Sugar Crusted Plum Muffins: A Delightful Seasonal Treat with a Cinnamon Sugar Sparkle
Indulge in the sweet and tender delight of these sugar crusted plum muffins, generously studded with fresh, juicy chopped plums and crowned with a irresistible cinnamon sugar sprinkle. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an anytime snack, these muffins celebrate the vibrant flavor of ripe plums in every bite.
Why These Sugar Crusted Plum Muffins Are a Must-Try
These exquisite sugar crusted plum muffins are more than just a sweet treat; they’re a celebration of simple, wholesome baking. Each muffin boasts a tender, moist crumb that beautifully complements the bursts of sweetness and slight tartness from the fresh plums. The juicy interior of the plums, perfectly encapsulated within the soft muffin batter, creates an incredible textural contrast that makes every bite memorable. Topped with a generous sprinkle of cinnamon sugar, these muffins develop a glorious, slightly crunchy crust that adds another layer of flavor and texture, ensuring you’ll be completely smitten from the first taste.
Plums, often overlooked in the baking world compared to their berry and apple counterparts, are truly underrated. While they excel in jams and preserves, their versatility in the kitchen extends far beyond. From refreshing stone fruit smoothie bowls to fun, homemade fruit roll-ups, plums bring a unique flavor profile and a gorgeous, vibrant hue to any dish. Beyond their delicious taste and aesthetic appeal, plums are also packed with antioxidants, offering a healthy bonus to these delightful muffins. It’s a win-win situation where incredible flavor meets nutritional benefits, making these plum muffins an excellent choice for any occasion.
Essential Ingredients for Your Plum Muffins
Crafting the perfect sugar crusted plum muffins requires a few simple, fresh ingredients that come together to create something truly special. Below, you’ll find a breakdown of the key components. For precise measurements and detailed instructions, be sure to check the printable recipe card located at the end of this post.
Ingredient Spotlight: Tips for Best Results
Understanding your ingredients is key to successful baking. Here’s a closer look at the stars of this recipe and some helpful tips:
PLUMS – The beauty of these muffins truly shines with fresh plums. They are typically in season from July through October, which is when they are at their peak sweetness and juiciness. However, you can often find plums year-round, though the selection might be more limited. For this recipe, aim for ripe but firm plums. Varieties like Mirabelle and Greengage are known for their exceptional sweetness and delicate flavor, making them ideal candidates. However, don’t hesitate to use your favorite plum variety! Just ensure they are pitted and chopped into small, even chunks to distribute flavor throughout the muffins. Freestone plums are easier to work with, as their pits detach easily from the flesh, while clingstone plums might require a bit more effort.
MUFFINS (Flour & Wet Ingredients) – Achieving that perfectly tender muffin crumb starts with how you measure your flour. It’s crucial to use the ‘scoop and sweep’ method: gently spoon the flour into your measuring cup until it overflows, then use the back of a butter knife to level off the excess. Never pack the flour down by tapping the cup or scooping directly from the bag, as this can add too much flour, resulting in dense, dry, and crumbly muffins. The goal is a light, fluffy flour measurement. For the wet ingredients, ensure your eggs are at room temperature. This helps them incorporate more smoothly into the batter, leading to a more uniform texture. Similarly, use cooled melted butter; if it’s too hot, it can scramble the eggs or affect the leavening agents. The combination of milk, vanilla, and these other ingredients creates a rich, flavorful base for our plum-filled treats.
How to Bake Perfect Sugar Crusted Plum Muffins
These step-by-step photos and instructions are designed to help you visualize each stage of making this delicious recipe. For a convenient printable version, complete with all measurements and detailed instructions, you can Jump to Recipe at the bottom of this page.
This exceptional recipe is adapted from Martha Stewart’s Baking Handbook. We found the original recipe to be absolutely delicious without any modifications, ensuring consistently perfect results.
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190°C). Proper preheating is essential for muffins to rise beautifully and cook evenly.
