

Chocolate chips

Pieces of fresh or dried fruit (apples, bananas, raspberries, raisins, etc.)

Crushed walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts

Citrus zest (lemon, orange) for a fragrant touch

Preparation: Quick and easy!

Preheat the oven to 180°C (gas mark 6) and prepare a muffin tin by placing paper liners or lightly greasing the tins.

Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until foamy. Add the melted butter (or oil), milk, and vanilla extract. Mix well.

Add the dry ingredients: Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt into the wet mixture. Gently mix with a spatula or whisk until you have a smooth paste.

Add extras: Gently stir in chocolate chips, fruit, or nuts for an even more indulgent version.

Fill the molds: Pour the batter until it fills 2/3 of the molds to prevent them from overflowing during baking.

Bake for 15-20 minutes until the muffins are golden brown and a knife inserted into them comes out clean.

Let cool for a few minutes before enjoying.

Tips for perfect muffins

Don’t overmix the batter: A slightly lumpy batter produces fluffier muffins. Overmixing can result in dense muffins.
Add a crunch: Sprinkle your muffins with brown sugar or oats before baking for a crunchy effect.
Did the muffins turn out well? Don’t fill the tins to the brim, otherwise the batter will overflow. ⅔ high is ideal!
Customize your muffins: Add spices like cinnamon, ginger, or nutmeg for an even more fragrant version.
Storage: Muffins can be stored for 2 to 3 days in an airtight container or frozen so you always have some on hand.

5 ideas for gourmet variations

Chocolate Hazelnut Muffins: Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder and hazelnut pieces.
Soft Banana Muffins: Replace the sugar with 2 mashed bananas for a healthier version.
Apple Cinnamon Muffins: Add apple pieces and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
Peanut Butter Muffins: Add 2 tablespoons of peanut butter to the batter.
Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins: Add the zest of one lemon and 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds.

Of course! Here are even more ideas and tips for making successful and varied express muffins!

Tips for even more delicious muffins!

1. Ultra soft muffins

Replace some of the butter with plain yogurt, applesauce, or mashed banana. This will make your muffins lighter and ultra-soft.

Add a tablespoon of fresh cream or fermented milk (buttermilk) for an airy texture.

Don’t overmix the batter! A mixture that’s too soft will make the muffins denser.

2. Cooking successfully

Preheat oven to 180°C before baking.

Avoid opening the oven door too soon, otherwise the muffins may fall out.

To check if it’s cooked, insert a knife or toothpick into the center: if it comes out clean, it’s ready!

For golden-brown muffins, sprinkle a little sugar on them or brush them with a mixture of milk and egg yolk before baking.

3. Well-risen muffins

Use fresh baking powder (or baking soda + lemon/vinegar). Old yeast loses its effectiveness!

Pro tip: Refrigerate the batter for 15 minutes before baking; this creates a thermal shock and causes the muffins to rise.

Fill the molds only ⅔ full, otherwise they may overflow.

10 Muffin Variations to Never Get Bored!

1. Chocolate chip muffins

Add 100g of chocolate chips to the batter. To make the center melt, place a square of chocolate in the center of each bun before baking.

2. Apple and cinnamon muffins

Add 1 grated apple and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. You can also add some crushed walnuts for a crunchy touch.

3. Banana and chocolate muffins

Replace the sugar with 2 mashed ripe bananas and add dark chocolate chips.

4. Lemon and poppy seed muffins

Add the zest of a lemon and 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds for a crunchy, acidic touch.

5. Carrot and walnut muffins (carrot cake style)

Add 1 grated carrot, 50g of chopped walnuts and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon.

  1. Red fruit muffins

Add 100g of chopped raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries. To prevent them from releasing too much juice, dust them with flour before adding.

7. Peanut Butter Muffins

Add 2 tablespoons of peanut butter and roasted peanut pieces for a crunchy texture.

8. Coffee and hazelnut muffins

Add 1 teaspoon of instant coffee and 50g of crushed hazelnuts for a rich flavor.

9. Coconut and white chocolate muffins

Add 50g of grated coconut and white chocolate pieces.

10. Chestnut and vanilla muffins

Replace half of the flour with chestnut flour and add a teaspoon of vanilla extract.

Tips for healthier and more dietary muffins

Replace white flour with whole-wheat, oat, or almond flour for more fiber and nutrients.
Use natural sugars like honey, maple syrup, coconut sugar, or blended dates.
Opt for healthier fats—coconut oil, almond butter, or yogurt—instead of butter.
Add seeds (chia, flax, pumpkin) for a nutritious and crunchy touch.

Storage tips and presentation ideas

Conservation:

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 to 3 days.

To keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to 5 days.

Freezing Tip: Place them in a freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Microwave for a few seconds before serving.

Gourmet presentation ideas:

Dust your muffins with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.

Add a chocolate ganache or cream cheese frosting (cupcake style).

Serve them with a little yogurt and honey for a complete breakfast.

