These delightful fruit cake muffins are a perfect blend of rich spices and sweet candied fruits. They're ideal for festive occasions or as a special treat any time of the year.
Some ingredients in this recipe, such as candied red cherries, candied green cherries, candied pineapple, and cardamom, might not be commonly found in every pantry. When heading to the supermarket, make sure to look in the baking or dried fruit sections for these items. If you can't find them, consider checking a specialty store.
Ingredients for Fruit Cake Muffins Recipe
shortening: A fat used in baking to add moisture and tenderness to the muffins.
sugar: Used to sweeten the muffins.
eggs: Helps to bind and leaven the batter.
vanilla extract: Adds a rich, aromatic flavor to the muffins.
flour: The main structure of the muffins.
baking powder: A leavening agent that helps the muffins rise.
cinnamon: Adds a warm, spicy flavor.
nutmeg: Provides a sweet, nutty flavor.
allspice: A blend of spices that adds depth of flavor.
salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the muffins.
cardamom: An aromatic spice that adds a unique, complex flavor.
candied red cherries: Adds sweetness and color.
candied green cherries: Adds sweetness and color.
candied pineapple: Adds a tropical sweetness.
golden raisins: Adds natural sweetness and texture.
pecans: Adds a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
One reader, Elinor Stauffer says:
These fruit cake muffins are a delightful treat! The blend of spices and candied fruits creates a perfect balance of flavors. They are moist, flavorful, and easy to make. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy afternoon snack. Highly recommend!
Techniques Required for Making Fruit Cake Muffins
Yes.
How to cream shortening and sugar: Mix shortening and sugar together using a stand mixer or hand mixer on medium speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which typically takes 1 to 2 minutes.
How to add eggs one at a time: Crack each egg individually into the mixture, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next one.
How to fold in ingredients: Gently mix the chopped dried fruit and nuts into the batter using a spatula, ensuring they are evenly distributed without overmixing.
How to scoop batter into muffin liners: Use an ice cream scoop or a ¼ cup measure to evenly portion the batter into the lined muffin tins.
How to test for doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin; if it comes out clean, the muffins are done baking.
How To Make Fruit Cake Muffins
Share the joys of the holiday with these fruit cake muffins, a tender spice cake filled with pecans and fruits, which are delicious, light, and flavorful.
Serves:
Ingredients
- ½cupshortening
- ½cupsugar
- 3large eggs
- 1tbspvanilla extract
- 1½cupsflour
- ½tspbaking powder
- 1½tspcinnamon
- ¾tspnutmeg
- ½tspallspice
- ½tspsalt
- ¼tspcardamom
- ½cupcandied red cherries
- ½cupcandied green cherries
- 1½cupscandied pineapple
- 1cupgolden raisins
- 2cupspecans,chopped
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F, and line two muffin tins with muffin liners.
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Add your shortening and sugar to a stand mixer or a large bowl with a hand mixer on medium speed, and mix for 1 to 2 minutes until light and fluffy.
-
Add in the eggs one at a time until fully combined, then add in the vanilla extract.
-
Add in the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, salt, and cardamom until just combined, then fold in the chopped dried fruit and walnuts.
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Scoop the mixture into the muffin liners using an ice cream scoop or a ¼ cup measure.
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Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Nutrition
- Calories: 177.83kcal
- Fat: 10.96g
- Saturated Fat: 1.82g
- Trans Fat: 0.56g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 5.37g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.15g
- Carbohydrates: 18.69g
- Fiber: 1.62g
- Sugar: 9.93g
- Protein: 2.69g
- Cholesterol: 23.25mg
- Sodium: 66.19mg
- Calcium: 25.06mg
- Potassium: 122.37mg
- Iron: 0.61mg
- Vitamin A: 10.77µg
- Vitamin C: 5.64mg
Crucial Technique for Perfecting Fruit Cake Muffins
To ensure your fruit cake muffins have a moist and tender crumb, make sure to cream the shortening and sugar together until they are light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the mixture, which helps to create a lighter texture in the final product. Additionally, when folding in the candied fruits and pecans, be gentle to avoid deflating the batter.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Recipe
Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure and chop all ingredients before starting to mix. This will streamline the process.
Use a stand mixer: A stand mixer can save time and effort when creaming the shortening and sugar.
