Mexican Vanilla Mini-Muffins with Vanilla Syrup
It took two weeks to convince my husband to watch “The Duchess” with me, but last night he finally caved. It wasn’t my claim that period pieces aren’t really ‘chick flicks’ that did it (“Yea, right,” he said), but rather the intoxicating aroma of Mexican Vanilla Mini-Muffins. Remember those old-time cartoons where the characters would literally float down the stairs, guided by their noses and the scent of fresh food? That’s pretty much what my husband did, wandering into the living room just as I put a platter of muffins on the table. He knew what they were because I’ve made them before, so as I drizzled vanilla syrup on two of them he said, “Oooo, can I have one?”
“Sure baby… I was just about to watch ‘The Duchess’ with these. Do you want to join me?”
Sometimes a gal has to do what a gal has to do.
110 minutes later that movie was over, and though my husband didn’t hate it, he didn’t love it either. But I got what I wanted: some quality chick flick time (ok! I admit it! it’s a chick flick!) with my guy. When the final credits rolled he gave me one of those “Aren’t you glad I love you this much?” looks, then announced, “I need to watch something with explosions now.” Ah well. At least we had muffins. 
If you read my previous post, “How I Ate My Cake, and Lost Weight Too,” you’ll know that these muffins were part of our budgeted treats for the week. We each enjoyed two mini-muffins, and the rest were sent to my husband’s office this morning. It was a bittersweet farewell, but it’s just too tempting to have goodies like that lying around the kitchen!
Part II of my balanced eating series will be online next week. I’m toying with the idea of starting a 2nd blog with my non-baking recipes and weight loss tips/tricks…or perhaps creating a new category on this blog for that purpose as Jen suggested. What do you think? I can’t tell you how often I’ve resisted posting something here because it was just too far off the “baking” theme.
This Mexican Vanilla Mini-Muffin recipe, which gets its name from the use of Mexican vanilla beans, belongs to Marcy Goldman. She graciously gave me permission to post it here when I told her that people were asking for the recipe after I tweeted about it last weekend. If you want to sample more of Marcy’s recipes you can try her Blueberry-Raspberry Honey-Butter Glazed Scones, previously posted on this site, or visit her online at BetterBaking.com. These muffins appear in her book A Passion for Baking and if you’re in the market for a new baking book, I encourage you to check this one out.
Mexican Vanilla Muffins
Reprinted with permission from A Passion For Baking, by Marcy Goldman. You can visit her online at www.betterbaking.com.
Ingredients: Makes 24 mini muffins or 14-16 regular sized ones.
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter
- Scrapings of 1 vanilla bean (or 2 teaspoons vanilla paste)
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 4 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 3 cups cake flour *
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons corn syrup (see note below for comments)
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
For the Vanilla Syrup (Optional)
* stir the cake flour before scooping and measuring
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and generously spray a 24-cup mini muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray (or use paper liners) or 14-16 regular muffins cups. Place on the prepared baking sheet.
In a mixer, cream the butter and sugar until well blended. If using vanilla bean, cream the scrapings of the bean in with butter. (Slice the vanilla bean in half lengthwise and use a small knife to scrape out the insides.)
Blend in eggs and vanilla. Fold in dry ingredients and gradually add milk. Scrape down the bowl often to make sure all is evenly incorporated. If you didn’t use a vanilla bean, fold in the vanilla paste at this point.
Spoon batter into preparing muffin cups, filling each ¾ full. Bake until lightly golden brown, 17-20 minutes for little muffins, 20-24 minutes for larger ones, or until muffins spring back when lightly pressed with fingertips.
Meanwhile, for the Vanilla Syrup, gently boil sugar, corn syrup and water for 5 minutes. Cool to almost room temperature and stir in vanilla. Brush each muffin with vanilla syrup twice and let stand. (I just drizzled the syrup on top with a spoon and give it a few minutes to absorb into the muffins).
Note: Instead of cake flour you can use 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour and 1 tablespoon cornstarch.
Ari’s note: Although corn syrup gets a bad rap as a sweetener, in moderation I don’t think it’s anything to worry about. HFCS (high fructose corn syrup) has been linked to obesity because people eat so much of it – in soda, for instance. You can read more about HFCS at WebMD.
