If you are a cook then you are at the right place to learn about how to cook muffins at home or at your workplace. Muffins are a favorite food for many people and a good breakfast option.
While traditional recipes often rely on butter but we have a better and healthier option. The alternative of butter is extra virgin olive oil. If you use extra virgin olive oil in muffins it will not only provide a moist, tender texture but also introduce various health benefits, such as heart-healthy fats and antioxidants.
Whether you’re looking to reduce saturated fats or you want to explore new flavors, extra virgin olive oil can transform ordinary muffins into a delightful treat.
Why Olive Oil?
It's true that extra virgin olive oil is the healthiest fats and it is rich in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties, & in monounsaturated fats. Butter, on the other hand, is high in saturated fats, which can cause various health issues when consumed in excess.
If you substitute olive oil for butter, it can also result in a lighter texture, unique flavor profiles, and a moist crumb.
How Much Olive Oil to Add to Muffin Dough
If you’re replacing butter with olive oil in your muffin recipe then it is not easy to tell the correct ratio. Since butter is about 80% fat and 20% water, while olive oil is full of fat and also with many nutritional ingredients, you need to use less olive oil than butter.
The general rule is to use 3/4 cup of olive oil for every cup of butter. It means if you were using one cup of butter then use 3 quarters of that cup.
3 Steps to Substitute Olive Oil for Butter:
Determine the Amount of Butter:
Check the original recipe for the amount of butter required.
Calculate the Oil:
You can use 3/4 cup of olive oil for every cup of butter. If the recipe says to add half a cup of butter, replace it with 6 tablespoons of olive oil.
Adjust the Liquids:
Since olive oil doesn’t contain water like butter, you may need to slightly reduce other liquids in the recipe to maintain the proper consistency.
Muffins with Olive Oil: Flavors and Recipes Ideas
You want to make muffins while using extra virgin olive here is the recipe:
1. Lemon Olive Oil Muffins
Lemon and olive oil are a perfect match. These muffins are light, fluffy, and filled with the brightness of lemon while the olive oil provides a moist and tender crumb.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup mild extra virgin olive oil
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/2 cup yogurt or milk
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven upto 350°F (175°C) and then line a muffin tin with paper liners.
- Then you have to mix baking powder, flour, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
- In another bowl, beat together olive oil and sugar until smooth. And then add eggs one at a time, and then you have to beat well after each addition.
- Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, and yogurt.
- Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, and start stirring until they combined.
- Fill the muffin cups 2/3 full with batter and bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. Olive Oil Blueberry Muffins
The fruity richness of olive oil enhances the sweetness of fresh blueberries in this recipe.
Ingredients:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- First you have to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and with this have to prepare a muffin tin with paper liners.
- In a large bowl, then you have to mix baking powder, salt, flour, & sugar
- In another bowl, whisk together olive oil, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract.
- Then slowly mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined.
- After it, you have to fold the blueberries carefully to avoid breaking them.
- Then divide the mixture evenly into the muffin cups and bake for about 20 minutes.
3. Chocolate Olive Oil Muffins
For chocolate lovers, using extra virgin olive oil adds a layer of depth and richness to these moist, decadent muffins.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk or milk
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Instructions:
- First you have to preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and also line a muffin tin with liners.
- In a bowl, then you have to combine baking powder, baking soda, salt, flour, & cocoa powder
- In another bowl, whisk together olive oil, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk, and stir until smooth.
- Fold in chocolate chips and fill muffin cups with batter.
- Bake it for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
4 Benefits of Using Extra Virgin Olive Oil in Muffins:
1. Heart Health:
First benefit of the EVOO is that it is rich in healthy fats & it can help us to lower bad cholesterol levels.
2. Antioxidant-Rich:
Extra virgin olive oil is full of antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation and fight off free radicals in the body.
3. Moisture and Texture:
Olive oil contributes to a tender crumb in muffins, keeping them moist for longer periods.
4. Flavors:
Olive oil adds a subtle richness and complexity that pairs well with flavors like citrus, herbs, chocolate, and nuts.
Can Olive Oil Make Muffins Bitter?
One concern when baking with olive oil is whether it will impart a bitter flavor to your muffins. This is also a fact that olive oil has a stronger flavor than butter. While this can be a delicious addition to some muffin recipes, it might not work well with every flavor combination.
How to Avoid Bitterness in Muffins:
Pairing Olive Oil with the Right Flavors:
Olive oil pairs beautifully with certain flavors like lemon, orange, herbs, nuts, and spices. Muffins with citrus (like lemon olive oil muffins) or spices like cinnamon will complement the olive oil, making any bitterness unnoticeable.
Quantity Matters:
Too much olive oil can result in overpowering bitterness. Stick to the recommended amounts, as overdoing it can affect both the flavor and texture.
FAQ's About Baking Muffins with Olive Oil
1. Can You Use Olive Oil in Muffins Instead of Butter?
Yes olive oil is the best replacement of butter and it is recommended that you can use 3/4 cup of olive oil in place of each cup of butter. Olive oil adds good flavors like citrus, nuts, and spices.
2. Will Olive Oil Make My Muffins Taste Weird?
If you use the correct amount of extra virgin olive oil, your muffins will taste bitter or overpowering. Extra virgin olive oil has a good flavor, so choose the correct amount of it. How Much Oil Should I Use in Muffin Dough?
If you’re using olive oil in place of butter, the standard substitution is to use 3/4 cup of olive oil for every cup of butter. If the recipe calls for a different type of oil, you can generally use the same amount of extra virgin olive oil.
3. Can You Bake Muffins with Olive Oil?
Yes, baking with olive oil is easy and can enhance both the texture and flavor of muffins. It is the best option for those looking to reduce saturated fats .
4. What Kind of Olive Oil Should I Use?
For baking, extra virgin olive oil can work better in recipes. Always consider the best quality of EVOO because it's directly effects your health. Here is a guide that helps you to find the best EVOO for your food.
Leave us feedback and buy some best Extra Virgin Olive Oil's from the collection offered by Zagoda Olive Oil and do let us know how you find these products in a taste :)