Preheat the oven early: Turn on the oven before you start mixing to ensure it reaches the correct temperature by the time you're ready to bake.
Use an ice cream scoop: This helps portion the batter evenly and quickly into the muffin liners.
Line muffin tins: Using muffin liners makes cleanup easier and faster.
Substitute Ingredients For Fruit Cake Muffins Recipe
shortening - Substitute with butter: Butter provides a rich flavor and similar texture to shortening.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds natural sweetness and moisture to the muffins.
eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Mix 1 tbsp ground flaxseed with 3 tbsp water per egg for a vegan alternative.
vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract offers a different but complementary flavor.
flour - Substitute with gluten-free flour blend: For a gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
baking powder - Substitute with baking soda and cream of tartar: Use 1/4 tsp baking soda and 1/2 tsp cream of tartar for each tsp of baking powder.
cinnamon - Substitute with pumpkin pie spice: Pumpkin pie spice includes cinnamon and adds extra warmth.
nutmeg - Substitute with mace: Mace has a similar flavor profile to nutmeg.
allspice - Substitute with cloves: Cloves provide a similar warm, spicy flavor.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in the same quantity for a slightly different mineral taste.
cardamom - Substitute with ginger: Ginger offers a warm, spicy flavor that complements the other spices.
candied red cherries - Substitute with dried cranberries: Dried cranberries add a tart and sweet flavor.
candied green cherries - Substitute with dried apricots: Dried apricots provide a sweet and slightly tangy flavor.
candied pineapple - Substitute with dried mango: Dried mango offers a similar sweet and tropical flavor.
golden raisins - Substitute with sultanas: Sultanas are a type of raisin with a similar taste and texture.
pecans - Substitute with walnuts: Walnuts have a similar texture and slightly different but complementary flavor.
Presenting Your Delightful Fruit Cake Muffins
Use elegant muffin liners: Choose high-quality, decorative muffin liners to elevate the appearance of your fruit cake muffins. Opt for gold or silver foil liners to add a touch of sophistication.
Top with candied fruit: After baking, place a small piece of candied red cherry, candied green cherry, and candied pineapple on top of each muffin. This not only adds visual appeal but also hints at the flavors inside.
Drizzle with glaze: Create a simple glaze using powdered sugar and lemon juice. Drizzle it lightly over the muffins for a glossy finish and a hint of citrus.
Serve on a tiered stand: Present the muffins on a tiered cake stand to create a dramatic and elegant display. This adds height and visual interest to your presentation.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Add a sprig of fresh mint or a small leaf of edible gold leaf next to each muffin. This adds a pop of color and a touch of luxury.
Accompany with a side of whipped cream: Serve a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream on the side. This adds a creamy contrast to the rich, spiced muffins.
Use a decorative plate: Place each muffin on an individual, intricately designed dessert plate. Choose plates with a subtle pattern or a metallic rim to complement the muffins without overwhelming them.
Add a dusting of powdered sugar: Lightly dust the tops of the muffins with powdered sugar just before serving. This adds a delicate, snowy effect that enhances the overall presentation.
Include a small fork: Place a small, elegant dessert fork next to each muffin. This not only makes it easier to eat but also adds a touch of refinement to the presentation.
Highlight the ingredients: Arrange a few whole pecans, candied cherries, and candied pineapple pieces around the plate. This showcases the quality and variety of ingredients used in the muffins.
Essential Tools for Baking Fruit Cake Muffins
Oven: Preheat to 350 degrees F to bake the muffins.
Muffin tins: Line with muffin liners to hold the batter.
Muffin liners: Place in muffin tins to prevent sticking and for easy removal.
Stand mixer: Use to mix shortening and sugar until light and fluffy.
Hand mixer: An alternative to the stand mixer for mixing ingredients.
Mixing bowl: Use with a hand mixer to combine ingredients if not using a stand mixer.
Measuring cups: Measure out the shortening, sugar, flour, and other ingredients accurately.
Measuring spoons: Measure out the vanilla extract, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, salt, and cardamom.
Ice cream scoop: Scoop the batter into the muffin liners evenly.
Spatula: Fold in the chopped dried fruit and pecans into the batter.
Toothpick: Check for doneness by inserting into the center of a muffin; it should come out clean.
