I’ve been looking for this muffin recipe for a long time! Very soft and delicious muffins.

It’s wonderful you’re on the hunt for the perfect soft and delicious muffin recipe! To help you find or recreate your ideal muffin, let’s explore some key elements that contribute to that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture:

Key Factors for Soft and Delicious Muffins:

• Proper Fat Content:
  • Using oil or melted butter in the recipe helps to create a tender crumb.
  • Buttermilk or sour cream adds moisture and a slight tang, contributing to softness.  
• Gentle Mixing:
  • Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough muffins. Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined.  
• Correct Baking Time:
  • Overbaking will dry out the muffins. Use a toothpick to test for doneness.  
• Moisture-Retaining Ingredients:
  • Adding ingredients like applesauce, mashed bananas, or yogurt can keep the muffins exceptionally moist.
• Leavening Agents:
  • Using the right amount of baking powder or baking soda ensures a light and airy texture.
• Sugar Content:
  • Sugar not only adds sweetness but also contributes to the muffin’s moisture.  

General Recipe Tips:

• Wet and Dry Ingredients:
  • Combine the wet ingredients in one bowl and the dry ingredients in another. Then, gently mix them together.
• Fill Muffin Cups Correctly:
  • Fill the muffin cups about two-thirds full to prevent them from overflowing.
• Cooling:
  • Allow the muffins to cool slightly in the muffin tin before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

General Soft Muffin Recipe Framework:

Here’s a basic recipe you can adapt:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour  
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk (or buttermilk)
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Optional: Fruit, chocolate chips, nuts

Instructions:

1. Preheat:
   • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it.
2. Dry Ingredients:
   • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Wet Ingredients:
   • In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, oil (or butter), eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Combine:
   • Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently mix until just combined.
   • Stir in any optional ingredients.
5. Bake:
   • Fill the muffin cups two-thirds full.
   • Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Cool:
   • Let the muffins cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

I hope this helps you on your quest to find that perfect muffin!