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When making Fruity Delight Pizza Muffins, one of the essential steps is combining the dry and wet mixtures. It’s crucial to not overmix the batter to maintain the ideal muffin texture. Overmixing activates gluten in the flour, which can lead to dense and chewy muffins instead of light and fluffy ones. To achieve the best consistency, gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. A few lumps are perfectly acceptable; this signals that the batter is ready for the next step.

Lunchbox Hero: Fruit Pizza Muffins

Discover the joy of Fruity Delight Pizza Muffins, a delicious and healthy snack perfect for any occasion! These muffins combine the beloved flavors of pizza with fresh fruits, creating a unique treat that's both nutritious and satisfying. Easy to make and wonderfully versatile, they’re perfect for lunchboxes, afternoon bites, or a light breakfast. With their vibrant flavors and delightful textures, these muffins are a hit for kids and adults alike. Elevate your snacking experience today!

Ingredients
  

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

½ cup granulated sugar

½ cup packed brown sugar

2 teaspoons baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 large egg

½ cup unsweetened applesauce

½ cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)

¼ cup vegetable oil

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup assorted chopped fruits (such as strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, and bananas)

½ cup cream cheese (softened)

2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (for added sweetness)

Optional: Additional fruit slices for topping

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin pan with paper or silicone liners to prevent sticking.

    Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Use a whisk to ensure everything is evenly mixed.

      Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, applesauce, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until you achieve a smooth and consistent mixture.

        Combine Ingredients: Pour the wet mixture into the bowl containing the dry ingredients. Gently stir with a spatula or wooden spoon until the two mixtures are just combined. Remember, it’s important not to overmix; having a few lumps in the batter is perfectly fine.

          Fold in the Fruits: Carefully fold in the chopped assorted fruits into the batter. Ensure that the fruits are evenly distributed throughout for balanced flavor in each bite.

            Fill the Muffin Cups: Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each cup about ¾ full to allow room for rising during baking.

              Bake the Muffins: Place the muffin pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 18-20 minutes. They are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

                Prepare the Cream Cheese Topping: While the muffins are baking, in a small bowl, blend the softened cream cheese with honey or maple syrup until it becomes creamy and smooth. This will serve as a delightful topping.

                  Cool and Assemble: Once the muffins are baked, take them out of the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. After that, transfer the muffins to a wire rack to cool completely.

                    Top and Serve: After the muffins have cooled, generously spread a dollop of the cream cheese mixture on top of each muffin. If desired, garnish with additional fruit slices for a fresh and colorful presentation. These muffins are perfect for lunch boxes or as a tasty snack!

                      Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 40 minutes | Makes 12 muffins