Knife: Chop the candied fruits and pecans if they are not pre-chopped.
Storing and Freezing Your Fruit Cake Muffins
- Allow the fruit cake muffins to cool completely on a wire rack before storing or freezing.
- To store, place the muffins in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. They will keep at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For longer storage, freeze the muffins:
- Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, ensuring a tight seal.
- Place the wrapped muffins in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- To thaw frozen muffins:
- Remove the desired number of muffins from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about 2 hours.
- Alternatively, you can microwave individual muffins on high power for 20-30 seconds or until heated through.
- If you prefer a fresher taste, unwrap the thawed muffins and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes.
- Note: The high content of dried fruits and nuts in these muffins helps them retain moisture, making them ideal for longer storage and freezing.
How To Reheat Leftover Fruit Cake Muffins
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover fruit cake muffins on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until heated through. This method will help restore some of the crispiness to the muffin tops and edges while keeping the interior soft and moist.
For a quicker option, microwave the muffins on a microwave-safe plate. Place a damp paper towel over the muffins to prevent them from drying out. Microwave on high for 15-20 seconds per muffin, or until heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the muffins to become tough and rubbery.
If you have an air fryer, you can use it to reheat your leftover fruit cake muffins. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the muffins in the basket, ensuring they are not touching each other. Heat for 3-4 minutes, or until warmed through and slightly crispy on the outside.
For a more indulgent treat, slice the leftover muffins in half and toast them in a toaster oven or under the broiler for 1-2 minutes. This will create a crispy, caramelized surface that pairs perfectly with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey.
If you want to maintain the moisture of the muffins, wrap them individually in foil and place them in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-12 minutes. The foil will help trap the steam, keeping the muffins soft and moist throughout the reheating process.
Interesting Trivia About Fruit Cake Muffins
A random fact about this fruit cake muffins recipe is that the combination of candied fruits and spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice gives it a festive flavor, making it a popular choice during holiday seasons.
Is Making Fruit Cake Muffins at Home Cost-Effective?
This fruit cake muffins recipe is moderately cost-effective for a household. The use of candied fruits and pecans can be a bit pricey, but the overall ingredients are common and affordable. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-$20 USD, considering the need for specialty items like candied cherries and candied pineapple. Overall Verdict: 7/10.
Are Fruit Cake Muffins Healthy or Unhealthy?
This fruit cake muffin recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. The high amounts of sugar, candied fruits, and pecans contribute to a significant calorie count and added sugars. The recipe also relies heavily on shortening, which is high in saturated fats and has been linked to increased risk of heart disease.
However, there are several ways to make this recipe healthier without sacrificing taste:
- Replace the shortening with healthier alternatives like coconut oil or Greek yogurt
- Reduce the amount of sugar and candied fruits, opting for more natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup and fresh or dried fruits instead
- Swap out some of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour or almond flour to increase fiber and nutrient content
- Cut back on the number of pecans or replace them with healthier nuts like almonds or walnuts
- Add in some grated zucchini or carrots for extra moisture and nutrients
- Use smaller muffin tins to create portion-controlled servings
By making these adjustments, you can transform this indulgent treat into a more balanced and nutritious snack that still satisfies your sweet tooth.
Editor's Opinion on These Delectable Muffins
This fruit cake muffin recipe offers a delightful blend of spices and candied fruits, creating a festive and flavorful treat. The use of shortening ensures a tender crumb, while the combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cardamom provides a warm, aromatic profile. The inclusion of pecans adds a satisfying crunch. However, consider reducing the sugar slightly if you prefer a less sweet muffin, as the candied fruits already contribute significant sweetness. Overall, these muffins are perfect for holiday gatherings or as a special breakfast treat.
Enhance Your Fruit Cake Muffins Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Similar Recipes to Try If You Love Fruit Cake Muffins
Appetizers and Main Dishes That Go Well with Fruit Cake Muffins
Why trust this Fruit Cake Muffins Recipe:
This recipe combines the rich flavors of candied fruits and spices to create delightful fruit cake muffins. The use of shortening ensures a tender crumb, while the blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom adds warmth and depth. With a balance of pecans for crunch and golden raisins for sweetness, these muffins are perfect for any occasion. Trust this recipe for its carefully selected ingredients and straightforward instructions, ensuring a delicious outcome every time.
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