Whole wheat cornbread muffins meet caramelized Ambrosia apples to make for a perfectly portable and satisfying breakfast/snack.
Disclaimer: I was asked to participate in the #iloveambrosia campaign as a member of the Healthy Aperture Blogger Network. While I was compensated for my time and gifted a dozen Ambrosia apples, all thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.
While I'm a lover of all fruits, apples (and bananas) are the most frequently eaten here in my house. I'm pretty sure I eat one everyday, at the very least every other day. Unlike the Hungryman, who's very.very particular about the variety (meaning he only eats Fujis), I appreciate them all for their unique flavors and textures. That's why when I was given the opportunity to taste these gorgeous, smooth-skinned Ambrosia apples with their reddish blush and yellow hues, I said sign me up! I'm extremely thankful to be a part of the Healthy Aperture Blogger Network for many reasons, including an introduction to this relative newcomer to the American-grown apple scene.
Although they're new to me, Ambrosia apples are quickly adding numbers to their already substantial cult following, and production in Washington State is expected to double or triple over the next decade. Upon first bite, I couldn't believe how delightfully crisp and juicy it was! The Hungryman could probably hear the sound of me biting into the apple from the other room. Speaking of the apple snob, his beloved Fuji has def met its match. My local store doesn't carry Ambrosia apples so I've put in an order request to the produce manager. Yes, you can do that and you def should!
While I'm perfectly content enjoying it as is, the Ambrosia apple also cooks up beautifully! It is slow to brown and holds its shape better than other varieties I've cooked with in the past. Being naturally sweet, I didn't need to add much extra sugar either. Where have you been all my life, Ambrosia?
I decided to go sweet and savory with this recipe. After I caramelized the apples with maple syrup, cinnamon, and nutmeg, I added them to the cornbread mixture containing Canadian bacon, scallions, and cheese. You'll notice that I didn't dice the apples too small. Encountering chunks of them when biting into the muffin makes for a lovely surprise ;).
Seriously, these hearty breakfast muffins couldn't be simpler to make. As long as you give the apples some TLC so that they caramelize to perfection, the rest of the steps should come together effortlessly. And just like that, you've got yourself a filling and healthy portable breakfast or snack.
This breakfast muffin is like the perfect marriage of a Denver omelette and a delicious cinnamon apple pastry. And as odd as that may sound, the spiced apples complement the Canadian bacon to create something wonderfully satisfying. With each bite you find something new to appreciate...scallions for a bright punch, the underlying salt of the cheese... But truly the unsung centerpiece of the dish, the Ambrosia apple, finds a way to pair well with each ingredient and elevate it.
As you can see, I cut the apples into large chunks and so must you ;). If you want some additional sweetness, I found that maple syrup makes for quite the tasty muffin condiment ;). These will keep in the refrigerator for 3-5 days or you can freeze them as well. So whether you need something to get you going in the morning or a pick-me-up in the middle of the day, this muffin has got you covered. Enjoy!
Ingredients
- 2 Ambrosia apples diced into ½ in. cubes
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1 cup whole-wheat flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 6 ounces Canadian bacon diced and cooked
- ¼ cup chopped scallions
- 2 eggs
- 1 ½ cups buttermilk
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ½ cup grated cheddar + more for topping (I used Cabot
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Grease muffin tin and set aside.
- Melt butter in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add apples, sprinkle with cinnamon and nutmeg and cook, stirring often, for about 5 minutes. Add maple syrup and continue cooking for 5 minutes or until apples are slightly tender.
- In a medium bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. In another bowl, beat together eggs, buttermilk, and oil. Whisk together the dry and liquid mixtures, making sure there is no flour left at the bottom of the bowl. Do not over mix. Fold in the Canadian bacon, green onions, apples, and cheese.
- Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups, stopping just below the rim. Top with extra cheese and place in the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until slightly browned.
Nutrition
rachel says
oh my what a great combo of flavors!!!Caramelized apples sound so good with cornbread and cheese! i am all about this sweet and savory combo! you are totally making me drool! Thanks for sharing!! 🙂
Sarah @ SnixyKitchen says
I'm new to Ambrosia apples too, but I think I need to place an order with our produce shop now! When you called theses "hearty breakfast" muffins, I first read "heartbreak muffins" and I think that's just as suiting;)
Francesca says
These look amazing! Pinning, but rather be eating 🙂
Lisa @ Healthy Nibbles & Bits says
Hah, my brother only eats Fuji apples, too! I LOVE how these muffins are sweet and savory. LOVE it!
Arman @ thebigmansworld says
You guys....this screams taste sensation- Sweet, savoury ,BACON, CHEESE, APPLEs.
Man, this looks so good, I almost pinned your profile picture.
Min says
Haha thanks, Arman! no no def don't want to pin my pic 😉
Sonali- The Foodie Physician says
Such an awesome combination of flavors! Your photo of the apples caramelizing is a stunner!
Kimiko says
Funny, I JUST saw some ambrosia apples for the first time at the grocery store the other day. I didn't get any though, and now I'm going to have to go back! These muffins look and sound awesome!
Min says
Yes yes, you must go back! Ooh can't wait for you to try 😉
Jeanette | Jeanette's Healthy Living says
I love the sweet and savory combination - so original!
Rachael@AnAvocadoADay says
LOVE everything about these! Pinning!
Melanie @ Nutritious Eats says
Oooh these look fun! Love the savory idea. Pinning
Dietitian Jess says
Cheese and apples go so well together!! And your photos look amazing and make me soooo hungry!!
Min says
Totally! Cheese and apples were made for each other! Thank you for your kind words 😉
Allie says
I love the interesting combination of these muffins. Since muffins make a weekly appearance in our house I will definitely be giving these a try
Min says
I def need to bake muffins more often ;). can't wait for you to try!
Liz - Meal Makeover Mom says
I adore the sweet and savory combination of ingredients in this recipe. I can't wait to try try it!