Irresistible Peanut Butter & Jelly Crumble Muffins: Your New Favorite Comfort Treat
There’s a certain magic that happens when classic comfort food meets a delicious baked good, and these Peanut Butter & Jelly Crumble Muffins are the perfect example. Lately, I’ve found myself swept up in a delightful muffin-making spree. And why not? Muffins are wonderfully versatile – they’re ideal for a quick breakfast, a satisfying mid-day snack, or even a light dessert. They’re the kind of treat that always brings a smile, without any judgment!
My latest culinary inspiration struck when the timeless combination of peanut butter and jelly popped into my mind. I immediately knew this iconic duo would make for an extraordinary muffin creation. The result? Absolutely phenomenal, if I do say so myself! Each muffin is a delightful surprise, with a luscious burst of fruity jelly and creamy peanut butter nestled in the center, all crowned with a golden, buttery crumble topping. This makes them the ultimate “anytime” treat, perfect for satisfying those sweet and savory cravings throughout the day.
Whether you’re packing them for school lunches, enjoying them with your morning coffee, or simply need a pick-me-up, these PB&J muffins offer a nostalgic taste that appeals to everyone. Their soft, moist interior perfectly complements the slight crunch of the crumble, creating a textural symphony in every bite. Get ready to fall in love with a muffin that’s more than just a baked good – it’s a tiny piece of happiness!
Why You’ll Adore These PB&J Crumble Muffins
These aren’t just any muffins; they are a celebration of flavor and texture, designed to bring joy with every bite. Here’s why they are destined to become a staple in your baking repertoire:
- A Taste of Nostalgia: The classic peanut butter and jelly combination evokes happy childhood memories, but elevated to an adult-friendly, sophisticated treat. The balance of creamy, salty peanut butter with sweet, fruity jelly is simply unbeatable.
- Irresistible Textural Contrast: Forget bland, dry muffins! These boast a wonderfully moist, tender crumb, a gooey, warm center filled with PB&J, and the delightful crispness of a buttery streusel topping. It’s a symphony of textures that keeps you coming back for more.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: From a comforting breakfast on a busy morning to a delightful afternoon snack or even a unique dessert, these muffins fit seamlessly into any part of your day. They’re also fantastic for school lunchboxes or picnics.
- Surprisingly Simple to Make: Don’t let their gourmet appearance fool you. This recipe is straightforward, using common pantry ingredients and requiring no fancy equipment. Even novice bakers can achieve spectacular results.
- Customizable Delight: While the strawberry jam is a classic choice, this recipe is incredibly versatile. You can easily swap out the jam for your favorite flavor or experiment with different nut butters to create your own unique twist.
Every element, from the carefully measured ingredients to the thoughtful layering of flavors, contributes to a muffin that truly stands out. The crumb topping isn’t just an afterthought; it’s an integral part of the experience, adding a sweet, slightly crunchy layer that perfectly complements the soft muffin beneath. And the hidden pockets of peanut butter and jelly? They’re the little surprises that make each bite an adventure.
PB&J crumble muffins
Ingredients
- 1 egg
- 1 egg white, I use the carton of liquid egg white, 1 is 2Tbsp
- 2 Tbsp brown sugar
- 3 Tbsp light peanut butter
- 1/3 cup unsweetened apple sauce
- 1/2 cup milk, I used skim
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 5.5 Tbsp reduced sugar strawberry jam
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 1/3 cup all purpose flour
- For the Crumb topping
- 2 Tbsp brown sugar
- 2.5 Tbsp flour
- 3/4 Tbsp melted butter, or calories reduced margarine
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350F and spray a regular sized 12 hole muffin tin with non stick spray.
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In a large bowl beat together your egg, egg white and brown sugar, add in 2 Tbsp of peanut butter (leaving 1Tbsp aside) and continue beating.
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Stir in your apple sauce, milk and vanilla extract.
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Mix in flour and baking powder.
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Use 1/3 of your batter and evenly divide over your 12 muffin cups. Place 4 Tbsp (1/4 cup) of your jam in a little zip lock bag (you will be saving the other 1.5Tbsp for your topping) cut off tip of bag and pipe over 12 muffins in the center.
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Melt your remaining 1Tbsp of peanut butter in a small bowl for 45 seconds in microwave, using a small spoon drizzle over your muffins.
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Top muffins with remaining batter.
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In a small bowl mix your 2 Tbsp brown sugar and 2.5Tbsp of flour together, stir in your melted butter until a crumb texture forms, sprinkle over your 12 muffins.
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Take your remaining 1.5Tbsp of jam and melt in microwave for 25 seconds, use a spoon and drizzle over your 12 muffins.
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Bake in oven for 25 minutes, let cool for 5 minutes.
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Makes 12 muffins at 4 smart points or 3 points plus each.
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Nutritional info per muffin..Calories 114…Fat 2.5g…Saturated fat 0.5g…Carbs 19.7g…Fiber 0.8g…Sugars 7.2g…Protein 3.4g
Additional Info
Tips for Baking Perfect Peanut Butter & Jelly Crumble Muffins
Achieving bakery-quality muffins at home is easier than you think, especially with a few helpful tips:
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: This is the golden rule for moist, tender muffins. Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined. A few lumps are perfectly fine! Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to tough muffins.
- Measure Flour Correctly: For accurate baking, spoon your flour into the measuring cup and then level it off with a straight edge, rather than scooping directly from the bag. This prevents compacting the flour and adding too much.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your egg and egg white are at room temperature. This helps them incorporate more easily into the batter, creating a smoother, more uniform consistency.