Marcy tells me that honey could be used as a substitute for corn syrup, but the resulting mixture won’t taste the same so if it is an issue you may simply want to omit the corn syrup altogether. Also, Nancy found a homemade substitute for corn syrup that may be worth a try. Thanks for sharing in the comments Nancy.
p.s. The muffins are yummy without the syrup too.
93 Responses to “Mexican Vanilla Mini-Muffins with Vanilla Syrup”
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Shiv & I bought a GIANT bag of vanilla beans so I should clearly make these…I wonder if there’s a way around using corn syrup?
Maggie – You know, I thought the same thing, but I so rarely use corn syrup that I figured what the heck. I’ll ask Marcy though since it’s her recipe.
These muffins could definitely get ANYONE to watch ANYTHING, haha – soooo tantalizing!! Glad that your husband agreed to watch ‘The Duchess’ after all
Hi Ari, These muffins sound intoxicating! Tempting your man with food is always a good route! Nice work lady
As for a 2nd blog idea, I was trying to maintain three at once and it gets tiresome. Trust me, the ideas are always flowing, but time isn’t always on our side 
My two suggestions are: set up an off-topic tab, maybe even a diff color, on this blog for your healthy recipes, nicknamed something fun and catchy. Or, start compiling your healthy recipes for a few months in electronic format, build the new blog, copy & paste the content into archived pages, so all you’ll need to do is click a button to make them live. Either way, I know we’d love to read both! Good luck!
Jen – Hmm, I really like that idea! I’m going to have to research WP categories a bit more because I’d like there to be a different look for the healthy recipes / weight loss tips if I decide to integrate them into this site. Thanks for the feedback!
What pretty little muffins! I bet they taste heavenly!
Yes, why not have a second blog with healthy recipes… I’d love to see what you have to share with us.
Cheers,
Rosa
Oh my gosh… these look amazing!
Haha, I love the idea of subtle bribery. I wonder if I could make these and get my husband to watch Steel Magnolias. I’ll report back.
looks yummy. is there anything i need to know about vanilla beans before i buy them? (never bought them before!) also, i did a little search for corn syrup options and found this (easy) subsitution… might be worth testing: link.
I really like the posts on your weight loss and how you did it. I am trying to lose a signifcant amount of weight and it is great to see how you did it. I have to admit, I printed that post and am using it as a guideline. Thanks!
Rhonda – You’re welcome! I’m flattered you found it useful enough to print and use as a guideline.
Those muffins look like the best things in the whole wide world! I love anything with a strong vanilla flavor so I can just totally picture myself drifting down the stairs for these babies =)
Ok you had me with the vision of the cartoon character floating down the stairs!
Wow. I cannot describe my desire to eat those right now. And I would love to have some non-baking recipes from you! Your baking recipes are so beautiful that I want to see everything else! And your weight loss tips would be fabulous since you have succeeded and I am still working.
I like having all your information in one place. Even if the posta are off the theme of baking or books, I think it is okay to incorporate because it is part of you.
The Duchess is in my Netflix cue as we speak! We had to get a manly movie first. Too funny! These muffins look great!
Emily
http://www.justeatfood.com
Oh, these muffins sound delightful. I’ve been using Wholesome brand organic light corn syrup that I buy at my local food co-op. It has a bit of natural vanilla flavor. It will be perfect for this vanilla syrup. I’m not wasting any time. I’ll make them in the morning! Oh, and what a great photo.
First of all, these muffins sound great. Second, I would love to see your non-baking recipes and dieting tips on this blog or another. I can always use another healthy recipe to add to my files.
These mini muffins look so cute
Love to have some with my morning coffee.
I saw The Dutchess two times and loved it!
Hi Ari–
would like to trim off a few pounds). I know with your wonderful prose, you would have plenty of readers. I’m going to spend the next couple of days reading some of your archives. Thanks for a blog that I look forward to reading! Can’t wait to test out some of the recipes.
