Apple muffins with apple cider molasses

January 4, 2011  •  Category:

 

When I found apple molasses sold in the Chouf cedar reserve in Lebanon,  I was so excited yet my feelings were tempered: I knew that this product was made in small quantities and that finding it in other countries was going to be very difficult.


Lo and behold I found a farm in Upstate New York that makes apple molasses from pure apple cider.  It is a thick, sweet and tangy molasses with the color of amber and completely natural. Apparently the owners John and Carolyn Loveland found a recipe for apple cider molasses from an old Pioneer cookbook. It is so exciting that old recipes which came at some point from the Old World, get recreated and even marketed in the twenty-first century.

Allens Hill Farm is located in Bloomfield, New York; for their website, click here.

I used their apple cider molasses in lieu of white refined sugar in this muffin recipe from  Stacey’s snacks. As soon as they were out of the oven, I ate two. If you like gingerbread, you will love these muffins; you can use up all these forgotten apples in your vegetable bin and have a healthy and yummy goodie to start your day with. NO guilt here!

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 cup of whole wheat flour
  • 1 cup of all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon of baking soda, a pinch of salt, a generous pinch of cinnamon
  • 1 cup of applesauce
  • 1/4 cup of canola oil
  • 1/2 cup of apple cider molasses
  • 1/4 cup (packed) of dark brown sugar
  • 1 large apple (2 apples if you wish to decorate the tops with an apple slice), peeled and cut in small dice.
  • 1/2 cup of golden raisins, 1/2 cup of pecans (or walnuts)
  • 2 large eggs

METHOD:

  1. Place the flours, baking soda, salt and cinnamon in the bowl of a mixer. Mix for 30 seconds to get all the dry ingredients mixed up.
  2. In a separate bowl, mix the eggs lightly with a fork, add the oil, applesauce, apple cider molasses, brown sugar, and mix for a few seconds. Pour the mixture into the mixer and mix for a few seconds until the dry ingredients are moist and the batter is compact. Add the raisins, pecans and apple bits.
  3. If you wish, you can cut some more apple slices and insert one slice into each muffin top.
  4. Divide the batter into paper-lined muffin molds; bake in a preheated 375F oven for about 25 minutes or until the muffins are golden, feel firm to the touch and have risen. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Comments

58 Comments  •  Comments Feed

  1. peter says:

    An ingredient I’ve never worked with before, must seek and try it. I’d love a muffin or two of these with coffee right about now.

  2. Caffettiera says:

    Guilt free, indeed – though festive season in Italy ends up on the 6th so I still have a couple of days to indulge.

    I am very curious about the apple cider molasses. How much sweet does it taste? Is it very thick? I find some products made only with apples in Germany, a bit tangy and very dense, maybe could they be reasonable substitutes?
    Thanks!

    • Joumana says:

      @Caffettiera: the apple cider molasses is very thick, yet pourable. It has a dark brown color that turns to amber. It has a natural acidity yet it is also sweet. It is made from apple cider and nothing else so if you find a product in Germany that is made by boiling down apple cider till it becomes thick then it would be fine as a substitute!

      @Alice: actually there is a teaspoon of brown sugar per muffin; /Glad you liked them habibti.

      @Susan: yeah! Back in Texas for a few months.

  3. sweffling says:

    Oh my poor waistline!

  4. FOODESSA says:

    You just peeked my interest again!
    I find myself visiting quite a few apple orchards in the Autumn months and never came across such a product…or was it because I didn’t know it existed???
    Now, because of you, I’ll probably become relentless in my hunt. If I really can’t find it…I’ll probably have to order it online!
    The muffins sound and look scrumptious ;o)

    Happy New Year Joumana and flavourful wishes,
    Claudia

  5. Marcela says:

    I have never tried this ingredient before, but it sounds fantastic in this muffin!!…..Thanks for teaching us!!……Abrazotes, Marcela

  6. Rachel says:

    From poking about the web it sounds like apple cider molasses might be the same product as boiled cider. I have boiled cider so I think I will give the recipe a go.

  7. Erica says:

    Yum! They look beautiful and I’ll bet they taste delicious. Happy new year to you and your family!!!

  8. Claudia says:

    I wonder if our local orchards have apple cider molasses – if not – I have noted the website. I do love baked goods with apples. In fact – I love them – I lust after them. I can imagine the sweet, spiced taste of these muffins. And this is the perfect moonth to fill my home with these muffins and their aroma.

  9. Katie @Cozydelicious says:

    You had me at ‘no guilt’. I love the idea of apple cider molasses. I will have to check out some of the cider mills around here. These muffins look awesome!

  10. Juliana says:

    Apple molasses? Sounds yummie, love the idea of apple everything 🙂 Happy New Year Joumana!

  11. Anita says:

    They look so good. I’m always in search of alternative sweeteners, thanks for the info on Apple cider molasses, haven’t noticed it anywhere,but will try to find it, sounds delicious.

  12. stacey snacks says:

    I love that you used the apple cider molasses! Perfect!
    Your muffins came out beautiful. So nice to have them around.
    Happy New Year!
    Stacey

  13. Alice says:

    I can happily say that I had two of these muffins today, and they were delicious! I was shocked when my mom told me there was no sugar in them, because they tasted perfectly sweet.

  14. Ivy says:

    We don’t get apple molasses here. Your muffins sound delicious and love that it has pieces of apple inside as well.

  15. Katerina says:

    Apple pies amd in general anything that contains apples is my second favorite after chocolate which is my eternal love. While in the States I enjoyed very much their apple pies. They sure know how to make them right. These muffins are perfect and I like the fact that you put pieces of apple inside.

  16. oum mouncifrayan says:

    Merci pour cette belle version de muffins, ça doit être délicieux…bisous

  17. Sophie says:

    Waw, Joumana!! Those whole grain muffins must taste awesome with that apple cider molasses in them!!

    Great combined flavours in here!!!

    I wish you & Happy & fun 2011 filled with joy & good food!

  18. Miriam says:

    You see, I find a similar thing here, but it’s very thick. I love to use it because it gives such a delightful apple undertone… I’m bookmarking this one!

  19. Priya says:

    We dont get apple molasses, anyhow ur muffins looks adorable and yummy..

  20. blackbookkitchendiar says:

    this looks so good and very irresistable:) cant wait to give this a shot. thanks for sharing this with us.

  21. Monet says:

    I don’t know if anything sounds better than an apple muffin right now. Your pictures are just stunning, and the recipe looks and sounds superb. Thank you for sharing this delicious recipe, and thank you for your kind words on my blog. They mean so much to me!

  22. Tall Clover Farm says:

    Joumana, I’m revved up to find a recipe or way to make this apple cider molasses goodness. I just mentioned it to my apple trees, so I expect a big delicious crop next autumn.

  23. Nazarina says:

    You found a gem in the apple molasses and have turned your muffins into culinary royalty. This is the way I am too, when I find a unique ingredient……give it the accolade it so deserves! Yum! Happy new year!

  24. Lena says:

    hi, not too sure about the apple cider molasses but you sound so excited about this ,must be very good and great having that chunky bits of apples in the muffins.

  25. Diane says:

    I have never heard of apple cider molasses, I must have a look for it as this recipe sounds delicious. Diane

  26. rebecca says:

    lovely muffins never heard of apple molasses you find the neatest foods

    Rebecca

  27. Karen says:

    Wow, I’ve never had apple cider molasses. Is it very different from regular molasses? I love your muffin recipe, Joumana. The addition of raisins and pecans is such a nice touch. Lovely.

  28. vegetarianirvana says:

    Joumana, I have reduced apple cider to 1/4 th original qty, to get a syrupy amber liquid, it is featured in my “Fall Salad ‘ recipe in my blog. Don’t know if my reduction has the same consistamcy as the one you mention , but it is easily achieved by boiling it down in any home kitchen. Infact it I have even frozen it in cubes and take it out to make a dressing without any oil as the reduction has the same texture as oil.
    Sandhya.

