It’s a busy, fun, (mildly) chaotic time when everything seems just a little more crazed – typical for this time of year. The busy summer’s wrapping up, the temperatures are cooling down, the sweaters are out, and in contrast, the thoughts feel clearer. It must be the crisp air. There’s lots to do and the list keeps growing but there’s very little stress. Mostly, there’s a sense of being ready for whatever comes next. It’s hectic but exciting - the perfect mix!

This mood is everything. It feels easy because it’s fun!! Welcome this ready mood (and bake)!

I'm feeling...

Bake muffins. Delicious muffins. Fall-time muffins.

Muffins...

that are golden, sweet, and fluffy,

with an unforgettable flavour that’s worth every bit of effort,

that smells so good at every step it’s hard to believe it gets better (but it does),

that brings simple ingredients together and by doing so, enhances them,

that’s the best part of a busy day...

TLDR:

Ready?
Bake
Caramelized Apple and Coconut Muffins
Sweet, Fluffy, Caramelized
Exciting

These muffins are filled with pieces of sweet, caramelized apple, flakes of toasted coconut and smooth maple syrup. They’re delicious and easy to enjoy on-the-go. It’s the perfect snack to keep you full on a busy day.

caramelized apple and coconut muffins.

00:00

Prep time: 10 minutes, Cook time: 10-15 minutes, Bake time: 25-35 minutes

Makes 14 muffins

Ingredients

¼ cup + 2 tbsp (30 g) unsweetened desiccated coconut, toasted
2 cups (236 g) apple, diced (approx. 2 medium apples)
¼ cup + 2 tbsp (30 g) brown sugar (or 2 tbsp caramel sauce)
1/8 tsp of kosher salt
2 cups (304 g) all purpose flour
¼ tsp salt
4 tsp baking powder
¾ cup (166 g) sugar
¾ cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
¼ cup + 2 tbsp maple syrup
½ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Let’s get extra “ready” for the chaos...

Add coconut flakes to a medium pan set over medium low heat. Stir constantly to avoid burning. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until toasted and lightly golden brown. Immediately remove the coconut from the pan and pour into a small dish to cool. Set aside.

It smells good right from the beginning.

Return the same pan to the heat and turn the temperature to medium low. Add the apples. Stir occasionally. Cook for 5-7 minutes until they’re lightly browned and have shrunk in size.

Yummmm!! The scent of coconut and cooking apples is sweet in the air!!

Keep the heat set to medium low and add the brown sugar* to the apples. The sugar will melt down and fully coat the apples. Stir the mixture often. Add the kosher salt. Cook and continue to stir until the sugar sticks to the apples and the mixture has turned a dark brown, about 5-10 minutes. (Note: the apple mixture will turn dark brown. It’s okay because it adds to the flavour. Just be careful not to burn it).

*if using premade caramel sauce: pour the caramel over the apples and cook until the apples are fully coated in the caramel. Cook until the apples are tender and the sauce is sticking to the apples.

This combination of caramelized apple and toasted coconut adds warmth and excitement to the air!!

Preheat the oven to 325°F.

Sift the flour, salt, and baking powder together in a bowl and set aside.

In a separate bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the oil and sugar together for one minute. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating at high speed for each, until fully incorporated.

Now, it all starts to come together...

Fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture. Stir in the maple syrup and vanilla extract. Fold in the apple and coconut.

Pour the batter evenly into each liner. Bake the muffins for 25-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out clean.

Enjoy them warm, fresh out of the oven, or let them cool and take them on-the-go.

Take a moment from your busy day for a delightful interruption. It’s a sweet, memorable, and incredible treat. Enjoy the chaos (and the fun) because you’re ready!

ready caramelized apple and coconut muffins.

Baking can be a lot of things – it can be distracting but simple, it can be movement with focus, it can be whatever you need when you need it. Choose a recipe to fit the mood and it becomes a useful tool as well – baking to quiet the mind, to connect with your emotions, or simply baking to feel emotional. Just think of the feelings you get and the emotions you experience when baking your favourite dessert…. excitement, relief, fulfillment, joy, accomplishment.

At Emotional Baking, our recipes can be the starting point to somewhere - it can lead you to a place of great comfort, one that feels like the beginning of something, something good...

A note for anyone who needs it:

Baking, while wonderful, can only help so much...

If you’re struggling in any way,

If you feel alone or you need help,

Contact your primary care physician or follow the links below to find help in your area. You are never alone!

For Canada:

https://www.crisisservicescanada.ca/en/looking-for-local-resources-support/

http://worldhelplines.org/canada.html

For United States:

http://worldhelplines.org/usa.html

Worldwide:

http://worldhelplines.org/

EmotionalBaking

Feel. Bake. Better.