- The Jam Pocket: Don’t skip the step of piping the jam into the center. This creates that delightful burst of fruitiness when you bite into the muffin. A small Ziploc bag with a snipped corner works perfectly as a makeshift piping bag.
- Evenly Divide Batter: Use an ice cream scoop or two spoons to ensure each muffin cup gets an equal amount of batter. This promotes even baking and consistent sizing.
- Don’t Overfill: Filling muffin cups about two-thirds full is generally ideal, leaving room for the muffin to rise and for the crumble topping without overflowing.
- Check for Doneness: Muffins are done when a toothpick inserted into the center (avoiding the jam pocket) comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. The crumble topping should be golden brown and fragrant.
- Cooling is Key: While it’s tempting to dive right in, allow the muffins to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set and prevents them from becoming soggy.
Following these simple guidelines will ensure that your PB&J Crumble Muffins turn out perfectly every time, with that irresistible soft texture and flavorful burst.
Customizing Your Peanut Butter & Jelly Muffins
While the classic peanut butter and strawberry jelly combination is a winner, don’t hesitate to get creative and personalize your muffins:
- Jam Variations: Experiment with different types of jams or jellies. Grape jelly is the quintessential PB&J partner, but raspberry, apricot, or even a mixed berry preserve would be equally delicious. For a slightly tart note, cherry jam could be wonderful.
- Nut Butter Alternatives: If you’re not a fan of peanut butter or have allergy concerns, almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter (for nut-free options) can be substituted. Just ensure the consistency is similar to light peanut butter.
- Add-ins for Extra Flavor:
- Chocolate Chips: A handful of mini chocolate chips folded into the batter or sprinkled over the top can add a decadent touch.
- Chopped Nuts: For extra crunch, add finely chopped peanuts, walnuts, or pecans to the crumble topping.
- Spices: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg in the batter can add warmth and depth of flavor.
- Sweetener Adjustments: If you prefer a less sweet muffin, you can slightly reduce the amount of brown sugar in the batter. Remember that the jam also contributes sweetness.
These variations allow you to tailor the muffins to your personal taste, making them a truly versatile treat that can be enjoyed in many delicious ways. Don’t be afraid to experiment and discover your new favorite combination!
Serving Suggestions for Your Delightful Muffins
These PB&J Crumble Muffins are fantastic on their own, but here are a few ideas to elevate your experience:
- Warm and Fresh: Enjoy them warm, straight from the oven, when the jam and peanut butter are still gooey and the crumble is crisp.
- Breakfast Bliss: Pair them with a cup of coffee or tea for a comforting start to your day. They are substantial enough to be a standalone breakfast item.
- Perfect Snack: A great grab-and-go option for an afternoon snack, providing a satisfying blend of sweet and savory.
- With a Glass of Milk: For a true taste of childhood nostalgia, serve them with a cold glass of milk.
- As a Dessert: While not overly decadent, they make a lovely light dessert, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
Storing Your Peanut Butter & Jelly Crumble Muffins
To keep your muffins fresh and delicious, proper storage is essential:
- Room Temperature: Store cooled muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. Placing a paper towel at the bottom of the container can help absorb any excess moisture and keep the crumble from getting soggy.
- Refrigeration: While not strictly necessary, if you live in a humid climate or want to extend their shelf life slightly, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to a week. Bring them to room temperature or warm them gently before serving.
- Freezing for Later: These muffins freeze beautifully! Once completely cooled, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them at room temperature or warm them briefly in the microwave or oven for a quick treat.
Following these storage tips will ensure you can enjoy these delightful muffins for days to come, whenever a craving strikes!
Frequently Asked Questions About PB&J Crumble Muffins
- Can I make these muffins gluten-free?
- Yes, you can! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend that contains xanthan gum. The texture might be slightly different, but they should still turn out delicious.
- What kind of peanut butter works best?
- For this recipe, light, creamy peanut butter is recommended for a smoother blend into the batter and the filling. If you use natural peanut butter, stir it well to combine the oil before measuring. Chunky peanut butter would also work if you enjoy extra texture!
- Can I reduce the sugar in the recipe?
- You can slightly reduce the brown sugar in the muffin batter if you prefer a less sweet treat. However, the jam and crumble topping contribute significantly to the overall sweetness and flavor profile, so avoid drastic reductions.
- My crumble topping isn’t crumbly enough, what should I do?
- The key to a good crumble is to work the butter into the flour and sugar mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. If your mixture is too wet, add a tiny bit more flour. If it’s too dry, you can add a small amount of additional melted butter, a few drops at a time, until you reach the desired texture.
- Can I use frozen berries instead of jam?
- While jam is ideal for the gooey center, you could try substituting with finely diced fresh or thawed frozen berries mixed with a spoonful of sugar and a touch of cornstarch to thicken as they bake. The consistency will be different, but still tasty!
Conclusion: Bake a Batch of Happiness Today!
These Peanut Butter & Jelly Crumble Muffins truly are a delightful creation, perfectly balancing the classic flavors of a beloved sandwich with the comforting texture of a homemade muffin. They are simple to make, incredibly satisfying, and sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe offers a rewarding experience with delicious results.
So, preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to fill your home with the inviting aroma of freshly baked PB&J muffins. Indulge in that soft, peanut buttery interior, the sweet burst of jelly, and the satisfying crunch of the crumble. It’s more than just a muffin; it’s a moment of pure, nostalgic bliss. Happy baking!