Classic Homemade Muffins
Soft, fluffy, and endlessly adaptable, homemade muffins are a baking staple loved by all ages. Whether enjoyed for breakfast, packed into lunchboxes, or served as an afternoon snack, muffins are quick to make and always satisfying. This simple base recipe can be customized with fruits, chocolate, nuts, or spices, making it one you’ll return to again and again.
With just a few pantry ingredients and minimal prep time, these muffins come together beautifully—tender on the inside with lightly golden tops.
Why You’ll Love This Muffin Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare
- Soft, moist texture every time
- Perfect base for endless flavor variations
- Ideal for beginners and experienced bakers
- Freezes well for later
Ingredients (Makes 12 Muffins)
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup (150 g) sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (120 ml) vegetable oil or melted butter
- 1 cup (240 ml) milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional add-ins (choose one or mix):
- 1 cup blueberries
- ¾ cup chocolate chips
- ½ cup chopped nuts
- ½ cup mashed banana
- ½ cup grated apple or carrot
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together oil (or butter), milk, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Combine
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently mix until just combined. The batter should be slightly lumpy—do not overmix.
Fold in your chosen add-ins.
5. Fill the Muffin Tin
Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full.
6. Bake
Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Tips for Perfect Muffins
- Don’t overmix: Overworking the batter leads to dense muffins
- Room-temperature ingredients help the batter blend smoothly
- Fill properly: Too full can cause overflow, too little reduces rise
- Check early: Oven temperatures vary
Flavor Variations
- Blueberry Muffins: Toss berries with a little flour before adding
- Chocolate Chip Muffins: Sprinkle extra chips on top before baking
- Banana Muffins: Add cinnamon for warmth
- Lemon Muffins: Add lemon zest and a drizzle of glaze
- Healthy Muffins: Replace half the flour with whole wheat and reduce sugar
Storage & Freezing
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Refrigerator: Up to 5 days
- Freezer: Freeze muffins for up to 3 months
- Reheat: Warm briefly in the microwave or oven
Why This Recipe Works
This muffin recipe uses the classic wet-into-dry mixing method, which prevents overdeveloping gluten and ensures a tender crumb. The balance of fat, liquid, and leavening gives reliable rise and moisture, making it an excellent base for countless variations.
Final Thoughts
This classic muffin recipe is a must-have for every home baker. Simple, reliable, and endlessly customizable, it’s perfect for busy mornings, casual baking days, or when you need a quick homemade treat.
Once you master this base recipe, you’ll never run out of delicious muffin ideas.