| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 20 mins – 25 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 385 | 16g | 8g | 59g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 30g | 2g | 6g | 0.45g |
As a South Carolinian with a love of tradition and coastal infusions, my heart sings a little with every batch of our delectable Sweet Purple Bauhinia Muffins I make. Not only does this sublime treat capture the heart of Southern cuisine, but it also introduces an exciting, inventive element with the luscious purple bauhinia fruit.
The Gem of the Recipe: Purple Bauhinia
For those unfamiliar with the purple bauhinia, let me introduce you. This delicate, aromatic tropical fruit sweeps you away on a culinary journey somewhere between a passion fruit and a banana. The purple bauhinia intertwines delightfully with the vanilla and buttery undertones of the muffin recipe, similar to my well-received tropical-themed biscuits. Just as I learned to balance flavors while incorporating coastal seafood into classic Southern cooking, this recipe balances its rich flavor profile with a delicate touch of tropical fruitiness.
A Nutrient-Packed Sweet Treat
Beyond its incredible taste, another reason why I am truly smitten with these Sweet Purple Bauhinia Muffins lies in their surprising health benefits. The purple bauhinia is a fruit particularly rich in antioxidants, with a high Vitamin C content which boosts immunity. The use of all-purpose flour and the optional addition of walnuts in the recipe also contribute healthy amounts of proteins and fiber. Additionally, consuming walnuts can enhance heart health, thanks to their Omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidant content. It’s a guilt-free treat for those who appreciate a little sweet indulgence.
Pairing Suggestions
Taste-wise, these muffins echo the vibrant flavors found in a traditional Blueberry Banana Bread or the summery zing of a Passion Fruit Loaf. As for meal pairings, why not enjoy your Sweet Purple Bauhinia Muffin alongside a Southern classic like Chicken Fried Chicken? The robust flavors of the chicken perfectly complement the fruity notes of the muffins, creating a divine balance. Or simply relish them as they are, perhaps with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
Each bite of these delectable muffins is an experience— a taste of Southern charm with a hint of tropical paradise. That’s why I adore this Sweet Purple Bauhinia Muffin recipe. It’s so much more than just dessert; it’s a culinary journey that brings together the best of traditional and exotic flavors. And that, in essence, is what innovative Southern cooking is all about.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup finely chopped purple bauhinia fruit
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tray with paper liners. This will ensure that the muffins do not stick to the tray once they are baked.
Step Two
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix these ingredients until they are well combined. This will be the dry mixture for your muffins.
Step Three
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until they become a bit frothy. Then, gradually add in the melted unsalted butter, milk, and vanilla extract. Make sure these wet ingredients are well integrated.
Step Four
Gradually add the wet ingredients mixture into the dry mixture. Use a whisk or a spatula to mix them together but be careful not to overmix as it may lead to dense muffins.
Step Five
Add the finely chopped purple bauhinia fruit into the mixture. If you wish to add walnuts, you can add them at this point. Fold in the additives gently, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Step Six
Spoon the muffin mixture into the lined muffin tray. Each cup should be filled about two-thirds of the way to leave room for the muffins to rise.
Step Seven
Bake the muffins in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Be sure to rotate the tray halfway through baking to ensure even heating.
Step Eight
Allow the muffins to cool in the tray for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. If desired, you can dust the muffins with powdered sugar for added sweetness once they’re cooled.
