Description
These moist, flavorful muffins feature a blend of spiced butternut squash and crunchy walnuts, topped with a creamy, citrusy frosting that brings a light and fresh contrast. A perfect treat for any occasion, with a touch of floral elegance.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Muffins:
- 400g butternut squash, skin on, deseeded and roughly chopped
- 350g light soft brown sugar
- 4 large free-range eggs
- 300g plain flour, unsifted
- 2 heaped teaspoons baking powder
- A handful of walnuts, roughly chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 175ml extra virgin olive oil
For the Frosted Cream Topping:
- Zest of 1 clementine
- Zest of 1 lemon and juice of ½ a lemon
- 140ml soured cream
- 2 heaped tablespoons icing sugar, sifted
- Optional: lavender flowers or rose petals
- 1 vanilla pod, split lengthways and seeds scraped out
Instructions
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Prepare the Muffins:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/gas mark 4. Line your muffin tins with paper cases.
- In a food processor, finely chop the butternut squash.
- Add the light soft brown sugar, eggs, and a pinch of salt to the processor. Mix well.
- Add the plain flour, baking powder, chopped walnuts, ground cinnamon, and extra virgin olive oil. Mix until well combined, but be careful not to overmix.
- Divide the mixture between the paper cases in the muffin tin.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the muffins to cool on a wire rack.
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Prepare the Frosted Cream Topping:
- While the muffins are baking, make the frosted cream topping. In a bowl, combine most of the clementine zest, all of the lemon zest, and lemon juice.
- Add the soured cream, icing sugar, and vanilla seeds. Mix until smooth and well combined. Adjust the balance of lemon juice and icing sugar to taste.
- Chill in the refrigerator until the muffins are cool.
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Assemble:
- Once the muffins are completely cool, spoon the frosted cream topping onto each muffin.
- Garnish with the remaining clementine zest and, if desired, a few dried lavender flowers or rose petals for an extra touch of elegance.
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Serve:
- Serve on a cake stand, a lovely plate, or a rustic slab. Enjoy the muffins as a delightful treat with a cup of tea or coffee.
Notes
- Optional floral garnishes, such as lavender flowers or rose petals, can elevate the visual appeal and flavor.
- These muffins pair beautifully with tea or coffee, perfect for brunch or dessert.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg