Muffins and cupcakes are two baking delights that have different origins and ingredients, but both have evolved over time to become popular around the world. You can find a list of different muffin and cupcake recipes in our catalog. Here's a little about its origins:
MUFFINS:
Muffins have an interesting history dating back to 18th century Britain. Originally, they were very different from the muffins we know today. At that time, muffins were small yeasted wheat breads, usually baked in ovens or grilled, and eaten for breakfast or as a snack.
Traditional muffins were flat and dense, more like English loaves or potato loaves. They were made with a natural yeast dough and were usually served fresh and warm, with butter or jam.
Over time, muffins evolved, especially when they arrived in the United States in the 19th century. There, muffins were adapted to become lighter, fluffier and softer, similar to the ones we know today. Ingredients such as baking powder, eggs and shortening were added to the dough to create an airier texture.
In the United States, muffins have become popular as a convenient breakfast or snack option, especially with the emergence of ready-made muffin mixes. They could be easily prepared at home and could be customized with a variety of ingredients such as fruit, nuts, chocolate, or oats.
The muffin is enjoyed for breakfast, so it has a very easy preparation method that consists of combining the dry and wet ingredients separately in 2 bowls; The next step is to pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and mix until a slightly lumpy and sticky dough forms.
The proportion of flour, sugar and fat is usually 2.5:1:1, with vegetable oil being the fat normally used. Muffins don't usually have topping, but when they do, the topping is made with crunchy streusel that you can learn how to make here!
Muffins can be savory. Although most people associate muffins with sweet versions, such as blueberry, chocolate or banana, it is also common to find savory muffins. These muffins can contain a variety of savory ingredients, such as cheese, ham, bacon, spinach, onions, peppers, among others. They are a versatile and delicious option for a savory breakfast or snack.
Today, muffins are enjoyed around the world and come in a variety of flavors and styles. They are a popular choice for breakfast or snack, and many bakeries and coffee shops offer a wide selection of fresh, delicious muffins.
CUPCAKE:
The term cupcake is attributed to the 19th century British, who began using small cups to measure the ingredients of cake batter, giving rise to the name "cupcake".
Cupcakes started out as miniature versions of larger cakes and were often baked in individual cups or molds. They were popular at children's parties and social events due to their practicality and convenient size.
The cupcake is enjoyed as a dessert, like a miniature cake. The preparation method consists of mixing, in a stand mixer, the butter with the sugar until it reaches an airy consistency. The second step consists of adding the eggs to the mixer and finally the sifted flour until it reaches a smooth and thin consistency.
The proportion of flour, sugar and fat is usually 1:1:1, with butter being the fat normally used. Cupcakes usually have toppings, toppings and decorations so they have a sweeter flavor than muffins.
Over time, cupcakes became a form of culinary art, with bakers creating a variety of flavors, toppings, and elaborate decorations. Today, cupcakes are an iconic and versatile dessert, enjoyed at parties, cafes and special events around the world. In the 21st century, Japan and South Korea incorporated cupcakes into their culinary customs, creating the Korean and Japanese Cupcakes.
These oriental cupcakes are a variation of the traditional cupcakes that typically feature visually appealing presentation and can come in a variety of unique flavors and decorations. This dessert often incorporates elements of their cuisine such as matcha or nokcha green tea, red bean and condensed milk. These cupcakes may also be decorated with traditional ingredients such as cherry blossoms, and characters. Essentially, they are cupcakes with a creative and tasty approach influenced by South Korean culinary culture.
Muffins and cupcakes may appear similar at first glance, but there are some distinct differences between them, in terms of ingredients and preparation.
In short, while muffins are denser, less sweet and often eaten as a breakfast or snack option, cupcakes are lighter, sweeter and more elaborately decorated and are reserved for special occasions and considered an indulgent dessert.
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