How to Make Yum Yum Gems

butter

🥗Healthier: coconut oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Coconut oil adds a unique flavor while margarine offers a cost-effective substitute.

chocolate chips

🥗Healthier: dark chocolate chips

💰Cheaper: chocolate bar (chopped)

Dark chocolate chips reduce sugar while chopped chocolate bars can be less expensive.

nuts

🥗Healthier: seeds

💰Cheaper: sunflower seeds

Seeds provide a similar crunch and are often more affordable.

coconut flakes

🥗Healthier: unsweetened coconut flakes

💰Cheaper: shredded coconut

Shredded coconut can be less expensive and still provide texture.

Beat 1 egg in a bowl.

Add 1 cup brown sugar and 1/2 cup butter to the egg and mix until combined.

Add 1 cup of buttermilk (soured milk) to the mixture. If you don't have buttermilk, use regular milk with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar.

Dissolve baking soda in the soured milk and add it to the butter mixture.

Add 2 cups of sifted flour to the mixture along with 1 teaspoon each of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.

Mix the batter until the dry ingredients are just incorporated, being careful not to overmix.

Fold in 1/2 cup of nuts and 1 cup of raisins (previously soaked in hot water to plump).

Spoon the batter into muffin tins, filling them about 12 large muffins worth.

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 15 to 20 minutes, checking for doneness.

Cool the muffins in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens