A Delicious Recipe for Homemade Strawberry Preserve Muffins

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Plump, ripe strawberries glisten in the sunlight, showcasing their vibrant red hues and delicate green leaves.

Baking muffins from scratch can be a deeply fulfilling experience, especially when you’re using fresh ingredients. Imagine the aroma of warm muffins filling your kitchen, all while knowing you've made delicious strawberry preserves from scratch. This recipe for strawberry preserve muffins will not only elevate your breakfast game, but it will also impress anyone lucky enough to try them!

In this post, I'll guide you through the straightforward process of making homemade strawberry preserves. After that, you will learn how to blend those preserves into fluffy muffins that taste amazing. So, grab your apron, and let’s get started!

Making Strawberry Preserve from Scratch

Gather Your Ingredients

To create your homemade strawberry preserves, you only need a few simple ingredients:

·         2 pounds fresh strawberries (about 4 cups, washed and hulled)

·         1 cup granulated sugar

·         1 tablespoon lemon juice

·         2 tablespoons pectin (optional for thickness)

With this simple list, you're ready to craft strawberry preserves that can last up to three weeks in the refrigerator. Making your own preserves allows you to control the sweetness, ensuring a delightful balance in your muffins.

Preparing the Strawberries

Begin by washing 2 pounds of strawberries to ensure they are clean. After rinsing, remove the green tops and slice the strawberries in half or quarters based on your texture preference. If you prefer a smoother preserve, lightly mash the strawberries with a fork or potato masher. For a fun fact, 1 pound of strawberries yields about 2 cups of prepared fruit.

Cooking the Preserve

In a large pot, blend the prepared strawberries with 1 cup of sugar and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Stir the mixture and allow it to sit for about 30 minutes. This resting period helps the strawberries release their juices and creates a flavorful syrup.

If you want a thicker preserve, consider adding 2 tablespoons of pectin during this stage. Heat the mixture over medium heat while stirring constantly until the sugar completely dissolves. Allow it to boil for roughly 10-15 minutes until it thickens to your preferred consistency.

To test if your preserve is ready, drop a spoonful onto a cold plate and cool for about a minute. If it holds its shape, you’re ready to go! After cooking, let the preserve cool and transfer it to sterilized jars. This process should yield approximately 2 to 3 cups of delicious strawberry preserves.

Recipe for Strawberry Preserve Muffins

Now that your strawberry preserve is ready, let’s use it to create some delectable muffins! Here's a straightforward recipe that highlights your homemade preserves.

Ingredients for Muffins

·         1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

·         2 teaspoons baking powder

·         ½ teaspoon baking soda

·         1/4 teaspoon salt

·         1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

·         1/2 cup granulated sugar

·         1 large egg

·         1 teaspoon vanilla extract

·         1/2 cup milk

·         1 cup strawberry preserves (from your homemade batch!)

Instructions to Make the Muffins

1.      Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease the cups.

2.      Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups of flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt until well combined.

3.      Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a larger bowl, cream together ½ cup of softened butter and 1 cup of sugar for about 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy.

4.      Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until everything is smoothly combined.

5.      Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with 1 cup of milk. Mix gently until just combined to avoid over-mixing.

6.      Incorporate the Strawberry Preserves: Gently fold in ¾ cup of your homemade strawberry preserves, making sure the batter shows beautiful swirls of red.

1.      Fill Muffin Tins: Spoon the batter into the muffin tin, filling each cup about two-thirds full. Top each muffin with a small dollop of the remaining strawberry preserves for an attractive finish.

2.      Bake: Place the muffins in the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

3.      Cool and Enjoy: Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. The tempting scent will fill your home as they bake!

Perfect Pairings for Your Muffins

These strawberry preserve muffins are an excellent choice for breakfast or an afternoon snack. Serve them warm, perhaps with a spread of butter, or enjoy them alongside your favorite coffee or tea. They also add a delightful touch to any picnic or brunch gathering!

For a twist, consider adding the zest of one lemon to the batter for a fresh flavor boost or mix in chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for added texture.

A Sweet Note

Creating your own strawberry preserve and using it in muffins is a delightful journey for any home baker. You gain control over the sweetness and freshness of your preserves, giving your muffins a truly homemade touch.

I hope this recipe inspires you to bake your own strawberry preserve muffins! If you decide to try it out, I would love to hear your feedback or any adjustments you made. Let’s keep the joy of baking alive and enjoy these delicious treats made right in our kitchens!

Happy baking!