Bake Perfect Muffins in Minutes with This Make-Ahead Muffin Mix
Having a muffin mix on hand can make your mornings easier and give you a delicious homemade treat in no time. Whether you’re preparing for a busy week, craving something sweet, or looking for a quick snack, this make-ahead muffin mix is the answer. It’s versatile, customizable, and best of all, it simplifies your muffin-baking routine by storing the dry ingredients in a jar, ready for you to use whenever the mood strikes. In this post, we’ll guide you through how to make your own muffin mix, as well as how to use it to bake up fresh muffins with endless variations.
Why Make-Ahead Muffin Mix is a Game-Changer
The beauty of this make-ahead muffin mix lies in the time it saves. The dry ingredients—flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt—can be mixed and stored in advance, cutting down on prep time when you want to bake muffins. With this simple dry mix on hand, you can have fresh muffins ready in less than 30 minutes. The real charm of this recipe is its versatility. The basic dry mix works with a variety of add-ins, so you can create endless flavor combinations to suit your preferences. From classic chocolate chip to fruity blueberry, the possibilities are endless!
How to Make the Muffin Mix
Making the dry muffin mix is a breeze, and it only requires four ingredients. First, combine 5 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 cups of white sugar, 3 tablespoons of baking powder, and 1 tablespoon of salt in a large bowl. Stir everything together until it’s well-mixed. Once the ingredients are combined, transfer the mix into a half-gallon mason jar or an airtight container, and store it in a cool, dry place. The dry mix will stay fresh for several weeks, so you can have it ready for whenever the muffin cravings strike.
How to Make Muffins from the Mix
When you’re ready to bake, it’s time to add the wet ingredients and create your muffin batter. Preheat your oven to 400°F. In a stand mixer or a bowl, combine 1 cup of milk, 1 egg, and ½ cup of melted unsalted butter. Mix these ingredients for about 30 seconds until they’re well combined. Next, add 3 cups of the dry muffin mix and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense muffins.
Once your batter is ready, it’s time to get creative! This is where you can customize the muffins with your favorite inclusions. You can add anywhere from ¾ cup to 1 ½ cups of inclusions. Some great options include chocolate chips, berries (such as blueberries, cranberries, or raspberries), shredded carrots or zucchini, or even citrus zest for a fresh twist. Stir the inclusions gently into the batter, making sure they’re evenly distributed.
Next, line a muffin tin with silicone or paper muffin liners and scoop about 1/3 cup of batter into each one. Bake the muffins in the preheated oven for about 17 to 20 minutes, or until a fork comes out clean when inserted into the center. This ensures that the muffins are fully baked and golden brown. Let them cool for a few minutes, and they’re ready to enjoy!
Recipe Notes for Perfect Muffins Every Time
This muffin recipe is highly adaptable, and you can easily switch up the inclusions depending on what you have on hand or what flavors you’re in the mood for. Here are some ideas for muffin variations:
- Sweet muffins: Add chocolate chips, dried fruit, or a swirl of cinnamon sugar for extra sweetness.
- Healthy muffins: Incorporate shredded carrots, zucchini, or even whole grains like oats to add nutritional value to your muffins.
- Fruity muffins: Fresh or frozen berries such as blueberries, raspberries, or cranberries make for a refreshing muffin base.
- Nuts and seeds: Walnuts, almonds, or chia seeds can add some crunch and a bit of healthy fat to your muffins.
Another great aspect of this muffin mix is that you can adjust the sweetness of the batter. If you prefer a less sweet muffin, simply reduce the amount of sugar. On the other hand, if you like your muffins on the sweeter side, feel free to add a little extra sugar or honey.
Label Your Jars!
This recipe is printed on a dishwasher-safe label made for the lids of mason jars! Each label has the recipe to refill the jar and make the item (if applicable).
You can buy each label individually, or a pack of all of the pantry labels in my website shop.
Storing Your Muffins and Dry Mix
Once your muffins are baked, allow them to cool before storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the muffins and enjoy them later. Simply place the cooled muffins in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat them, just pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to warm them up.
The dry muffin mix, as mentioned earlier, can be stored for weeks in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. You can also make a larger batch and store it for future use, making it easy to bake muffins on a whim.
Why You Should Have Muffin Mix on Hand
If you’re a fan of homemade muffins but don’t always have the time to mix from scratch, this make-ahead muffin mix is a total game-changer. Whether you’re having a last-minute brunch with friends or want a quick snack on the go, having this mix ready to go in your pantry is a lifesaver. And because it’s so customizable, you’ll never get bored of the same old muffins—you can create something new every time!
From the convenience of having the dry ingredients prepped to the ability to personalize your muffins with a variety of add-ins, this muffin mix is a must-have in your kitchen. It’s the perfect way to enjoy fresh muffins without the hassle, making mornings, snack time, or any occasion a little sweeter and more delicious.
This Recipe is in my Cookbook, From Scratch!
I’m excited to share my cookbook with you, created with sustainability and flavor in mind! From Scratch is packed with delicious, eco-conscious recipes designed to nourish both you and the planet. Every dish is carefully crafted to use fresh, local ingredients, and focuses on minimizing waste while maximizing taste.
From wholesome breakfasts to hearty dinners, my cookbook offers a variety of plant-based meals that are easy to prepare and full of nutrients. Whether you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint or simply enjoy meals that are better for you and the Earth, this cookbook is your guide to eating in a way that’s both kind to the planet and satisfying to your taste buds. You can grab your copy here:
Check Out The Pantry Labels
In 2024, I released a set of Pantry Labels with recipes that are dishwasher-safe and fit the lids of mason jars perfectly.
Each labels has the recipe to refill the dry mix jar, as well as the recipe to make the item if applicable.
Muffin Mix
Ingredients
Muffin Dry Mix
- 5 cups all purpose flour
- 2 cups white sugar
- 3 tablespoons baking powder
- 1 tablespoon salt
To Make Muffins:
- 3 cups Dry Mix
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup melted unsalted butter
- 1 egg
- ¾ to 1 ½ cups inclusions chocolate chips, berries, etc.
Instructions
Muffin Dry Mix
- Add flour, sugar, baking powder and salt to a large bowl.
- Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are combined.
- Transfer to a half gallon mason jar and seal tightly. Store in a cool, dry place.
To Make Muffins:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Add milk, one egg, and melted butter to your stand mixer or a bowl. Mix for 30 seconds.
- Add Dry Mix to the bowl, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in between ¾ and 1 ½ cups of inclusions.
- Scoop 1/3 cup of batter into silicone muffin liners in a muffin tin or paper liners.
- Bake for 17 to 20 minutes until a fork comes out clean.
