Created out of the need to use up whatever I had on hand, I have been making muffins in all sorts of combinations for over thirty years. The idea is simple. Have one base batter recipe for all muffins, and then just add whatever stash of fruit, nuts, or ‘toss-ins” you have on hand. The combination possibilities are endless!
My base recipe starts out with the usual basic dry ingredients such as flour, salt, baking powder, and most times, oats and cinnamon. To this dry mix, I add a sweetener, a fat (oil or butter) , eggs, milk and vanilla extract.
If making chocolate muffins, add 1/3 cup cocoa powder to base batter. I have been using this cocoa powder for years.
Depending on your dietary needs, you can swap out and substitute as you wish.
For example: instead of whole milk, use almond milk, or coconut milk, etc.
Want to add extra fiber? Exchange a cup of bran flakes in place of flour.
Eliminating the oil? Use applesauce instead. You get the point.
Once the core batter is established, from here is where the creativity begins! Just add up to 2 cups of “toss-ins” and create a wonderful muffin from whatever you have already in the fridge or on the pantry shelf.
This will make 18-24 muffins depending on the size of your tins, or how full you fill them. Or, for less time consuming clean up, try my One Pan Muffin Method.
Check out some of my favorite combinations:
Blueberry Pecan
Carrot Raisin
Caramel Apple
Raisin Bran Pumpkin Seed
Double Chocolate Banana Muffins
Can I store long term?
These taste wonderful, fresh out of the oven, however, if needing to store long term, place cooled muffins in a zip top bag.
Store in refrigerator for up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 6 months.
Like what you see? I have a low carb - GF version that is AMAZING!
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Have you tried swapping the oil for coconut oil? I've had success with another recipe, but I want to try yours this week :)
Beautiful website. I will try these muffins, it will be great for when we have friends over.
This is going to be great for using up what we have already!! I am looking forward to trying the blueberry and peach pecan! Going to be adding this to bring as a thanksgiving day treat.
I love the idea of using what you have on hand and changing it up for what is seasonal. All of the different combinations look so delicious and would be great to prep for breakfast.
Hello!! Thank you for sharing this post, I love how universal this recipe is, you can make so many different things! I just learned about your site this morning, and I look forward to spending more time exploring it!!