First time commenting here. I’ve only just found your blog a day or two ago and am already addicted! I love your writing style and also the fact that your recipes are vegetarian (as I also am a vegetarian). I think it would be wonderful for you to have a second blog with weight loss tips/tricks and healthy meals as long as you have the time to to so (as I, along with many others I’m sure
Kaye, from Massachusetts
Kaye – Thank you for taking the time to comment, welcome! I’m glad you found my blog and that you’re enjoying it so far. What you said about my writing style was too kind… you made me blush! I’m definitely going to begin writing about my non-baking recipes & lifestyle tips. Right now I’m leaning towards integrating them into Baking and Books. We’ll see what happens – I really appreciate your feedback, it helps to know if folks would be interested in reading about different topics.
Ari, I love having more breadth to your blog, but one is enough for me! I have too many bookmarks already. “Baking and Books” just means Ari to me. …About the corn syrup, the question really is, why is it there? I doubt that it’s for flavor, the sugar probably makes it sweet enough, so I would suppose there is some texture/consistency effect, which the cream of tartar in the Recipezaar substitution deals with. Maybe the solution is to add cream of tartar and forget the corn syrup. Just ideas, maybe someone will try it, but not me! Anyway, they look amazing.
These look amazing and are making my mouth water. My husband and I both love period films, especially British films. I agree with you wholeheartedly on their quality!
PS The best price I have ever seen on vanilla beans is at Whole Foods in N. California where they sell them by the pod by weight. They are a great deal and the only place I could afford them. Unfortunately they do not have bulk spices at Whole Food in S. California ):
those muffins look yummy, and i could almost smell and taste them from reading of their lure for some movie time with your husband. i loved reading your lifestyle changes to weightloss. i like the idea of either keeping it within this blog or creating another category tab on this site – healthy eating and baking can go together….
I have been watching your blog for a few months now and I love your recipes! Your post about weight loss has given me the confidence to let my inner baking goddess go wild (as long as I send the rest to my husband’s office!) I would love to see any more tips and tricks you have for keeping the weight off. It is always great to have new inspiration! Thanks
Sarah – Thank you for your feedback and I’m glad you’ve been enjoying my blog! I’m thinking I’m going to integrate more of my non-baking recipes and tips into this site… my mental wheels are turning.
I love your website and these muffins sound devine!!!
I’ve been looking for an excuse to buy more vanilla beans… that is too tempting!
mmmm, those not only look good, but you make them sound good too!! I don’t have any actual vanilla beans though… things that make you go hmmm
Hi Ariela!
Ohhhh – these look SO GOOD, I’ll have to give them a go, (remembering to pick up that chick flick I’ve been wanting MY man to watch too) Actually, mine is not so bad at watching one as long as the next can be a sci-fi for himself. Your post caught my imagination to remember ANOTHER post I saw along the same lines, you will get a good giggle out of it. I love this blog because the couple is so close, and often her husband will post too. I think you would love this, Ariela, and you may like the blog, there is always some wonderful stuff here!
Look for the blog post of November 26, called “Can I get my 8 Bucks Back?”
I am so glad you are considering the other blog with fitness and nutrition tips and ideas. Its right where I am at too. I had mentioned to you that recently I saw a great article, VERY similar to yours too, and that I would take the time to hunt it out for you as well. Again, this is another VERY FINE blog and I am inspired each time I visit it.
In this blog post, Lauren shares her (like yours, very REAL) weight loss experience. Its very similar to yours, in that she’s not following a strict diet, more using common sense. As I said, you will see she garnered many, many comments from this post.
The post the November 16th one called “My Time To Share My Weightloss Stuff BEFORE AND AFTER”
I know you will enjoy these blog entries, and I just want to say again how much I enjoy your blog!
~ Barb
These looks great! Thanks for posting.
I would love to see another blog of yours with non baking and weight loss tips.
I’m so excited about these! They look absolutely delicious. And I’ve added ‘A Passion for Baking’ to my amazon wish list!
I must admit I’d like the blog to continue with a baking focus, but I also think the blog should really reflect you, your interests, and what you’d most like to write about–so the decision is and should be entirely up to you! I’ll keep reading no matter what you decide! K x
these sounds like a real dream
these sound like a real dream
ah, bribery. nicely done, ari, both the method of enticement and muffins.
Hi Ari! Nice to “meet” you. Thanks for visitng my blog.
