Piquant snack cupcakes

Ingredients

Muffins

150 grams (1.25 cups) sifted flour
5 grams (1 teaspoon) baking powder
Salt to taste
100 grams (0.42 cups) milk
1 egg
40 grams (3 tablespoons) vegetable oil
100 grams (3.5 ounces) additives (pickles, hard cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, 2 garlic cloves, herbs)
Ground black pepper to taste

Cheese caps

50 grams (3.5 tablespoons) butter
280 grams (10 ounces) cream cheese
Garlic to taste

Equipment

Muffin Molds
Silicone or metal molds work best to ensure even baking.
Mixing Bowls
Have a few different sizes handy for mixing dry and wet ingredients separately.
Whisk
An essential tool for mixing your ingredients smoothly.
Oven
Preheat precisely to 190C (374F) to achieve the perfect bake.
Apple Corer
Optional but useful for making dimples in the muffins for extra fillings.
Piping Bag
For stylishly adding the cream cheese 'caps' atop your muffins.

Instructions

Step 1

Step 1: It’s a simple recipe for delicious snack cupcakes with garlic-flavored creamy “caps”. The taste of the dish mostly depends on the additives. To add a pink color, use beet powder. In fact, the color is brighter and more beautiful than in the pictures. This recipe is worth trying out for your guests! Make sure to choose high-quality and fresh ingredients for the best results.

Step 2

Step 2: Mix the flour with the baking powder, pepper, and salt. Sifting the flour helps to aerate it for a lighter texture.

Step 3

Step 3: Mix the milk with the egg and vegetable oil. Ensure the milk and egg are at room temperature for better integration.

Step 4

Step 4: Combine the dry and wet ingredients, and mix until just combined. Avoid over-mixing to prevent tough muffins.

Step 5

Step 5: Chop the additives into small cubes; finely chop the garlic and herbs. Combine the dough with the additives, and stir well. Ensure the additives are evenly distributed to get a bit in every bite.

Step 6

Step 6: Pour the batter into the molds, filling them 2/3 full. Use cupcake liners or grease the molds well to prevent sticking.

Step 7

Step 7: Bake the cupcakes in an oven preheated to 190°C (374°F) for 30 minutes. Cool the finished muffins completely. Decorate them with the cream cheese mixture. Cooling the muffins fully before decoration prevents the cheese from melting.

Step 8

Step 8: For the “caps”: whip the room temperature butter until it turns white. Finely chop or grate the garlic. Combine the whipped butter with the garlic and cream cheese. Use a piping bag for a neat and professional look when decorating.

Step 9

Step 9: If desired, you can create a dimple in the muffins using an apple corer and fill them with any filling of your choice, such as eggplant caviar. Experiment with different fillings to suit your taste.

Step 10

Step 10: Bon Appetit!

Servings

Serving these muffins is where creativity meets fun! 🎨

Impress your guests by arranging the muffins on a cake stand and garnishing with fresh herbs or edible flowers. The color contrast will make them irresistibly Instagram-worthy.

For a more casual gathering, set up a DIY muffin 'caps' bar! Offer various toppings like diced veggies, olives, and different flavored cream cheese spreads, letting your friends customize their own muffin caps. 🎉

Hosting a kids' party? 🌈 Why not add a little food coloring to the 'caps' and let the little ones decorate their own muffins with sprinkles and edible glitter. They'll love the hands-on activity and the vibrant results!

Finally, if you're feeling adventurous, add a savory twist by pairing these muffins with a homemade spicy dip or a zesty salsa. The possibilities are endless, and every variation will bring something unique to the table. Enjoy!

Variations

Gluten-Free Version 🌾

Replace the regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure your baking powder and any additives you use are also gluten-free. The texture may vary slightly, but the taste will definitely hit the spot!

Vegan Version 🌱

Swap out the milk for your favorite plant-based milk (like almond or oat), and use a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water, let it sit to thicken). Use vegan cream cheese and vegan butter for the 'caps'. Your muffins will still turn out fluffy and delicious!

Faq

Q: Can I use paper muffin liners?
A: Absolutely! Paper liners make cleanup easier and add a decorative touch as well.
Q: What if I don’t have an apple corer?
A: No worries! You can use a small spoon to gently carve out a dimple in the muffins.
Q: How do I know when my muffins are done baking?
A: Insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin; if it comes out clean, your muffins are fully baked.
Q: Can I make the 'caps' ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the 'caps' and refrigerate them. Just ensure they come to room temperature before piping them onto the muffins.
Q: How can I add more flavors to the muffins?
A: Feel free to experiment with different herbs, spices, or even a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick!
Q: Can I freeze the muffins?
A: Yes, you can freeze the muffins without the 'caps'. When ready to serve, thaw them and add the fresh 'caps' for the best taste and texture.