Looking for a delicious muffin to satisfy your sweet tooth? Try a 1/2 muffin (57 g) Red Velvet Cream Cheese Muffin! These tasty treats are sure to please. And at only 200 calories, you can enjoy them guilt-free.
Not only are they delicious, but they also provide some nutritional benefits. Red velvet muffins contain beets, which are high in fiber and antioxidants. The cream cheese adds a touch of protein and calcium to the mix.
In this article, we'll take a closer look at these muffins, including their ingredients, health benefits, and how to make them at home.
Calories in a Red Velvet Cream Cheese Muffin
A 1/2 muffin (57 g) Red Velvet Cream Cheese Muffin contains approximately 200 calories. The exact calorie count may vary depending on the recipe and ingredients used. If you're watching your calorie intake, you can still enjoy these muffins in moderation. Consider pairing them with a cup of coffee or tea for a satisfying snack.
Muffin Ingredients
The main ingredients in a red velvet cream cheese muffin include flour, sugar, eggs, oil, vanilla extract, beets, and cream cheese. Additional spices and flavorings may be added to enhance the taste. Beets are the key ingredient that give these muffins their red color. They also provide fiber and beneficial antioxidants. Cream cheese adds a creamy and tangy flavor to the muffin, and also contributes some protein and calcium to the mix. Overall, these muffins are a tasty and relatively healthy option for a snack or dessert.
Health Benefits of Muffins
While muffins are often considered a treat, they can still provide some nutritional benefits if made with wholesome ingredients. In the case of red velvet cream cheese muffins, the beets and cream cheese provide fiber, antioxidants, protein, and calcium. However, it's important to note that most muffins are high in sugar and refined carbs, which can contribute to weight gain and other health issues when eaten in excess. So, enjoy these muffins in moderation and pair them with balanced meals and snacks.
Red velvet cream cheese muffins may contain common allergens such as wheat, eggs, and dairy. If you have a food allergy or intolerance, be sure to check the ingredients carefully before consuming. If you're making these muffins at home, consider using substitutes for any ingredients you're allergic to. For example, you could use a non-dairy milk instead of cow's milk, or a flax 'egg' instead of a regular egg.
Serving Size
A typical serving size for a red velvet cream cheese muffin is one muffin. However, these muffins can be quite large and filling, so you may find that 1/2 muffin is enough to satisfy your hunger. If you're serving these muffins to friends or family, you may want to cut them in half or quarters to make smaller portions. This will also help to stretch the batch further if you're on a budget.
Suggested Pairings
Red velvet cream cheese muffins pair well with a variety of beverages and snacks. Here are some ideas to try:
- A cup of coffee or tea
- A glass of milk or almond milk
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream
- Fresh fruit or fruit salad
These muffins are also delicious on their own as a quick snack or dessert.
Preparation Steps
Making red velvet cream cheese muffins is relatively easy and straightforward. Here are the basic steps to follow:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
- In a large bowl, mix together the dry ingredients (flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt).
- In a separate bowl, mix together the wet ingredients (oil, eggs, vanilla, beets, and cream cheese).
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly among a greased muffin tin.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
- Cool the muffins in the tin for a few minutes, then remove and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once the muffins are cooled, you can enjoy them right away or store them for later.
Storage Tips
To keep your red velvet cream cheese muffins fresh and tasty, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also store them in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze them for longer-term storage. If you're freezing the muffins, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before eating, or reheat them in the microwave for a quick snack.
Muffin Variations
While red velvet cream cheese muffins are delicious as is, you can also experiment with different variations and flavor combinations. Here are some ideas to try:
- Swap out the beets for grated zucchini or carrots for a veggie-packed muffin.
- Add some chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter for extra crunch and flavor.
- Try using a different type of cheese or frosting, such as goat cheese or cream cheese frosting.
- Experiment with different spices and flavorings, such as cinnamon or ginger.
The possibilities are endless!
Alternate Flavors
Not a fan of red velvet? No problem! You can still enjoy cream cheese muffins in other flavors. Here are some ideas to try:
- Blueberry cream cheese muffins
- Pumpkin cream cheese muffins
- Chocolate cream cheese muffins
- Banana cream cheese muffins
Feel free to get creative and come up with your own flavor combinations too!
5 Frequently Asked Questions about Red Velvet Cream Cheese Muffins
1. What are the main ingredients in Red Velvet Cream Cheese Muffins?
Red Velvet Cream Cheese Muffins typically include flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, buttermilk, eggs, vanilla extract, red food coloring, cream cheese, and butter.
2. How many calories are in a Red Velvet Cream Cheese Muffin?
One half of a Red Velvet Cream Cheese Muffin (57g) has around 200 calories.
3. Are Red Velvet Cream Cheese Muffins healthy?
While they do contain some nutritious ingredients such as buttermilk and eggs, Red Velvet Cream Cheese Muffins are generally considered to be a high-calorie, high-sugar, and high-fat treat. They are not ideal for those following a low-calorie or low-fat diet.
4. Can Red Velvet Cream Cheese Muffins be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze Red Velvet Cream Cheese Muffins. Allow them to fully cool, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating or consuming.
5. How can I make Red Velvet Cream Cheese Muffins at home?
You can find many recipes for Red Velvet Cream Cheese Muffins online. A simple recipe involves whisking together dry ingredients, beating together wet ingredients, and then combining them. Fold in the cream cheese and bake the muffins in a preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the muffins to cool before serving.