Yeah, those baked good. I also send whatever is left on Monday to my husband’s work or to my kids’ teachers. Better share than wear (I claim originality to that phrase. Hmm, never used it before).
I’m also thinking of starting to blog about weight loss + planning a collabroation with other blogger about this topic. I am also wondering if it belongs in my current blog or should be on a seperate one. I’d love to know what you have decided. Nurit
The muffins look so yummy! I love that their mini’s, makes a nice little snack.
Yum. Those look like they would go perfectly with a cup of hot tea.
Those look great! I just watched “The Duchess” today too! I was sitting right next to my SO…. watching it on my laptop while he watched NCAA basketball! haha… That’s *almost* like watching it together, right?
I think I have to go make these right now! They look like the perfect delicious little treat!
These sound delicious, oh and if you wrote a non-baking/healthy cooking blog I would certainly read it too
I could eat this in no time. Yum!
These muffins look delicious! And I love your idea of starting a healthy blog, but I’d suggest you make it a branch of this page only, and give people the chance to choose what part to subscribe to, a la Pioneer Woman.
Aaaah yes, can see the unsuspecting soul floating down the stairs, but somewhat in Tweetie & Sylvester hues! You are right…a gals gotta do, what a gals gotta do! On the other hand, these beaitues must have beem well worth it all..YUM YUM! Thanks for the hint on the corn syrup substitute. I’ve used honey before, & maybe this time will try some caramel syrup I have bottled up from a Daring Bakers challenge! Can’t wait to try these…thanks as always Ari!!
I know what you mean, Ariela. I think a separate blog would be a good idea. Good luck with whatever you choose.
That’s a whole load of vanilla – but they look delicious!
Scott at Realepicurean – It is, and I thought the same thing when I first saw the recipe. But trust me: it tastes GOOD. In fact, these muffins were so delicious that a friend who formerly hated vanilla is now a fan (of the real stuff, at least).
Yum! I *adore* vanilla, so I totally get how you could bamboozle your husband into following every wish in order to procure one of these…
A new blog? Perhaps – as long as you weren’t stretched too thin to cover this one because we all love this blog. If it does work out that you can create a tab one this one for the weight loss tips and recipes, that would be fantastic. You’ve even inspired us to eat more vegetarian meals!
As to vanilla beans, readers might want to check out local Costco stores. Ours sells multiple test tubes for just over ten dollars – each bean long and lush.
,
Ooooooo…these look just wonderful. I think that you could do both on this blog. Probably most people would want to read both anyway.
those look unbelievable!
I gave you an award. Go to my blog to see!
Marie – Thank you! You are too kind.
Ooh, these look incredible! It’d be hard to part with these.
Hi Ari, thanks so much for the post on how to eat cake and lose weight. Lol, like you, I love baking. Ever since I started baking on a regular basis, I noticed my weight climbing up the scales the past few years. haha…but these muffins look yummy~ =)
I am keeping a lookout for your Part II Weight Loss blog entry. I do something a little similar to your part one, only different. I eat a healthy breakfast, eat sweets during the day instead of lunch and eat a healthy dinner. But if you do this too much you will still gain weight. Don’t ask me how I know (:
Thos muffins sound too yum!
These look so yummy!
I love your blog! It makes we want to run to the kitchen and start baking. thanks a bunch
I love vanilla. These muffins look marvelous!
These look really good. You might also be able to use agave syrup, which is lighter in flavor than either corn syrup or honey (at least to my taste). It does seem to have a bit more liquid than either of the other substitutes though.
Those are some fantastic looking muffins! The syrup is a nice addition.
What a fun & creative flavor combination! They look great too.
This sounds so yummy! I never thought of bribery to get my boyfriend to watch chick flicks with me – just a bit of begging – but baked goods bribery sounds so much more interesting!
Wow! I’m a big Marcy Goldman fan, but somehow I never tried this recipe. I’ll have to rectlify that. Thanks for highlighting it!
Wow, these really look great! We just took a trip to Mexico and brought home lots of Mexican vanilla – perfect! I can’t wait to try these!
