A Nilla Zilla (Vanilla with Pudding and Bananas) “Cuffin” from Zayna Bakes (Chicago) – Photo Courtesy of Zayna Bakes
I think I’m cheating a bit with this posting. Strictly speaking, I think Muffins belong in a Breakfast category (and I’ve scarfed down many a Muffin for “Breakfast”). However since the Muffins I’m interested in are sweet and not savory, let’s bend the rules and include them in this Dessert Blog.
Tisserie’s Zucchini Cream Cheese Muffins
When you think of “Muffin” do you think of a Blueberry Muffin only? Blueberry Muffins are very popular and they’re the best selling Muffins for Tisserie, a wholesaler/retailer of baked goods. However, Tisserie’s Ronald Harrar reports that more exotic varieties— such as the Zucchini Cream Cheese Muffin— are also very good sellers. And he noted that while Muffins are very popular, Scones are becoming more and more popular. Not surprisingly, a recently introduced Blueberry Scone has been well received.
Fresh Flours’ Green Tea & Azuki Red Bean Muffin (Muffin in the Front)
And talking about exotic Muffin varieties, the Japanese-inspired Green Tea & Azuki Red Bean Muffin is Fresh Flours’ signature and most popular muffin. Less adventurous Muffin enthusiasts can enjoy Fresh Flours’ Blueberry, Lemon Ginger or Raspberry Oat Muffins.
Nutella Bella Cuffin from Zayna Bakes
If you can’t decide between a Muffin and a Cookie, you can have both if you bite into Zayna Bakes’ Cuffins, a cross between Muffins and Cookies. The most popular Cuffin is the Nutella® Bella— a treat with both Peanut butter and Nutella®. The Cuffin was created by accident; Zayna Salloum ran out of flat baking sheets and put Cookie dough in a Muffin tin. Zayna thinks she’s the only baker offering a Cuffin, but she’s heard of a Duffin—- a cross between a Muffin and a Doughnut.
Mind Your Muffin’s Lemon Poppy Muffins
Muffins are generally not known as health foods. After all, they are little Cakes (or in the case of Cuffins, Cookies). However some companies are meeting the growing demand for healthier Muffins. One such bakery is Mind Your Muffin. Its Muffins contain whole grains, have no artificial preservatives or trans fats and are low in carbs and sugar. The most popular Mind Your Muffin product is the Lemon Poppy Muffin. And for customers adhering to a Paleo diet, gluten-free and grain-free Muffins, known as Cave Bites, are offered.
A Williams-Sonoma Muffin Pan
Of course, you can always whip up your own Muffins. They’re easy to make. And with different sizes (and shapes) of Muffin pans, you can bake: Mini Muffins; Texas Muffins (extra-large Muffins); Muffin Tops; and of course Regular Muffins. Enjoy!
Dessert Surveillance 