Chocolate Almond Muffins with White Chocolate

Chocolate almond muffins with white chocolate are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of dark and white chocolate with the nutty crunch of almonds. These muffins are perfect for chocolate lovers who enjoy a touch of sweetness with a hint of nutty flavor. The preparation process is simple and quick, making them an excellent choice for both novice and experienced bakers. Soft and moist, these muffins are ideal for any time of the day, whether you're looking for a sumptuous breakfast, a midday snack, or a delicious dessert. The blend of vanilla and cocoa creates a warm and aromatic flavor profile, while the melted butter ensures the muffins are rich and tender. The addition of almonds not only adds an exciting texture but also complements the chocolate flavors beautifully. Drizzling white chocolate ganache on top adds an elegant touch, making these muffins truly indulgent. They are also versatile, allowing you to adapt and add your favorite nuts or dried fruits. With minimal baking time, these muffins are a fuss-free way to enjoy a gourmet treat at home.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 150 g all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon vanilla sugar
• 100 g powdered sugar
• 4 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 100 g butter (plus extra for greasing)
• 3 eggs
• 50 g dark chocolate
• 100 g white chocolate
• 25-30 g heavy cream

Nuts and Add-Ins

• Handful of almonds

Preparation Time

• Total time: 35 minutes (including preparation and baking)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F).
2. Melt the butter using a water bath or another preferred method. Set aside to cool slightly.
3. Beat the eggs in a separate bowl until they are light and frothy.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour with cocoa powder, baking powder, vanilla sugar, and powdered sugar. For best results, sift the powdered sugar to remove any lumps.
5. Add the melted butter and beaten eggs to the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly until you achieve a smooth batter.
6. Chop the almonds and dark chocolate into small pieces. Feel free to add dried cranberries or other nuts according to your taste preferences.
7. Grease muffin tins with butter to ensure easy removal after baking.
8. Pour a small spoonful of batter into each muffin mold, filling them about halfway. Ensure there is enough space left for rising.
9. Scatter the almond and chocolate mixture over the batter in each mold.
10. Cover the nuts and chocolate with another layer of batter, ensuring it does not fill more than two-thirds of each mold.
11. Bake the muffins in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
12. As the muffins bake, melt the white chocolate over a gentle heat. Mix in the heavy cream until you have a smooth ganache.
13. Once baked, let the muffins cool slightly before drizzling the white chocolate ganache over the top for an extra layer of flavor.
14. Allow the ganache to set before serving to achieve the perfect finish.

Tips

• Chopping the almonds and chocolate uniformly will ensure even distribution in each muffin.
• Don’t over-mix the batter; this could lead to dense muffins. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
• If you’re out of vanilla sugar, vanilla extract can be used as a substitute.
• Use an ice cream scoop to evenly distribute batter into muffin tins.

Nutritions

• Calories: Approx. 250 per muffin
• Protein: 4 g
• Fats: 14 g
• Carbs: 28 g

Variations

• Substitute almonds with pecans or walnuts for a different nutty flavor.
• For a fruity twist, add dried cherries or cranberries.
• Make it gluten-free by using almond or coconut flour instead of all-purpose flour.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve these muffins with freshly brewed coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon snack.
• Accompany with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
• Pair with a fresh fruit salad to add a refreshing note to your serving experience.

Best Places

1. Levain Bakery - Renowned for its rich, oversized cookies and comforting baked treats. Location: 167 W 74th St, New York, USA.
2. Pierre Hermé - A luxurious patisserie offering exquisite pastries and gourmet bliss. Location: 72 Rue Bonaparte, Paris, France.
3. The Hummingbird Bakery - Celebrated for its American-style cakes and charming cupcakes. Location: 133 Portobello Rd, London, UK.
4. Pastéis de Belém - Famous for traditional Portuguese egg custard tarts, a must-try! Location: R. Belém 84-92, Lisbon, Portugal.
5. Pasticceria Marchesi - A Milanese gem serving classic Italian pastries in an elegant setting. Location: Via Montenapoleone 9, Milan, Italy.
6. Tartine Bakery - Offers delectable tarts and artisan bread in a cozy setting. Location: 600 Guerrero St, San Francisco, USA.
7. Café Sacher - Home to the legendary Sacher Torte and elegant Viennese coffee. Location: Philharmonikerstrasse 4, Vienna, Austria.
8. Ladurée - Known for its classic French macarons and chic tea room experience. Location: 16-18 Rue Royale, Paris, France.
9. El Nacional - A vibrant venue for tapas, pastries, and more, capturing Barcelona's culinary essence. Location: Passeig de Gràcia 24 Bis, Barcelona, Spain.
10. Café Central - An iconic cafe with a history of serving delightful pastries and classic Viennese coffee. Location: Herrengasse 14, Vienna, Austria.