'Tis the season for Christmas cheer and indulging in festive treats! If you're looking for a delicious and healthy way to serve breakfast for Christmas, look no further than our festive Fruitcake Muffins! Made with a plethora of dried fruit and a blend of gluten-free all-purpose flour and almond flour, these muffins pack a delicious protein-rich punch to fuel your day.
{{This post and recipe for Fruitcake Muffins was made in partnership with California Prunes. We received compensation in exchange for it. Opinions are always our own. Thank you for your continued support of our small business!}}
What types of dried fruit are in this recipe for Fruitcake Muffins?
Our fabulous Fruitcake Muffins are made with a mix of soaked dried fruit from the Fruitcake Liquor-making process.
This includes a double dose of California prunes, along with a host of other dried fruits like raisins, apricots, cherries, cranberries, figs, dates, apples, and pears. Trust me when I say that these Fruitcake Muffins are bursting with a deep, rich fruit flavor!
But why the double dose of prunes you ask and what makes California prunes, particularly special for this recipe? Not only do prunes add a delicious, sweet flavor to the muffins, but they also offer a range of health benefits.
What are the health benefits of California prunes?
Besides being incredibly delicious, California prunes have a wide range of health benefits.
They are a rich source of antioxidants, which can help to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. They also contain important nutrients like potassium, which helps to maintain healthy blood pressure, and fiber, which can support healthy digestion.
Plus, California prunes have been shown to support bone health, thanks to their high levels of boron, a mineral that helps to improve the body's ability to absorb calcium. This makes them an especially good choice for those looking to maintain strong and healthy bones.
How to prepare the boozy fruit for baking Fruitcake cookies.
While some Fruitcake-inspired recipes will have you soaking dried fruit in rum or brandy for a significant period of time, this recipe for Fruitcake Muffins actually uses the leftover boozy dried fruit from making a big batch of Fruitcake Infused Liquor for the holidays.
If you haven't prepared the boozy fruit mixture in advance, no worries you can still make these muffins. I have a solution for you in the notes section of the recipe card below.
If you are using our boozy dried fruit mixture, it goes without saying that the dried fruit will have absorbed a good amount of liquid at this point and we don't want soggy cookies, so draining the fruitcake fruit is essential before baking.
It is also important because, in some cases, alcohol like rum can impart a slightly bitter flavor to baked goods if too much alcohol is present.
How to strain the boozy dried fruit mixture.
The first step of this recipe will read, 'strain ½ cup boozy dried fruit fruitcake blend.'
Don't skip this step and do it first so it has adequate time to release the alcohol that has accumulated in and around all of the dried fruit.
The alcohol that strains out can be used in a Fruitcake Rum & Coke or returned to the container with the rest of the alcohol for a later date.
Don't just take our word for it – give these fruitcake muffins a try for yourself and see how they can add a healthy and delicious twist to your Christmas breakfast spread. Whether you're looking to switch up your usual breakfast routine or just want to add a festive touch to your morning meal, these fruitcake muffins are sure to hit the spot.
Need more delicious recipes for breakfast for Christmas?
Classic French Toast
French toast sure does taste fancy when you are eating it, but it's actually one of the easiest breakfast recipes that you will ever make! The egg and milk-based custard that flavors each slice of brioche is scented with vanilla beans, lemon zest, and spices.
Roasted Banana Chai Sheet Pan Pancakes
Banana pancakes are pretty popular.... there is no denying that. Heck, they even have a song written about them! But, friend classics are meant to be revamped and these Roasted Banana Chai Sheet Pan Pancakes are the even simpler yet somehow more delicious banana pancake of the future!
Sheet Pan French Toast with Roasted Grapes
A simple, deconstructed version of French toast that is perfect for those days you need an easy breakfast recipe, fast. I created this recipe for the California Grown website and it has become a staple easy breakfast recipe in our house ever since.
If you’ve given our Fruitcake Muffins, or any of the recipes for breakfast for Christmas we suggested a try I would be so grateful if you would rate the recipe with a star rating and let me know what you think in the comments below!
I just love hearing from you! Your reviews and comments really help others that visit This Mess is Ours.
PrintFruitcake Muffins
Made with a plethora of dried fruit and a blend of gluten-free all-purpose flour and almond flour, these muffins pack a delicious protein-rich punch to fuel your day.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 20
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 standard muffins 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
⅓ cup boozy dried fruit fruitcake blend, drained well. If not using our premade-soaked fruit see the note section below.
2 ⅓ cups all-purpose gluten-free flour, we use King Arthur brand, if the brand of flour you are using does not contain xanthan gum see the recipe note section below.
¾ cup + 1 tablespoon almond flour
¾ cup light brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
9 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
½ cup + 1 ½ tablespoons buttermilk
½ cup + 1 ½ tablespoons plain yogurt
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 tablespoons sanding sugar for muffin tops, optional
Instructions
Strain the ⅓ cup boozy dried fruit fruitcake blend by placing it in a mesh strainer over a measuring cup or bowl. Set aside and allow to drain while you make the muffin batter.
Notes
If not using the boozy dried fruit fruitcake blend you will need to soak dried fruit for a bit in alcohol. Here is what you do:
2 tablespoons diced California prunes
1 ½ tablespoons raisins
1 tablespoon diced apricots
1 ½ tablespoons dried cranberries
White or spiced rum, bourbon, or brandy to cover the fruit.
Combine all of the dried fruit in a small bowl and cover it completely with the alcohol of your choice.
Allow the fruit to absorb the liquid for a few hours at least preferably overnight.
Strain and use as directed in the recipe.
A note about xanthan gum:
If your brand of gluten-free flour doesn't contain xanthan gum add 1 teaspoon to the dry ingredients.
This recipe for fruitcake muffins was inspired by my favorite gluten-free Bakery-Style Chocolate Chip Muffins from The Loopy Whisk.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 311
- Sugar: 13.5 g
- Sodium: 257 mg
- Fat: 11.6 g
- Carbohydrates: 42.2 g
- Protein: 5.2 g
- Cholesterol: 56.6 mg
Keywords: Fruitcake, fruitcake liquor, holiday, how to make fruitcake, easiest fruitcake recipe, fruitcake muffins, muffins, breakfast
Looking for more delicious Fruitcake-inspired recipes to try this season?
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