Ariela,
I know you’re probably not into ‘Blog Awards’ but I gave you one anyways just to let you know how much I appreciate your blog. No need to do anything with it, just know it was given! You can view it anytime at my blog:
http://www.lalalime.blogspot.com
Barb – Thank you for the award! I just stopped by your site and what you said about me was incredibly kind. I’m honored that you think so well of me. <3
I have just purchased my first vanilla beans ever and these muffins sound like the way to use one!
Your photo and description have me headed to the kitchen!
I stumbled upon your blog a couple of days ago and love your writing, recipes and pictures! I enjoyed the post about how you lost weight and I can’t wait to read part 2! The muffins look fantastic and I am suppose to bring a dessert to a friend’s house on Sunday, so I’m debating between making those or the recipe for chewy peanut butter cookies. Thank you for all of the great ideas!
Using real vanilla beans makes all the difference, these look great!
These look wonderful Ari. They look very similar to my favorite dessert..a semolina cake made with yogurt and cream of wheat amongst other ingredients, then baked and toppped with syrup, so yummy. I’m loving the helpful weight loss tips, I think adding more information would be wonderful, if not an entirely new blog on the topic, I think links would be perfect. It’s great to see someone put so much energy and consideration into teaching others how to take better care of themselves and still be able to enjoy the sweeter things in life
Kudos for a job well done! Much Appreciated.
I do like Marcie Goldman’s latest book, and have baked a few things from it.
Now, I think you should stick with this website, just create a subcategory and make a link that’s really easy to find on your main page. Multiple blogs are hard to manage, and may decrease your overall traffic.
Wow. These look so yummy. I just found vanilla beans at a beer brewing shop for a really good price. This looks like the perfect recipe to try them out.
Definitely bookmarking these!!! I’ve had a muffin/bread (OK, fine CARB!) obsession lately and these ones look delicious!
I love this – but I bet it was dynomite w/the syrup.
I hope everything is ok with you. We haven’t seen you post lately. Hope to see Part II of your weight control soon. God bless you.
Page – Yes, everything is fine, I’ve just been very busy with work. I try to post twice a week but sometimes once a week is all I can manage. Alas! Thanks for asking.
These look delicious! I’ve been obsessed with culinary lavender lately, and this post reminded me of the lavender syrup possibility. Thanks! I’m trying a more “whole food” approach to eating as well, and it’s definitely enhancing my mood, energy, and, surprisingly, my taste! Simple foods taste so, so good! I look forward to your future posts regarding health & wellness!
those look delicious! they make me wish that my husband didn’t think chocolate was the only desert worth eating. maybe i will make some and eat them all by myself!
Your website is the BEST! Your recipes are very tasty and visually pleasing. You also give me great ideas for new reading. It is a pleasure to visit your site. THANKS!!
The muffins look indeed irresistible. Thank you and Marcy for sharing the recipe. Can understand why you had company for the movie!! I’ll have a look at the book, you got me curious.
They look so light a sweet! Mmm and the syrup dripping down… yum!
I got BakeWise for Christmas and haven’t been able to put it down!
Wow, they look soo good!
These look fantastic! Great photo
ooooh that syrup just makes those so inviting
This might be a silly question, but I’m not really sure what exactly Mexican vanilla is? Maybe I missed something in the recipe or explanation. Either way, what a perfect excuse to make muffins! These look heavenly.
Denise – It’s not a silly question at all. Mexican vanilla beans are just beans that have been grown in Mexico. They have one of the best strong, spicy vanilla flavors. Any vanilla bean will work for the recipe though.
I am about to try this recipe .. I am sure my husband will love those muffins !!! thanks so much
Mmmm…these look DELISH. I love vanilla so I’ll definitely be trying these!
Maggie and Ariela, although I haven’t yet tried it, I once asked the makers of Lyle’s Golden Syrup whether it would work successfully as a substitution in recipes which call for corn syrup, in terms of consistency and taste and behavior. Lyle’s Golden Syrup is pure cane sugar syrup, not high fructose corn syrup. They said yes, it would work. Of course, they have vested interest in their product, but lying about this would not win customers.
Only one way to know, eh? Try it. I’m a serious vanilla fan, but am lukewarm on muffins / cakes. Pound cake excepted. If I do try this recipe, I will use the Lyles and let you know how it goes.
Moncher – Thank you for the informative & thoughtful comment! If you do use the Lyles please do let us know how it goes.