- Prepare a standard 12-cup muffin pan by spraying 10 of the cavities with non-stick cooking spray or lining them with paper muffin liners. To help the muffins bake more evenly and prevent the pan from warping, add about 1-2 tablespoons of water to the two empty muffin cups.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (reserve the remaining 1/2 teaspoon for the topping), all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and ground nutmeg. Whisk these together thoroughly to ensure they are well combined and evenly distributed. Set this mixture aside.
- In a separate large bowl, prepare the wet ingredients: whisk together the room-temperature eggs, vanilla extract, milk, and the melted butter. It’s crucial that the melted butter has cooled slightly before adding it to prevent the eggs from cooking prematurely or the texture of the batter from being compromised.
- Pour the wet egg mixture into the bowl with the dry flour mixture. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the ingredients together until just combined. Overmixing will develop the gluten in the flour, leading to tough muffins. A few lumps are perfectly fine! Once combined, divide the batter evenly into two separate bowls.
- Scoop one half of the divided batter evenly into the 10 prepared muffin cups, forming a base layer.
- Generously add a layer of your chopped plum pieces over the batter in each muffin cup. This layering technique ensures plums are distributed throughout the muffin, not just at the top or bottom.
- Carefully spoon the remaining half of the batter over the layer of plums in each cup, covering them completely. Fill each cup about two-thirds full to allow for proper rising.
- In a small separate bowl, combine the reserved 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. This mixture will create the signature sugar crust. Sprinkle this cinnamon sugar generously over the top of each filled muffin cup.
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center of one of the muffins comes out clean. This indicates that they are cooked through. Allow the muffins to cool in the muffin tin for 5 to 10 minutes before carefully removing them and transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting period helps them set and prevents them from sticking to the pan.
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Muffin Perfection
To maintain their delicious freshness, store your plum muffins in an air-tight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. For a slightly longer shelf life, you can refrigerate them for up to 5 days. Keep in mind that muffins, like most baked goods, tend to dry out over time, so enjoying them within the first couple of days is ideal for the best texture and flavor. If storing in the fridge, a quick warm-up in the microwave can bring back some of their original softness.
Absolutely! These muffins freeze beautifully, making them excellent for meal prepping or having a quick treat on hand. Once the muffins are completely cooled, individually wrap each muffin tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped muffins in a large freezer-safe zip-top bag or an airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. To enjoy, simply remove them from the freezer and allow them to thaw at room temperature for a few hours. You can also gently warm them in the microwave for a fresh-baked feel.
While most plums work well, some varieties are particularly suited for baking. Freestone plums, where the pit easily separates from the flesh, are always a good choice for ease of preparation. Look for varieties like Black Splendor, Santa Rosa, or Methley for a balance of sweetness and a hint of tartness that shines in baked goods. Mirabelle and Greengage plums offer a sweeter, more delicate flavor. The most important thing is to choose plums that are ripe but still firm, as overly soft plums can become mushy during baking.
Achieving those bakery-style domed tops on your muffins is easier than you think! One key tip is to start baking at a slightly higher temperature (like the 375°F in this recipe) for the initial few minutes (usually 5-10 minutes) before reducing it to a lower temperature for the remainder of the baking time. This initial blast of heat causes the leavening agents to activate quickly, creating a strong rise. Additionally, filling your muffin cups about two-thirds to three-quarters full, and ensuring your baking powder is fresh, will contribute to a beautiful dome. Resist the urge to open the oven door too frequently during baking.
Delightful Ways to Serve Your Plum Muffins
These sugar crusted plum muffins are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in a multitude of ways. They are truly fantastic alongside your morning cup of tea or coffee, offering a sweet start to the day. For a quick and satisfying pick-me-up, they make an excellent grab-and-go snack any time throughout the day. Don’t limit their enjoyment to just breakfast or snack time – we often find ourselves savoring these warm, spiced muffins as a delightful dessert, perhaps with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They also pair wonderfully with a fresh fruit salad for a light brunch, or as a sweet counterpoint to a savory breakfast spread. There’s truly no wrong way to enjoy these delicious treats!
