How to Make a Muffin More Moist and Fluffy

Muffins are one of those unique treats that you can eat for breakfast, as a snack, or after dinner for dessert. But some people shy away from muffins because they think they’re dry and crumbly. What if I told you there are plenty of wonderful ways to make muffins moist and fluffy?

To make a muffin more moist and fluffy, focus on mixing wet and dry ingredients separately and ensure they’re accurately measured. Add extra fat and swap half the milk for yogurt or sour cream. Double-check oven temperatures and bake times, too.

Hey! My name’s Michelle, and I’m a self-taught baker with a slight obsession with muffins. I enjoy them so much that I try to make a weekly batch – even if I don’t have a muffin pan

Today, I’m sharing my secret tips and tricks for the moistness and fluffiest muffins ever.

7 Ways to Make a Muffin More Moist and Fluffy

Want to bite into a muffin bursting with moistness and an incredibly fluffy and tender texture? No worries – I’ve got you covered. Here are my 11 top tips for creating the best muffins you’ve ever sunk your teeth into.

1. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients Separately

One reason why muffins turn out tough is because the batter’s been overworked. This can quickly happen if you’re trying to save time by mixing wet and dry ingredients in the same bowl simultaneously.

Trust me, though – this “time-saver” destroys your muffins’ texture.

To up the moistness and fluffiness of your muffins, always mix your wet and dry ingredients separately.

Then, when mixing the ingredients, stick to hand mixing and stir until the ingredients are “just incorporated.” I.e., there may be a few lumps and clumps in your batter, and that’s a-okay.

2. Don’t Overfill Your Muffin Cups

OK, so supersized muffins are fantastic. But they don’t get that size because the cups have been overfilled. They get that way because you use a jumbo-sized muffin pan.

Regardless of what size you’re aiming for, it’s imperative that you don’t overfill your muffin cups. This can wreak havoc on the texture of your muffins, leading to a dense and undesirable dessert.

My recommendation? Unless your recipe states otherwise, shoot for filling the muffin cups 3/4 full. I like to call this the “sweet spot” for muffins.

3. Bake at the Right Temperature

Let me fill you in on a little secret – if you bake anything at the wrong temperature, it will turn out poorly. 

This is especially true for muffins.

Bake at a high temperature, and you’ll have crusty exteriors and wet interiors. Bake at a low temperature, and your muffin will dry out by the time it’s ready to cool.

For most muffins, 350 degrees Fahrenheit is the way to go. However, always follow along with your recipe. Double-check that your oven displays the correct temperature by checking with an oven thermometer (trust me on this one).

4. Add Some Extra Fat

Most muffin recipes come with liquid and fat. Most people think the liquid is responsible for the moistness of muffins. So, they add a little extra, hoping they’ll achieve fluffy greatness.

But they’re doing it all wrong.

The fat is actually what provides your muffins with moistness and fluffiness.

That said, I like to toss in a few extra tablespoons of fat – oil and butter. For instance, I will add an extra tablespoon of oil and two additional tablespoons of melted butter (I’m a butter fanatic; what can I say?).

5. Add Some Buttermilk, Sour Cream or Plain Yogurt

Uhh, what?

I know, I know – I’m always sharing some outlandish ideas. But if you’ve tried any of my tricks, you know that they create fantastic desserts.

Well, for your next batch of muffins, I recommend swapping half of the milk for buttermilk, sour cream, or plain yogurt (Greek yogurt is excellent if you want to increase the protein content!).

For example, if your muffin recipe calls for a cup of milk, you’ll go with ½ cup of milk and ½ cup of yogurt, sour cream, or buttermilk. Mix and bake as usual. Thank me later.

6. Add Fruits/Veggies

When I was little, my grandma made zucchini carrot muffins (like these). And while I should have run for the hills in a vegetable-induced panic, I couldn’t keep my hands off them. Needless to say, they were the most extraordinary muffins I’ve ever had.

Now, flavorwise, these muffins were out of the ballpark.

But what really wowed me was how unmistakably tender they were.

I chalk it up to the shredded vegetables.

Shredded veggies and pureed fruits are loaded with moisture, giving your muffins a moisture boost. And yes, your muffins will taste delicious. Just try it – you won’t regret it!

7. Measure All Ingredients

Always, always, always measure your ingredients with cups and spoons.

I know it’s easier to “eyeball it,” but honestly, I can’t even do that correctly half the time – and I’ve been doing this for ten years!

If you want your muffins to turn out moist, fluffy, and scrumptious, be tedious about your measuring. Otherwise, you may accidentally use too little liquid and fat or too many leavening agents, which will result in tremendously dense and disgusting muffins!

FAQs

Now you’re well on your way to delightfully moist and fluffy muffins! But before you take off, I must share a few frequently asked questions. You’re going to want to know the answers to these questions!

How do you add moisture to muffins after baking?

The easiest way to add moisture after baking the muffins is to put them in the oven. OK, wait, hear me out. Spritz your muffin with a bit of water. Then, seal it in a brown paper bag. Then, warm it up on your oven’s lowest setting. It works like a charm, even though it might not sound like it!

Why don’t my muffins come out fluffy?

You’re likely ending up with dense muffins because you’re overmixing the batter or using the wrong ingredient measurements. It may also be an issue with your oven, such as too high or low temperatures.

Is oil or butter better for muffins?

I like to use both. Butter is better for flavor. Oil is better for ensuring a light and airy texture. If you use both to make your muffins, you end up with a heavenly treat!

Moist and Fluffy Muffins, Here We Come!

See? Making your muffins exquisitely moist and fluffy isn’t overly complicated. With a few changes – such as baking at the right temperature and avoiding the dreaded overmixing – you can make the best muffins ever!

How do you make your muffins moist and fluffy?

About Michelle
I have been a lover of sweets since day one. This led me on a self-taught baking journey starting at the age of 13. It's been over 10 years since the start of my baking adventures, and I’ve learned a lot along the way. Now, people rave about my delectable treats, whether it’s a chocolate cake or a strawberry crepe.

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