  29. Doc says:

    As an adopted Southener, I am loving the hoppin’ john with a twist. This not only looks tastier but a much healthier way to get the New Year’s pork, black eyed peas and greens requisite meal accomplished. And speaking of good for you, those muffins are an Rx for Deliciousness. I love the way you are kicking this year off!

  30. SYLVIA says:

    This is a delectable apple muffin dessert that’s mixed with walnuts and cinnamon, makes it an irresistible treat. Perfect on a chilly winter morning with your cup of coffee. Apple molasses is the healthiest of all the syrups, has significant amount of minerals and calcium. Joumana, thank you for another sweet recipe.

  31. Faith says:

    These are the best looking muffins I’ve seen in a while, Joumana! I love how healthy they are and what a great use for apple cider molasses!

  32. lisa says:

    I like the sound of apple molasses – must make a delicious and hearty muffin.

  33. Nadji says:

    Je ne connais pas encore la mélasse de pommes. Je vais voir dans mon magasin oriental.
    Ces muffins me semblent délicieux.
    A très bientôt.

  34. Susan says:

    My goodness, these looks delicious! What a wonderful way to use that delicious apple molasses too. Does this mean you are back in the U.S. now?

  35. senga50 says:

    Je connaissais le mélasse de grenade… c’est vraiment une petite chose très gourmande et parfumée…
    Bonne et heureuse année gourmande, pleine de petits bonheurs, de partage de de convivialité…

  36. Sommer@ASP says:

    Wow I’ve never seen apple cider molasses! I’m so curious, I’ll have to be on the lookout for it now! Gorgeous muffins!

  37. Trish says:

    Apple cider molasses sounds wonderful. I’ll be on the lookout for that lovely ingredient, if I’m lucky enough to find it. The muffins sound wonderful!

  38. 5 Star Foodie says:

    Apple cider molasses sounds like a great find, and those muffins sound amazing! I like the addition of golden raisins here too!

  39. arthur says:

    Your muffins are even exotic looking! I just love those chunks of apples peering behind the cider molasses clouds of goodness! I’ll surely have some without guilt! Delicious!!!!

  40. MaryMoh says:

    I don’t think I have ever seen apple cider molasses here. Your apple muffins look very moist and delicious. Thanks very much for sharing.

  41. beena says:

    I’m very happy to discover this wonderful journey through Lebanese food!

  42. Susan: My Food Obsession says:

    I’ve never tried apple cider molasses before… it sounds wonderful!

  43. grace says:

    apple cider molasses, eh? very nice find, and an excellent way to use it!

  44. Sarah Galvin (All Our Fingers in the Pie) says:

    Looks lovely. I bought a similar product called Apple Quintessense that was produced in Quebec. I have been using it with lovely hard cheeses as a condiment. Never thought to use it in muffins.

  45. Chiara says:

    Apple cider molasses here is hard to find Joumana….These looks delicious! A hug…

  46. A Canadian Foodie says:

    OMG! I am like Peter and CRAVE one of these right now. It is definitely muffin season here! Thank you, Joumana! Are these “foreign food” there, or common. In the former yugoslavia, they would definitely be a novelty!
    🙂
    Valerie

    • Joumana says:

      @Valerie: the Lebanese are the first people on earth to pick up trends! So now you will find cupcake bakeries in Beirut and of course every coffee shop sells muffins and the like. As for the apple molasses I only found it in the mountain; too bad because it is a great product and I made some delicious and sweet cookies with it.

      @Miri: Baking soda can be used as a leavening too, but if you like to add baking powder, sure, why not?

  47. Steve @ HPD says:

    Just added apple cider molasses to my Grocery IQ list …

  48. Joanne says:

    Alright so my new mission is to find apple molasses. I’m on it.

  49. Cara says:

    These sound so delicious – what a perfect way to kick off the new year.

  50. Lentil Breakdown says:

    What is the quota for guilt? Because I could eat more than two!

  51. miri says:

    I’m trying this (sounds wonderful! I’m substituting date-silan for the molasses).

    I was just wondering if you didn’t forget a teaspoon of baking powder in the ingredient list (my muffins usually have some).

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