Writing my dissertation is slowly turning me into a hermit. Every day is starting to look the same. Get out of bed, try to get a work out in, shower, and straight to the computer I go. I have been living in yoga pants. I can’t even remember the last time I wore real pants. Occasional trips to the grocery store and Chipotle have been my only exposure to the outside world. Poor husband, I’m being so neglectful and I look like a crazy person every day. At least I put a little make up on. I think that hides some of the craziness.
But, look, I took a little break to make you these muffins! If you’ve ever been to Mimi’s Cafe, you know that they have some seriously awesome muffins. One of my faves is their buttermilk spice muffin. So simple, yet so delicious. I love all the cinnamon and nutmeg. Lucky for me, Mimi’s shared their recipe on their website. Of course, in typical Stephanie fashion, I lightened up their recipe for y’all by cutting the fat and sugar. I think these muffins are pretty fab. The crunchy walnut topping is so delicious and gives the muffin some texture. Take that, Mimi’s!
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 cup sugar (or less if desired)
- 2 whole eggs plus 1 egg white
- 2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour (or all-purpose flour)
- 2 tsp. baking soda
- 1 heaping tsp. cinnamon
- 1 tsp. nutmeg
- 3/4 cup plus 1 tbs. low-fat buttermilk
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- 2 tbs. brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp. nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
- In a bowl, beat together the oil, applesauce, and sugar. Once well-combined, add the eggs and egg white and beat for another minute.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg.
- In small batches, add the dry mixture and the buttermilk into the wet mixture and mix until smooth.
- In a small bowl, add the walnuts, brown sugar, and cinnamon and nutmeg and stir.
- Prepare a muffin pan with muffin liners or spray with non-stick spray. Fill each cup up about 3/4 of the way. Sprinkle the nut topping evenly over each cup. Bake immediately to avoid the nut topping from sinking into the muffin. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Notes
Adapted from Mimi's Cafe
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I bought buttermilk this past weekend and have been searching for the perfect recipe for to make good use of the rest of it. This is totally it!
Baking Serendipity recently posted..Leftover Frosting and Funfetti Sugar Cookies
These muffins should provide an excellent snack for helping you work on your dissertation. Keep up the wonderful work (on both fronts!)
Yoga pants are not a bad way to go. In fact I may be a little jealous
These look fantastic. I really need to use buttermilk more often. Does it go bad? I Bought some not long ago for pancakes but still have 3/4 of the container left.
Emily @ Life on Food recently posted..Oldie But Goodie
Writing a dissertation will do that to you. But so glad you found the time to make these muffins!
Carolyn recently posted..Chocolate Coconut Milk Pudding (Low Carb and Gluten-Free)
Thanks, Carolyn! I can’t wait till it’s over!
I know what you are talking about…
But I am sure you are doing a great job at dissertation…
These muffins look wonderful…
Good luck…
Reem | Simply Reem recently posted..Comment on About by Indian Chicken Curry | Easy Asian Recipes at RasaMalaysia.com
Thanks, Reem!
The word dissertation scares me… better you doing it than me. If I had such a task… I would hardly get in the workout and the shower. Then to think you still had time to whip up these fantastic muffins. Well done!
Ramona recently posted..Chicken, Cheddar and Corn Chowder
Haha, it scares me too! Sometimes I don’t get the workout in. Not gonna lie :p
I’m glad your dissertation is coming along. I’m sure your hubby understands too. And hopefully it will all be over soon. I do have to say though, that I am very, very jealous of your trips to Chipotle! We’ve been planning our summer vacation and the only reason I really wanted to go back to the States was to go to Chipotle (sad, I know!) But I did get to go to Mimi’s once before we left Florida and the only good thing I remember was those muffins! We had a bad server, so it ruined everything else. I love any light version of muffins and yours look great!
Alyssa recently posted..Fiesta Quinoa Salad
Thanks, Alyssa! He is pretty understanding, I’m a lucky girl! And I don’t blame you for wanting to come just for Chipotle!!
I always have buttermilk (low fat) around and love it in baked goods. The nut/spice topping should be great, too!
Anita at Hungry Couple recently posted..Beet Love!
Thank you, Anita! The topping is my favorite part!
As someone who works from home, I’m pretty much a disheveled yoga pants wearing gal every single day!!
Julie @ Sugarfoot Eats recently posted..Book Review: Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter
Haha! It sure does make getting to work on time a lot easier!
Mmm, what a lovely idea – I always adore spiced baked goods, and buttermilk must make this a perfect treat.
Kiri W. recently posted..Yellowfin Tuna Carpaccio And Arugula Salad
Thanks, Kiri! I love them too!
That last close up is amazing, these look delicious! I’ve never been to Mimi’s, but I think I’ll like your version better anyway
Anna @ hiddenponies recently posted..6 Years and Counting
Thanks, Anna! The food at Mimi’s is just okay, but their muffins are really good!
What beautiful looking muffins. So so so yummy.
Beth Michelle recently posted..Passion Fruit Pound Cake
Thanks, Beth Michelle!
I will take a spice muffin any day. These look amazing Stephanie!
Cassie recently posted..Cinnamon Toffee Coffee Cookies
Thanks, Cassie! I love spice muffins, cake, cookies, you name it!
What a fabulous recipe, this looks absolutely delicious!
Thanks, Kelly!
Mim’s muffins are fabulous. Between the huge size and the fact that I know some muffins can give you enough fat intake for 2 or 3 days, I do not go there that often.
I am glad you have come up with a lower fat version. Spiced baked goods always are comforting, they remind me of the holidays. I will need to try this recipe-yum!
