Avocado Lime Muffins with Zesty Citrus Glaze

I have issues.

But I think we all know that by now, right?

I never thought these muffins would work. They sounded delicious in my head, but I had no clear plan for putting them together.

I knew I wanted avocado. And fresh lime juice.

I was also eager to use the Persian lime olive oil I picked up in Michigan.

I don’t usually gush about products, but I truly love this oil. If you have the chance, try a flavored olive oil you enjoy — it adds a lovely, subtle brightness to baked goods.

So with all that extra liquid, did I need an egg? Should I add more sugar? Was I being reckless?

Don’t answer that.

But they worked. They simply worked. In fact, they turned out incredible. I want one right now — which I could have if I hadn’t already eaten them all.

What I love most is that these muffins can be served sweet or savory. They remind me slightly of cornbread and are excellent with a bowl of soup or chili, or great with nut butter or even a scoop of ice cream.

I ate mine with butter because it was the fastest route to my stomach.

It’s hard to explain, but they just work.

Avocado Lime Muffins

makes 12 muffins

2 cups whole wheat pastry flour

3 tablespoons sugar

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 ripe avocado

2 teaspoons lime zest

1/4 cup olive oil (Persian lime or any mild flavored olive oil)

1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice

about 2 tablespoons warm water or milk, as needed

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

In a bowl, whisk together the whole wheat pastry flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate smaller bowl, mash the avocado and stir in the lime juice, lime zest, and olive oil until smooth and lump-free. Fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, then add warm water or milk 1 tablespoon at a time until the batter is moist but not runny.

Spoon the batter into a muffin tin lined or greased, filling each cup about three-quarters full. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the tops are lightly golden.

About five minutes after they came out of the oven, this happened:

See? Told you I have issues.

I realized while typing the recipe that these are effectively vegan, aside from the optional smear of butter I couldn’t resist.

I don’t even know who I am anymore.