Fall Baking Series: Morning Maple Muffins & Maple Butterscotch Brownies

Fall happens to be my favorite time of year. I am in love with the colors of fall so much, that we painted my kitchen a color named "Pumpkin Bar". We love to going to the apple orchard and the pumpkin festivals. There is nothing like eating a fresh apple cider donut while hunting for the perfect pumpkin. We are lucky to live in a big farming community where lots of these farms surround us. It is a great way to support the local farmers and enjoy family time.

When I think of fall baking I think of maple syrup, apples, pears, nuts, pumpkin, and warm spices. My all-time favorite ingredient to use, in the fall, is maple syrup. I love the flavor and smell and it always makes me feel like fall has arrived. Both recipes below are super delicious, the brownies being my personal favorite. In fact, I think they are a must bake this fall. If you love maple, love brownies, and love easy recipes, then this brownie recipe is for you! The Morning Maple Muffin is great in the morning and I'm toying with the idea of adding bacon to it, to make it a more savory breakfast treat.
Morning Maple Muffins - Taste of Home Winning Recipes
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup milk
1/2 cup butter, melted
1/2 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup sour cream (I used greek yogurt)
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping:
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons chopped nuts (I used walnuts)
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons cold butter
In a bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, baking powder and salt. In another bowl, combine the milk, butter, syrup, sour cream, egg and vanilla. Stir into the dry ingredients just until moistened. Fill greased or paper lined muffin cups two-thirds full. Combine flour, sugar, nuts and cinnamon; cut in butter until crumbly. Sprinkle over batter. (NOTE: If you love streusel, then double the streusel recipe). Bake at 400 for 16-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks.
Makes 16 regular sized muffins
Doesn't that look delicious? Let me tell you that these brownies had the perfect texture. They were crisp on the top and chewy in the middle. Absolutely delicious. I think I ate about 3/4ths of the pan all on my own. The batter smells so delicious that it will literally drive you insane while you are waiting for the brownies to finish baking. A must make !!!
Maple Butterscotch Brownies - Taste of Home Winning Recipes
1/2 cup butter, melted
1-1/4 cups packed brown sugar
2 eggs
1-1/2 teaspoons maple flavoring
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup chopped walnuts
Confectioner's sugar, optional for dusting on top
In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in maple flavoring. Combine flour and baking powder; add to egg mixture. Stir in walnuts. Pour into a greased 9-in square baking pan. Bake at 350F for 27-32 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool. Dust with confectioner's sugar if desired. Yield: 16 brownies that you will literally inhale.

I am a chocolate lover and love a great chocolate brownie, but these Maple Butterscotch Brownies are right up there!!