What To Know
- With a little preparation the night before, you can have a delicious, homemade breakfast ready to go in a flash.
- Make ahead muffin batter is a lifesaver for busy mornings and a great way to enjoy homemade muffins without the hassle.
- So next time you’re craving muffins, make a batch of batter the night before and let the oven do the work for you in the morning.
In the hustle and bustle of mornings, there’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked muffins. But who has time to whip up a batch from scratch before the day gets going? That’s where the magic of make ahead muffin batter comes in. With a little preparation the night before, you can have a delicious, homemade breakfast ready to go in a flash.
The Benefits of Make Ahead Muffin Batter
- Time-saver: Get a head start on your morning by preparing the batter the night before.
- Stress-reducer: Eliminate the pressure of baking muffins first thing in the morning.
- Versatile: Use the batter to make a variety of muffin flavors and variations.
- Meal prep: Prepare a batch of muffins for the week ahead to ensure a healthy and filling breakfast.
- Convenience: Simply scoop and bake the batter whenever you’re ready for a treat.
How to Make Ahead Muffin Batter
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup melted butter
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, and melted butter.
3. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and whisk until just combined. Do not overmix.
4. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight.
Variations and Add-Ins
The beauty of make ahead muffin batter lies in its versatility. You can customize the flavors and add-ins to suit your preferences. Here are some ideas:
- Sweet: Add fresh or frozen fruit, chocolate chips, nuts, or spices.
- Savory: Incorporate shredded cheese, chopped vegetables, or herbs.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour and almond milk.
- Vegan: Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flax seed + 3 tablespoons water), and use plant-based milk and butter.
Baking the Muffins
When you’re ready to bake the muffins, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
1. Line a muffin tin with paper liners.
2. Scoop the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling them about 2/3 full.
3. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Tips for Storing Make Ahead Muffin Batter
- Store the batter in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, freeze the batter for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
- To prevent the batter from drying out, cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container.
Troubleshooting
- Muffins are too dense: Overmixing can result in dense muffins. Be sure to mix the batter just until combined.
- Muffins are too dry: The batter may have been overbaked or the oven temperature was too high. Adjust the baking time and temperature accordingly.
- Muffins are not rising: Check the baking powder and baking soda to ensure they are fresh. Also, make sure the batter was not overmixed.
Wrapping Up
Make ahead muffin batter is a lifesaver for busy mornings and a great way to enjoy homemade muffins without the hassle. With a little planning and preparation, you can have a delicious and nutritious breakfast ready to go in no time. So next time you’re craving muffins, make a batch of batter the night before and let the oven do the work for you in the morning.
Common Questions and Answers
Q: How long can I store make ahead muffin batter in the refrigerator?
A: Up to 3 days.
Q: Can I freeze make ahead muffin batter?
A: Yes, for up to 2 months.
Q: How do I reheat baked muffins?
A: Reheat muffins in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through.
