Muffins, muffins and muffins with frosting. Defending where you are from muffins can mean totally different things. The discussion of which one is the best one can go on forever and is totally up to your own preference. So what is the difference between European Muffin, English Muffin, American muffins and cupcakes?
To start with, depending on where you are from ”muffin” could be a sweetened or savoury snack that is a healthy or a treat, as well as a toasted wheat and rye bun, often served as breakfast, brunch or at tea time.
What's the difference between European muffins, English muffins and American muffins?
There are endless different types of muffins, from sweet, fruity, and chocolaty, with or without frosting as well as savoury muffins and even croissants made in muffin tins. But let's focus on three of the most common varieties. Sweet European muffins, American muffins and English muffins.
European muffin
European muffins originate in the early 18th century and are of the variety called ”Quick Bread muffins”. Quick Bread muffins are made with flour, baking soda or baking powder as a raising agent as well as butter, eggs and flavourings of all kinds. Baked in tins to make them individual-sized and cupcake-shaped. Usually, the European muffins are sweet and served as a sweet breakfast or as a snack. The most popular varieties are simple flavours such as vanilla, lemon and chocolate cocoa powder muffins. Other common varieties are blueberry muffins, apple muffins and chocolate chip muffins. There are also some savoury varieties of European muffins but it is not as common as the sweet ones.
English muffin vs Crumpets
English muffins are an American invention and are not typically found in England for just that reason. Pretty much the same as that you can't find french toast in France. In England (and everywhere in the UK) they eat crumpets. Even though both English muffins and Crumpets are griddle cakes, made on the stovetop in a cast-iron griddle pan, there are some main differences in preparation, baking and serving.
What are English muffins?
The English muffin was invented by Samuel Bath Thomas after he emigrated from England to New York City in 1875. There he opened a bakery in 1880 and by using his mother's mother's recipe he began making and selling the baked goods so-called "English muffins" to hotels and grocery stores. English muffins are made from firm yeast dough without any added milk. Some recipes of course use milk but are not the standard. English muffins are split in half before serving and are usually filled. They are also fired on both sides in the cast-iron griddle pan.
What are Crumpets?
Crumpets were invented in the early 18th century and are made using a loose batter. The batter is made with milk and uses baking soda as a rising agent. The loose batter is poured into metal rings on the frying pan, to give them their distinct shape. Crumpets are served whole with added toppings such as bacon and eggs or jam and butter. Crumpets are usually only fried on one side but can be fired on bother sides in the cast-iron griddle pan. The baking soda makes bubbles that pop when frying, which creates small holes that help the melted butter soak into the Crumpet.
American muffin
The American muffin originated in North America during the 19th century and is a so-called ”Quick Bread muffin”. The muffins are baked in an individual-sized muffin tin that is cupcake-shaped. They are chemically leavened using baking soda or baking powder, flour, butter and egg. They can be both sweetened and savoury. Savoury varieties could be traditional bran muffins or muffins made using ingredients such as corn, cheese, seeds and even meats. Common sweet varieties could be blueberry muffins, chocolate chip muffins, apple and cinnamon muffins and banana muffins.
Is a cupcake a muffin?
Cupcakes and muffins are similar but not the same. The main difference between a cupcake and a muffin is the texture and of course, for the most part, the adding of frosting on top. A cupcake has a fluffier and lighter texture than a muffin and is usually mixed for a longer time to get an airy mixture using "the cake mixing method". This means that depending on the type of cake and type of flavouring, it will be prepared slightly different. A muffin, on the other hand, is made using "the muffin method", no matter what flavours are added to the mix. Cupcake recipes generally have more sugar and fat than a muffin recipe and almost all cupcakes have frosting on top. The frosting comes in a million varieties, from American frosting, sprinkles, fruit, chocolate and glasses to Italian meringue.
With an endless amount of varieties, you can always find a new favourite. European Sweet muffin, American muffin, English muffin, Crumpet or Cupcake. Try all or stick to your personal favourite. The choice is totally up to you.