Explore More Delicious Muffin Recipes
If you loved these plum muffins, you’ll surely enjoy exploring our other mouth-watering muffin creations:
- Irresistible Banana Muffins
- Classic Blueberry Muffins
- Tropical Pineapple Muffins
- Fresh Strawberry Muffins with Vanilla Lemon Glaze
- Comforting Cinnamon Streusel Muffins
- Hearty Apple Muffins
I absolutely adore baking and cooking, and sharing my culinary adventures with all of you brings me so much joy! Remembering to check back for new recipes can be a challenge in our busy lives, which is why I offer a convenient newsletter delivered straight to your inbox every time a new recipe is posted. Simply subscribe today and start receiving your free daily recipes, ensuring you never miss out on delicious inspiration!
Sugar Crusted Plum Muffins
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Course:
Breads, Breakfast, Snack
Cuisine:
American
10
muffins
35 minutes
257
Amanda Davis
Ingredients
-
¾ cup + 2 tablespoons granulated sugar -
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon divided -
2 cups flour -
1 tablespoon baking powder -
½ teaspoon salt -
⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg -
2 eggs at room temperature -
1 teaspoon vanilla -
¾ cup milk -
½ cup unsalted butter melted and cooled -
3-5 ripe plums depending on their size, pitted and cut into small chunks
Things You’ll Need
-
Muffin pan -
Mixing bowls -
Whisk -
Rubber spatula
Before You Begin
- Plums are readily available from July – October, when they are perfectly in season and at their peak flavor. However, you can often find plums year-round, though the selection may be smaller. Sweet varieties like Mirabelle and Greengage plums are excellent choices, but feel free to use your favorite!
- For any baked good, it’s essential to measure flour correctly. Use the ‘scoop and sweep’ method: spoon flour into a measuring cup until overflowing, then level off the excess with the back of a butter knife. Avoid tapping the cup or scooping directly from the bag, as this packs the flour, leading to dry, dense muffins.
- STORAGE – Keep your plum muffins fresh by storing them in an air-tight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Be aware that muffins can start to dry out the longer they sit.
- FREEZING – To freeze, ensure muffins are completely cooled. Wrap each individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a large zip-top freezer bag or airtight container. They will keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
- Room Temperature Ingredients – Ensure eggs and milk are at room temperature for a smoother, more uniform batter and better rise.
- Cool Melted Butter – Always allow melted butter to cool before adding it to your wet ingredients to prevent cooking the eggs prematurely.
Instructions
-
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
-
Spray or line 10 muffin cups in a muffin pan. Add water to the remaining two empty cups to help with even baking.
-
In a large bowl, combine 3/4 cup sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (the first portion), flour, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg. Whisk until well combined and set aside.
-
In another large bowl, whisk together the room-temperature eggs, vanilla extract, milk, and the melted (and cooled) butter until smooth.
-
Gently fold the wet egg mixture into the dry flour mixture using a rubber spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are fine. Divide the batter evenly into two separate bowls.
-
Spoon one half of the batter evenly among the 10 prepared muffin cups, creating a base layer.
-
Add a generous layer of the chopped plum pieces over the batter in each muffin cup.
-
Carefully spoon the remaining half of the batter over the layer of plums in each cup, ensuring they are covered.
-
In a small bowl, combine the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. Sprinkle this cinnamon sugar mixture generously over the tops of the muffins.
-
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. Let them cool in the muffin tin for 5-10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition
Serving:
1
muffin
|
Calories:
257
cal
|
Carbohydrates:
36
g
|
Protein:
4
g
|
Fat:
11
g
|
Saturated Fat:
6
g
|
Polyunsaturated Fat:
1
g
|
Monounsaturated Fat:
3
g
|
Trans Fat:
0.4
g
|
Cholesterol:
59
mg
|
Sodium:
139
mg
|
Potassium:
192
mg
|
Fiber:
1
g
|
Sugar:
16
g
|
Vitamin A:
361
IU
|
Vitamin C:
0.01
mg
|
Calcium:
88
mg
|
Iron:
1
mg
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The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.
This post originally appeared here on January 22, 2012, and has since been extensively updated with new photos, expanded content, and enhanced expert tips to bring you the most comprehensive guide to these delicious plum muffins. You may recognize it from the original photo below.