Muffins Express: Enjoy Them Without Moderation!

Whether for a gourmet breakfast, a healthy snack, or a sweet break, these express muffins are quick to prepare and delicious. With their many variations, they adapt to every desire and every occasion.

Estimated preparation time

One of the great advantages of this recipe is its speed. From gathering the ingredients to enjoying the freshly baked muffins, all you need is:

  • Dough preparation : 10 minutes
  • Baking time : 18–22 minutes
  • Optional cooling : 5 minutes

Estimated time: 30 minutes .
Ideal for rushed mornings, impromptu snacks, or a quick family baking session.

Texture and flavor

Express Muffins have a soft, moist, and airy texture , with a lightly golden exterior and a fluffy interior. Depending on the toppings you add (chocolate chips, fruit, or nuts), you can enjoy a rich contrast between creamy, moist, or crunchy.

The base flavor is slightly sweet with notes of butter and vanilla , making them the perfect canvas for adding citrus, spice, or fruity notes. Their flavor profile is so versatile that you can easily make them sweet or semi-savory versions.

Consumer context

These muffins are suitable for all kinds of situations :

  • Quick breakfast accompanied by a coffee or a smoothie.
  • Snack for children , perfect to take to school.
  • Improvised dessert when unexpected guests arrive.
  • Energy snack before training or as a snack at work.
  • You can even serve them at birthday parties, brunches, or picnics with different toppings.

Visual appearance

Visually, Express Muffins have a golden, soft, and slightly domed appearance on top , indicating they’ve risen well in the oven. Using colored molds or adding visible toppings like chocolate chips or fruit will make the result even more appealing.

A touch of powdered sugar, fine icing, or fruit on the top can give them a more professional look without any extra effort.

Curiosities

  • Muffins became popular in the United States in the 19th century as a quick version of homemade bread .
  • The difference between a muffin and a cupcake lies in the mixing method: muffins typically mix the dry and liquid ingredients separately and combine them without over-beating.
  • There are savory muffins : you can eliminate the sugar and add cheese, spinach, ham or olives for a gourmet version.
  • In many cultures, muffins have been reinvented with local ingredients such as matcha, coconut, anise, or dulce de leche.

Nutritional value (estimated per serving)

Per 1 standard muffin (with basic recipe, no additives):

  • Calories: 180–200 kcal
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Sugars: 10–12 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Sodium: 120 mg

These values may vary depending on the ingredients used (oil, butter, sweeteners or added fruits).

Additional benefits and interesting facts

  • Versatility : You can adapt this recipe for people with intolerances (gluten-free, lactose-free, sugar-free).
  • Ingredient control : Unlike industrial products, you decide the quality and quantity of each component.
  • Cooking with kids : This is a perfect recipe for little ones to participate in safely.
  • Economical : All ingredients are affordable and easy to find.
  • Convenient storage : You can store them for 3–4 days in an airtight container or freeze them to always have a homemade breakfast on hand.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make muffins without eggs?
Yes. Replace each egg with 1 tablespoon of ground chia or flax seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons of water (let stand for 10 minutes).

2. How to prevent muffins from becoming dry?
Don’t overmix the batter, and remove them from the oven as soon as they’re golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

3. Can I use whole-wheat flour?
Yes, although the result will be denser. You can use half whole-wheat and half white flour to maintain fluffiness.

4. Can they be made vegan?
Absolutely. Use plant-based milk, oil instead of butter, and replace the eggs as indicated above.

5. Which molds are better: paper or silicone?
Both work well. Silicone allows for a cleaner release and is reusable, ideal for frequent use.

Other useful information

  • Tip for tall, rounded muffins : Fill the moulds almost to the top and bake for the first 5 minutes at a slightly higher temperature (200°C), then lower to 180°C.
  • Storage times :
    • In the refrigerator: up to 4 days.
    • In freezer: 2–3 months.
  • Reheated : A few seconds in the microwave or in a low oven to recover its texture.

Conclusion

In short, Express Muffins aren’t just a recipe: they’re an invitation to enjoy the pleasure of homemade without the hassle. Their quick preparation, accessible ingredients, and adaptability make them a must-have for any lover of practical and tasty cooking. They’re perfect for those busy days when we need a sweet treat, for rainy afternoons when you feel like baking with the kids, or simply to always have a healthy and comforting snack on hand.

Plus, by offering you the option to add fruit, nuts, spices, or chocolate, this recipe is also a great way to use up those ingredients you have at home and avoid food waste. Got an overripe banana? Muffin on it! A handful of raisins forgotten at the back of the cupboard? They work too.

Muffins Express reminds us that cooking can be simple, quick, and still delicious. With this recipe, you’re not just baking a dessert; you’re creating moments. Because few things are as gratifying as the smell of freshly baked muffins filling the house and the smile of someone who tries them for the first time.

So now you know: the next time you have a sweet tooth or want to surprise someone without spending hours in the kitchen, remember this recipe. Express Muffins are here to stay in your trusted recipe book!