Tina@flourtrader recently posted..Florida Cottontails
I love their muffins too! I rarely eat muffins though. I love spiced baked goods too! Makes me feel all warm and cozy!
Oh, this looks so good. I could easily low carb this so I had to pin it
CJ at Food Stories recently posted..Chocolate Chip Scones with Almond Flour
Hey CJ, I think this recipe would be really easy to make low carb!
These muffins look totally delicious! I love that they are healthier too
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Choc Chip Uru recently posted..Virtual Vegan Potluck Finally Here
Thanks! Makes for less guilt!
These would be so incredible with my morning cup of coffee!!
Steph@stephsbitebybite recently posted..Banana French Toast in a Mug
I agree, Steph!
This recipe is surely amazing! I’m gonna try this for my friends. They will be sure love it.
Carol recently posted..moving companies
Thanks, Carol! Hope they like it!
I hope your dissertation is going well. That’s a lot of work and I’m sure your husband doesn’t mind and he’s understanding. See, at least you made these treats during your break for him (and you).
Good luck with writing the dissertation! Buttermilk in muffins sounds extra delicious!
Nami | Just One Cookbook recently posted..Mitarashi Dango みたらし団子
Thank you, Nami! I need all the luck I can get!
The muffins looks tempting and very comforting as well. Love the warmth lent by the spices.
easyfoodsmith recently posted..NUT CRUSTED GRILLED FISH w/ FRUIT COLESLAW
Thanks! I love the spice too!
Can’t wait to try this…buttermilk, nutmeg and cinnamon? Wow! This is gonna be a fave of mine.
myfudo recently posted..tastily touring: british indian ocean with scones and clotted cream recipe by alton brown
Thanks! It is a great flavor combo!
I love Mimi’s Cafe buttermilk spice muffins! They are my absolute favorite! So glad you recreated them in a lighter version, especially because all the cake and muffins I’ve been eating have finally caught up with me.
Hope your dissertation writing is going well. And the yoga pants? It’s the only way to live
Chung-Ah | Damn Delicious recently posted..Nutella Chocolate Chip Cookies
They are one of my faves too! So bad, but sooo good!
At least you have a legitimate excuse for wearing yoga pants
Lovely muffins, my friend~
Liz recently posted..Pecan Free Sticky Buns…Baking with Julia~
Haha! Thanks, Lizzy!
These sound delicious! Love that they are lightened up, but still look amazing (and I am sure taste even better than they look)! The nuts on top are a nice addition!
Amy @ FragrantVanillaCake recently posted..Dark Chocolate Orange Hazelnut Tart
Thanks, Amy!! The nut topping is my favorite part!
What a gorgeous looiking muffins,,,Yum I wish I have one with my coffee right now
Ridwan recently posted..Caramel Strawberry in chocolate egg shells
Thank you, Ridwan! They are perfect with a cup of coffee!
Glad to hear your dissertation is coming along well! Love the last shot. These muffins are right up my alley.
Baker Street recently posted..Mango and Raspberry Mascarpone Whip Parfait
These are so lovely! Nicely done! I am always a fan of buttermilk anything
These look delicious! I love how low in sugar they are!
Rachel @ My Coffee Cravings recently posted..Spicy Chicken Meatballs
These look SO good! I love all the nuts scattered on top, too. Wonderful breakfast recipe!
Steph, these muffins look mouth-wateringly delicious. I could sure use one of these.
A little make up always hides the crazy
Glad you took a break to make these muffins, the walnut topping sounds perfect!
Meghan recently posted..Strawberry Rhubarb Creme Fraiche Ice Cream
Homemade versions of chain restaurant food are always better anyway. Congratulations on making the foodbuzz Top 9!
DB-The Foodie Stuntman recently posted..Michael Chiarello’s Ragù alla Marinara
Hey, just wanted to pop over and say a quick CONGRATS on top 9! Hope you have a good day!
Alyssa recently posted..Fiesta Quinoa Salad
I just saw this picture on Foodbuzz Top 9 and couldn’t stop appreciating the clicks!! The recipe sounds delish!!!
http://cosmopolitancurrymania.blogspot.com/
those look fabulous!!
Alysia @ Slim Sanity recently posted..new room and challenge updates
I’ve never made muffins with buttermilk but I can imagine how amazing these are! I would be all over the nut topping, too!
Bianca @ Confessions of a Chocoholic recently posted..Chocolate and Beer Pairing
Good luck on your dissertation! I’m sure it will be as fabulous as these muffins
Jackie @ Domestic Fits recently posted..Baked Brown Sugar Chicken Wings With Roasted Red Pepper Cream Sauce
Yum!! I love a good muffin. These have all kinds of yummy flavor in them!
Wishing you the best on completing your dissertation! Man, your muffins look to die for….I can just smell them baking and taste them! Mmmmm…muffins are so good.
Emily Lynne {The Best of this Life} recently posted..Nutty Sorbet with Mango and Flax Seeds
Good luck getting your dissertation completed, that is a HUGE job and one not to be taken lightly! You can do it!
These muffins look like a great way to power through too. Love that there is nutmeg in the topping and the muffins…its one of my favorite spices.
Maggie @ kitchie coo recently posted..Pecan and Cinnamon Rolls
these look yummy.
alyce culinary thymes recently posted..Creole Crab Cakes
Mimi’s Cafe is on of my favorites. I am always finding an excuse to eat there. Thanks for sharing the muffin recipe. I am going to make these muffins – they look and sound awesome. Thanks for the great post:)
Muffins is my favorite, this is really delicious and even my children always wanted to have it…
Good luck with your dissertation, I’ve been there and I know how demanding it is! You found the perfect way to reload your batteries, these muffins look simply irresistible!
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