October 23, 2011

Calamansi Coconut Muffins

I had thought about sitting out on this week's Muffin Monday since I have already made plans to bake two birthday cakes this week. But when Anuradha sent us the challenge to bake Citrus Coconut Muffins, I immediately thought calamansi (kalamansi) so I knew I couldn't refuse baking these.

The original recipe asked for zest from lemons and oranges and I used calamansi all the way. I'm sure any citrus of your choice would work here. No other flavorings were needed so the flavor and lovely scent of calamansi came through with each bite. Calamansi peels are also great candied, Ive done some here; their peels tastes just like the ones from kumquats - delicious!

This recipe is also put together in an unusual way where it ask to "rub in" the butter, the way a biscuit or scone is done. I had actually ran out of milk so my usual homemade yogurt came to the rescue, which gave them a tang that complemented the calamansi. Then thought while mixing the batter if I could've used coconut milk as well; something I will try when I bake these muffins again.


I decided to make 12 mini muffins and 6 regular-sized. The smaller ones were topped with unsweetened dessicated coconut and used large coconut flakes (like the ones I used for Pinipig, Coconut and Chocolate Granola Muffins) for the regular ones. Both muffin pans were placed in the oven at the same time. Fifteen minutes passed and the minis were ready but noticed the large coconut flakes were already toasted even though they still had 10 minutes of baking to go! A quick tent with foil saved them (but then, they were devoured by the family before I can take any pictures). I would imagine sweetened coconut will toast quicker due to the sugar so make sure to keep checking those muffin tops when you bake these.

Calamansi Coconut Muffins
makes 12 regular or 24 mini

150g (1 1/4 cup) white whole wheat flour
150g (1 1/4 cup) all-purpose flour
200g (1 cup) granulated sugar
90g (6 1/2 TBSP) butter, cut into 1/2-inch pieces, chilled
2 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 egg, lightly beaten
180g (3/4 cup) whole milk yogurt, room temperature
zest from 12 calamansi, finely grated (I used a microplane)
unsweetened dessicated coconut, for topping

Preheat oven to 385F degrees. Prepare muffin pan by either greasing or using liners.
In a large bowl, whisk together both flours, sugar, baking powder and salt. Add butter and work in with a pastry cutter.
In another bowl, combine eggs, yogurt and zest. Pour into the large bowl with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
Place in the prepared pans. Bake for 22-25 minutes (13-15 minutes for mini size) or until toothpick test is clear.
Remove and let cool slightly before taking out of pan. Serve warm.

Muffin Monday is an initiative by Baker Street. A culinary journey of sharing a wickedly delicious muffin recipe every week. Drop in a quick line to join her on her journey to make the world smile and beat glum Monday mornings week after week.

14 comments:

abigail - MyNappytales said...

oh..sounds so yummy. I might try this but would use lemon instead. Calamansi is just too expensive here.

Baker Street said...

Such lovely clicks! I love the first one., calamansi is an excellent choice.

Aimee White said...

Calamansi! Love it! I have always wanted to try this flavour, so your muffins have inspired me to seek the fruit out here... hopefully I can find some.

Great tips, too, about keeping an eye on the coconut. Thanks for sharing!

The Poet Herself said...

I'll admit, I had to look up what calamansi is--I had never heard of it before. That said, they sound like a fabulous substitution. Your muffins look great!

Unknown said...

Lovely! I also used calamansi, but only a teaspoon of juice. Now I'm curious how the zest tastes. :D

Happy Monday!

elena @3greenonions said...

Another had-to-look-up-calamansi baker here:) oh, the things we learn thru MM!!!

Bianca @ South Bay Rants n Raves said...

Sounds super tropical to me! I need to learn how to make mini muffins too.

Let Me Eat Cake said...

love that you used calamansi! if you have extra please share I have not calamansi right now and am missing it so much :( and I want to try your candied calamansi recipe!

skip to malou said...

i could smell and taste the calamansi flavor. Great to see you doing Muffin Monday Carol. I wish i could resume my baking expeditions with An's weekly baking challenges.
Great job my friend!

STAY AT HOME CHEF said...

Your muffins look fantastic! I hadn't heard of calamansi but wow - bet they turned out great. Happy Muffin Monday :)

Unknown said...

The muffin looks great.

Holly said...

I've never even HEARD of calamansi! I'll have to see if any of the local stores carries it.

Thank you, too, for the warm welcome to #muffinmonday

Anonymous said...

Everytime I come here I learn about some fabulous new-to-me ingredient, this time is calamansi :) your muffins look delicious!

Jun Belen said...

Love the calamansi and coconut flavor profiles. Bookmarking this. Our tree is heavy with fruit and we're hoping we can harvest sometime soon! Thank you for sharing the recipe!

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