These Heavenly Muffins, perfectly soft and fluffy, are infused with the fresh zest of lemon and enriched with a creamy ricotta filling, creating a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. Made with a blend of regular flour and potato starch, they have a light, tender crumb, while soy or dairy yogurt adds moisture and a slight tanginess. These muffins are ideal for anyone looking to treat themselves to a little piece of paradise in every bite.
Why You'll Love This Recipe:
- Deliciously Soft Texture: The combination of yogurt and potato starch ensures each muffin is exquisitely soft.
- Versatile Yogurt Base: Suitable for using either soy or dairy yogurt, making it adaptable for different dietary preferences.
- Refreshing Lemon Zest: The zest adds a bright, citrusy note that perfectly complements the sweet muffin and rich ricotta.
Perfect Occasion: These muffins are perfect for:
- Brunch Gatherings: Offer them as a sophisticated option at a brunch buffet.
- Afternoon Tea: Pair perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee for an afternoon treat.
- Special Occasions: Serve them at celebrations or gatherings to impress your guests with something sweet and unique.
Ingredients:
- For the Muffins:
- 2 eggs
- 150 g sugar
- 125 g yogurt (soy or dairy, as long as it's plain)
- 130 g all-purpose flour
- 50 g potato starch
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 60 ml sunflower oil
- 70 ml milk
- Zest of 1 lemon
- For the Ricotta Cream:
- 150-200 g ricotta cheese (depending on how much filling you prefer)
- 4 tablespoons powdered sugar (adjust to taste, considering the batter is quite sweet)
Preparation:
- Prepare the Muffin Batter:
- In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the yogurt, sunflower oil, milk, and lemon zest until well combined.
- Sift together the flour, potato starch, and baking powder, then gently fold into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Make the Ricotta Cream:
- In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese and powdered sugar. Adjust the sweetness to your liking.
- Assemble the Muffins:
- Spoon the muffin batter into lined muffin tins, filling each about half full.
- Add a dollop of ricotta cream in the center of each, then cover with more batter until the tins are about three-quarters full.
- Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the muffins for about 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Serve:
- Let the muffins cool slightly before serving. They can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
Enjoy these heavenly muffins, a treat where the creamy richness of ricotta meets the light, airy texture of a perfectly baked muffin, accented with a hint of lemon for an unforgettable dessert experience.