Description
Welcome, muffin lovers! If you’re here looking for a nutty, crunchy, and irresistibly delicious treat, you’ve come to the right place. These Pistachio Crunch Muffins are the perfect blend of soft and moist with a delightful crunch on top, making them ideal for breakfast, a snack, or even a sweet dessert. Whether you’re a long-time pistachio fan or someone discovering their nutty goodness, these muffins will not disappoint. Let’s dive into the magic of Pistachio Crunch Muffins and discover why they’re bound to become a favorite in your kitchen!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- You can use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.
- 1 cup sugar
- Substitute with coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like stevia if preferred.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- For a dairy-free option, use coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative.
- 2 large eggs
- Swap for flax eggs (2 tablespoons ground flaxseed + 6 tablespoons water) for a vegan version.
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- You can also use coconut yogurt or sour cream for a similar texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup chopped pistachios, plus extra for topping
- Roasted pistachios bring an even deeper flavor.
- ¼ cup coarse sugar for topping
- This adds the perfect crunchy texture to the top of your muffins.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease the tin with cooking spray. This will ensure your muffins come out easily once baked.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups of flour, 1 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, and ¼ teaspoon salt. The dry ingredients are key to getting that light and airy muffin texture, so be sure to mix them well.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix the melted 1 cup of unsalted butter, 2 eggs, ½ cup of Greek yogurt, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth. The yogurt adds moisture and richness to the muffins, keeping them soft and tender.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this can make the muffins dense instead of light and fluffy.
Step 5: Fold in the Pistachios
Gently fold in ½ cup of chopped pistachios, distributing them evenly throughout the batter. The pistachios not only add crunch but also infuse the muffins with their nutty flavor.
Step 6: Fill the Muffin Cups
Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full. This gives the muffins room to rise without overflowing.
Step 7: Add the Crunchy Topping
Sprinkle extra chopped pistachios and ¼ cup of coarse sugar on top of each muffin. This step is crucial for creating that delightful crunchy texture on top of your muffins.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake the muffins for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will be filled with the heavenly aroma of pistachios as they bake.
Step 9: Cool and Serve
Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature!
Notes
- Use fresh pistachios: For the best flavor, opt for freshly chopped pistachios. Pre-shelled pistachios are convenient, but chopping your own ensures maximum freshness.
- Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to tough muffins, so mix the batter until just combined. A few lumps are perfectly fine.
- Try a flavored yogurt: If you’re feeling adventurous, try using a vanilla or honey-flavored Greek yogurt to add a subtle sweetness to the muffins.
- Add a citrus twist: For an extra burst of flavor, add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the batter. The citrus pairs beautifully with the nutty pistachios.