Whole Wheat Strawberry Basil Muffins

Name: Whole Wheat Strawberry Basil Muffins*
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 cup white granulated sugar; 1/3 cup chopped fresh basil (washed and dried thoroughly.); 2 cups flour (whole wheat or all-purpose); 2 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 3/4 cup milk; 1/4 cup olive oil (I used basil-infused olive oil); 1 large egg; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1 tsp vanilla; 1 cup chopped strawberries/ fresh or frozen**; 1 tbsp chopped fresh basil; 1/3 cup basil sugar

by Lora Wiley-Lennartz July 30, 2014

written by Lora Wiley-Lennartz July 30, 2014

These Whole Wheat Strawberry Basil Muffins are good. These are: serve to two college friends you haven’t seen in a very long time, good. Last weekend, on Saturday, I was busy the entire day prepping for a 12-hour photo/video shoot on Monday. Sunday guests were coming. Oh dear.

The night before, I had no clue what I could serve and hadn’t done any shopping. Consequently, I reluctantly settled on a cop-out bagel and cream cheese run. Also planning to make some eggs as well. However, longtime friends deserve something better. So when I woke up, after having done most of the prep for the job, my mind was clearer. I knew I had frozen strawberries and plenty of basil in the herb garden.

A quick internet search revealed this recipe from one of my favorite talented food bloggers. I tweaked the recipe a bit, using whole wheat flour and brown sugar. Then, I attempted to be a bit fancy for guests by sprinkling homemade basil sugar on top of these Whole Wheat Strawberry Basil Muffins.

Let’s talk Basil Sugar

Basil sugar is the bomb, people. It takes a bit of time to make it. However, the result is so worth it. Basically, put chopped basil and white granulated sugar in a jar. Then let it rest in a dark place. Make sure to shake the jar occasionally. Three days later, you will have gorgeous, fragrant basil sugar. Throw it into baking recipes and you will love the result.

These are a perfect little homemade touch to a meal I had no time to make from scratch. So don’t judge. Because sometimes, the best compromise is a mix of homemade and store-bought goods. As for the Whole Wheat Strawberry Basil Muffins, peppery basil adds a nice herby flavor. It also provides balance for the tangy, juicy strawberries. And the whole muffin package is all wrapped in whole wheat sweetness.

My guests and I were very pleased with the results. Phew!

Whole Wheat Strawberry Basil Muffins*

Course Breakfast, Brunch

Cuisine Amercian

Keyword Basil Sugar, Muffin recipe, Strawberry basil muffins, Strawberry muffins

Prep Time 25 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Servings 1 Dozen

Author Lora Wiley-Lennartz

Ingredients

For the Basil Sugar topping:

1 cup white granulated sugar
1/3 cup chopped fresh basil washed and dried thoroughly.

For the Muffins:

2 cups flour whole wheat or all-purpose
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup milk
1/4 cup olive oil I used basil-infused olive oil
1 large egg
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup chopped strawberries/ fresh or frozen**
1 tbsp chopped fresh basil
1/3 cup basil sugar

Instructions

Make the Basil Sugar:

In a jar, alternately layer the sugar and basil until the jar is full.
Tightly seal with the lid and store in a cool, dark place.
The sugar should be ready to use in 3 days.

Make the Muffins:

Preheat oven to 350ºF.
Grease a 12-cup muffin tin.
Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, olive oil, egg, brown sugar, and vanilla.
Mix in by hand the dry ingredients just until the batter comes together. Add the strawberries and basil.
Divide the batter evenly among the 12 cups in a muffin tin.
Sprinkle the basil sugar on top.
Bake for 20 minutes or until a knife inserted comes out clean.
Transfer to a wire rack to cool. Lovely if served slightly warm.

Recipe Notes

*Adapted from Strawberry Basil Muffins from Something Swanky
**If you use frozen, make sure you defrost them and strain out the excess liquid before adding them to the batter.