Vanilla Muffins

These Vanilla Muffins may look plain, but I assure you they are deeply delicious. Moist and fluffy, with a crunchy demerara sugar crust, they're the perfect afternoon treat.

The older I get, the more I like to keep things simple. This applies in the kitchen, in life, and in my witchcraft practice. Sure, all the bells and whistles can be awesome, but I know now that they're not necessar. When I first started practicing, I was so excited by the idea of all the different things that I could add to a spell, I never really stopped to think if I should.

Now I know that just a handful of powerful ingredients can really bring my spell into perfect alignment. It's like how 17 things on a pizza can really muddy the flavor, whereas a really well made Margherita Pizza is always excellent. Sure, a bit of extravagance can sometimes be exactly what you need, but simplicity is just as valid. Don't overlook it.

What makes these Vanilla Muffins so awesome?

These Vanilla Muffins may not look like much, but once you give them a try, you won't be able to stop thinking about them. I used vanilla bean paste in these for a slightly deeper flavor. I also sprinkled them with chunky demerara sugar on top before they went in the oven. It didn't really show up in the photos, but it creates a slightly crunchy sweet topping that makes these extra awesome.

The texture is fluffy but dense, and these stay moist for days. I haven't been able to resist them long enough to know how long it is before they go stale. I love making muffins because they come together really quickly and they're easy to transport. Bring these to your next gathering, and you'll have a happy crowd for sure.

Magical Properties of Vanilla

Vanilla is such a classic flavor the you've probably got some intuitive associations with it. Remember, those are going to be more powerful in your spellwork than any traditional metaphysical properties. Tied to the element of water and the planet Venus, vanilla has very sensual energy. Use it in spells to call in comfort, happiness, love, and restoration. (Source: The Kitchen Witch's Guide to Healing & Self-Care by Maggie Haseman)

For more on the magical properties of the ingredients in this recipe, be sure to check the Kitchen Magick page.

Ingredients

Here's everything you'll need to make these muffins. The full details are in the recipe card below.

• Flour - all-purpose or plain
• Baking powder
• Salt - I use fine sea salt
• Sugar - white granulated or caster sugar
• Milk - whole milk is always best for baking, but use whatever is in your fridge
• Neutral oil - vegetable oil, canola oil, sunflower oil, etc.
• Eggs
• Vanilla bean paste - or vanilla extract, this is the main flavor, so use the best you have
• Demerara sugar - or other course sugar

Tips for making Vanilla Muffins

Making muffins is so easy. Start by combining all your dry ingredients in one big bowl. Then in another bowl or a measuring jug, mix together your wet ingredients. Then simply fold the dry into the wet until it's all come together. A few lumps won't kill you. This is a slightly thinner muffin batter than others I've made. It's also a bit sweeter and stickier, so I recommend using muffin papers.

Divide your muffins into your 12 cups of your muffin pan. Before they go in the oven, sprinkle a pinch of your demerara sugar over each one, then bake until they're beautifully risen and golden. Let them cool on a wire rack, and be sure to eat one warm if you can. Store the rest in an airtight container.

I hope you don't overlook this Vanilla Muffins because they're not showing off. I assure you, they are absolutely awesome.

Looking for more awesome muffin recipes? Try these Caramel Butterscotch Muffins or some delicious French Toast Muffins.

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Recipe slightly adapted from Nibble and Dine.