Cupcakes vs. muffins: How are they different? How are they the same? Many before me have attempted to answer – and still, the debate goes on. Some have approached this issue from a scientific standpoint, pointing out the differences in the ratios of ingredients and preparation methods. Others have taken a more practical view focusing on looks, taste and texture. The most clever observation I’ve seen is that “If you threw a cupcake against the wall, you would hear something of a ‘poof!’ If you threw a muffin, you would hear a ‘thud!'” As for me, they’re both cake. That one is usually smothered in frosting and the other isn’t is of little consequence. Neither is the fact that one is considered an acceptable breakfast food, and the other is deemed dessert. To me, cake is cake. Sometimes, I eat cupcakes for breakfast and muffins for dessert. That’s how I roll.
One interesting phenomena, however, deals with size. While the most prized cupcakes are almost always small, dainty and artfully decorated, muffins aren’t judged by the same standards. They can get away with being big, clunky and craggy. Oh, yes. In the world of muffins, bigger is better. (After all, breakfast is the most important meal of the day!) Just walk into your favorite bakery, deli or coffee shop and see for yourself. The scones, pastries and doughnuts are usually all normal sized, but the muffins are huge!
I found the original recipe for these crumb-topped blueberry muffins on Allrecipes. They were touted as being “extra-generously-sized deli style muffins”. Of course, any muffin can be big is it’s baked in an oversized muffin cup. But, the name given to these muffins – “To Die For Blueberry Muffins” – kind of drew me in. I mean, those are some serious muffin words! So, I had to try them. read more >>
Filed Under: Baking, Breakfast and Brunch, Muffins, Biscuits and Scones, Recipes
